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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  Worth the money - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Drew Walen - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy my Grand Prix, but have to say that as Ive neared 100,000 miles, it has more and more little things breaking down. Temp sensors, ABS sensors, an oil light sensor that wont shut off, LED windshield display fades in and out, shift knob broke off, mirror joystick slipped into the door jam, backing plates, and now some strange whirring noise that I cant figure out. Up until recently, this was my dream car. Now, its simply a good used car with some issues. For power, comfort, style and extras, this car was a hit. Just wish it held together a bit better.

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  Fun to Drive - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Bryscott - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The Bonneville SE 4 door sedan has a great ride. The Over all feel of the car is fun and sporty. With the 3.8 L 204hp engine it has enough power, but not too much. The body style offers a sleek / sporty look. The only problem is the interior space. It doesnt fit tall people very well. Unless you like to lay down to drive. Is very dependable. Averaging 25 to 30mpg it is very fuel efficient.

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  buy this vehichle - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By ijkarwoski - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Anyone who thinks this car is ugly is right,but dont knock it until you try it. I was not sold on one until I drove it. IT drives like a sports car.It is soooo smooth! There is room for bunches O stuff!! There is tons of head room for big persons. The possibilites of destinations are endless! It looks and feels like somesort of a futuristic speceship. People do not like it because they cant catoegorize it. Phooey on them!!!!!

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  Comfortable car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By midliferacer - January 24 - 10:00 am

  One of the best handling cars I have ever driven. Acceleration is great. Seat comfort is excellent. Only trouble I have had in 4 years is the computer control module for the transmission. It had to be replaced at 37000 miles. Since it was so close to the end of warranty, GM contributed a portion of the cost to replace this item. Exterior styling still attracts attention, even after 4 years.

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  GTO Club - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Bob - January 24 - 4:23 am

  Either you "get" the last generation GTO or you dont. Those who "get it" almost feel like theyre in a club - theres that occasional eye contact from other GTO drivers that says "theres someone else who understands". The GTO is all about "stealth" - especially the 2004. Looks like any other car on the road (especially to police) while more capable than anything even remotely close to its price. Ive wanted this car for 20+ years - Im glad GM had the guts to build it. This is a BMW "6 series" for the masses.

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  This car is crazy - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By TROI - January 23 - 2:06 pm

  I love this car there is only one down side to it.That is that there are only two seats.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Art Phippsa - January 23 - 11:43 am

  The way this car handles,rides and preforms makes it a thrill to drive. The interior is very comfortable and just adds to the fun. This car can compete with any of the imports that Ive had over the last 10 years.

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  The greatest secret of all - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By D - January 23 - 6:36 am

  This car is fabulous. Everyone stops and stares as I drive by them. Great car for the money. Such a good value.

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  My 07 Solstice Review - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Coupe - January 23 - 1:46 am

  Car is very fun to drive, however, I have had little problems. I dont drive my Solstice very often. I am currently waiting on a 2,000 part! Luckily I received a 72,000 mile warranty!

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  Whats up with the wheel bearings? - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Melissa - January 22 - 5:06 am

  From 20000 miles until today I have replaced a total of 5 wheel bearings each and then again the rear passenger side. I cannot for the life of me figure out what is causing this! The first two were under warranty the last 3 have cost a whopping $ 400 each incl. labor. Fortunately today my mechanic gave me a break on the parts and discounted my bill I hope that this is the last that needs replaced but I fear it wont be.