Overview & Reviews

The Pontiac brand is part of the General Motors family, and is home to many of the automaker's more performance-oriented vehicles. Currently, the marque offers a broad range of sporty cars and SUVs. However, as part of GM's restructuring plan, the brand is slated to be discontinued by the end of the 2010 model year.

Pontiac originated as the Oakland Car Company of Pontiac, Michigan, in 1907; it was founded by Edward Murphy. Acquired by General Motors in 1909, Oakland introduced the first Pontiac vehicle in 1926. Dubbed the "Chief of the Sixes," the car was powered by a six-cylinder engine and made its debut at that year's New York auto show. It was so successful that the Oakland name was phased out in favor of Pontiac, the name of an 18th-century chief of the Ottawa Indians. Throughout the 1930s and '40s Pontiac made coupes, sedans and wagons in the low-to-mid price ranges. A unique styling cue of Pontiac cars from the mid-'30s to the mid-'50s was known as "Silver Streak," a set of art-deco-inspired chrome "speed lines" that ran up over the length of the hood to the base of the windshield.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the Pontiac Bonneville. The sprawling, stylish cruiser offered equal measures of performance and luxury, and was a breakout hit. But it wasn't until the 1960s that the Pontiac brand truly came into its own. American manufacturers had begun to offer downsized alternatives to the gigantic cruisers that had ruled the highways in previous decades. Pontiac came to market with the compact Tempest. In 1964, Pontiac made its biggest impact yet with the creation of the GTO option for the Tempest. By equipping the car with the powerful 389 cubic-inch V8 from the full-size car line, Pontiac created the first "muscle car." Phenomenally successful, the GTO helped define the burgeoning muscle car category. Pontiac also saw tremendous success during the latter part of this decade with its Firebird and Firebird Trans Am.

The oil crisis of the '70s made fuel efficiency a priority for many car buyers. Following the lead of its GM siblings, Pontiac made compact vehicles like the Ventura and Phoenix a major part of its lineup. The '80s saw the launch of the two-seat Pontiac Fiero. Despite its modest beginnings (it was initially marketed as a "commuter car"), the Fiero eventually blossomed into a credible sports car.

The '90s saw the launch of Pontiacs like the Sunfire and Montana minivan. Pontiac has slowly lost sales due to changing tastes and a lack of differentiation between its models and those of other GM divisions. In hopes of recapturing past glory, the division embarked on a plan to retire aged models and introduce all-new ones with distinctive styling and personality. For a while, the effort seemed to be bearing fruit. New models like the Vibe, Solstice and G8 made Pontiac a brand to consider in many segments. However, GM's financial troubles in 2008 and 2009 have resulted in the company's decision to phase out Pontiac as a brand. It's expected 2010 will be Pontiac's last year for new models.

User Reviews:

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  smart choice - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Paul - August 1 - 12:26 am

  I purchased my 2007 Vibe after testing and researching the usual segment competition and the car has been everything I expected. City/combined mileage has averaged 27+ and more on the freeway in short trips. I really only wanted the base model with an automatic trans and power group added for convenience- so had to search local dealer inventories instead of taking the more expensive models with options I didnt want or need. I found just what I was looking for and after 5 months of ownership the car has been great with no problems. Quality seems good.

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  GTO + G6 = G8 GT - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Jay - July 30 - 3:30 am

  I have never had so much fun driving a car ever in my life. I drive like an old man in my G8 GT. Reason being if you hit the accelerator, she will fly!! But when you cruise, the G8 is quiet and smooth. The bucket seats will sink you in for a very comfortable ride. I love the armrest leveled with the controls in the middle for a different feel. Also I love the twitch that shakes from 6.0 V8 time to time from the as you sit in idle at a light. I never felt so good driving an automobile in my life. I have my Corvette for the fraction of the price!! GM has finally answered our prayers for a muscle car!!

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  Pontiac Firbird - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By Steven Glavan - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I like this car a lot. Its fast and sporty looking. Its not too bad on gas. I would recommand this car for first time divers if they want a sporty looking car, but not as dangerous as the V8 model.

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  favorable and would do it again - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By victorc - July 27 - 10:00 am

  i love this car. I have had no problems. The only thing i which was i got 8 passagener seating.

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  99 Formula Bird - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By John K - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Good car, look at numbers

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  I picked a good one... - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Longneck - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I am 66"/275 lbs. I was surprised at how much room I have. I like the acceleration and handling. I drive country roads and the tracking is superb on the curves. It gets hot down here in Texas, but the AC cools the car down very quickly. The sound system is great, too. So far, I am quite pleased and feel like I got a real bargain.

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  americanmade - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By americanmade - July 24 - 8:33 am

  truly american made, very reliable, no regrets. good mpg, pleasure to drive. did a lot of research b4 bought car. stayed away from supercharged models. nothing but qudos for 3.8 stnd. good rm for big people. plenty of power. looks great(for american made. I got a good one!

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  Fun Little car to drive - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Marty - July 24 - 7:03 am

  I test drove cars for 6 months before I saw my Pontiac Vibe. When I saw it I thought this is perfect for me and my kids. They have school activities, and I can go shopping and still have room for everything else. Great gas mileage as well.

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  Love it! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mandy - July 23 - 11:50 pm

  I really love my new Vibe. I think a lot has to do with the dealership as well. They were very helpful! This car has been through some rough weather already, and did wonderful!

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  Satisfied - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By wa_drivr - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun, zippy little car. Good on gas and fun to drive. The sound system, for a stock model, is pretty nice. I commute 120 miles a day and I dont seem to mind!