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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  GP/GT is an Awesome Car. - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Frankie T - January 21 - 2:33 pm

  My Grand Prix is a 2007 GT model with all the options. The Monsoon Stereo with the Six CD Player has been a pleasant surprise. The Monsoon system has Great sound and Balance. I have the Purple Haze Metallic paint with the Sun Roof and Custom Tail pipes. The cars appearance is a Head Turner. The Remote Start, Heated seats and Dual climate control are Great during the Winter Months. The 3800 Series III is an extremely reliable engine. In combination with the Eaton Generation V Supercharger and Electronic throttle control you always have instant Power when you need it. I really like the interior with the stitched leather seats and a Real Cockpit feel for the driver. Much better then the G6.

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  2006 Pontiac g6 GT - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By dnikole - January 21 - 5:05 am

  My mother bought this car in 2008 I believe, and gave it to me about 2 years ago for better mpg. It was perfectly fine never had a problem. Then everything started to go wrong. The passenger headlight went out, the CD player stopped ejecting the CDs, the brakes squeak no matter what, Ive already tried to fix it multiple times, and my power steering just recently went out almost caused me to wreck, scared the living daylights out of me. I didnt even have all these problems with my 87 IROC.

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  A solstice widow - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By A Soltice widow - January 21 - 3:56 am

  This car made my mans head turn like I have never before witnessed, he actually turned around in the middle of the street to go to the dealership and look at it, and 30 minutes later he was kissing his car good bye and vibrating with the excitment of driving this car...and I am not kidding!!!! He has not gotten out of it except to sleep, the first few days I think he actually spent 36 hours in the seat, incredible!!!! now all I know is there is another woman to contend with...this car is his baby, he gets stopped EVERYWHERE.....even at the Nissan dealership where his son was looking at a Z...the people all asked about HIS car fabulous!!!! I am a Solstice widow now!!

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  Great Little SUV - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Steve - January 20 - 5:06 am

  In 18,000 miles no problems. Dealer service has been excellent. Have had many POSITIVE comments about the style. Style is not as awkward as it used to be in comparison to the half painted Honda Element or Scion wagons. Cargo area has a pull out table, great for picnics. AWD works very well. Fun car to drive and be seen in.

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  Good Choice - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By eyc51k - January 19 - 6:33 pm

  I bought two vehicles in 07 this G5 and a mid size SUV. I drive 135 miles daily and picked this G5 over the smaller foreign brands for my commute. I am an old man compared to the kids driving this car. Have been driving 40 years and owned as many vehicles. I love this car all around.Handling, ride, and mileage obtained. At 80 MPH I get 30 MPG and at legal speeds on the interstate as high as 37.7 MPG! Power is good. Love the XM & seat comfort setting as low as it can go. I am 5’ 11” 215lbs and perfectly comfortable driving three hours daily. Good choice no regrets at 22K and climbing fast.

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  Best Pontiac in ages - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Sweet G6 GXP - January 19 - 1:03 am

  My wife and I just purchased a 208 Pontiac G6 GXP Coupe. It by far is the nicest Pontiac I have ever owned, and is the nicest GM product I ehave ever owned. The new GXP appearance package sets the styling off, I have gotten looks by many people driving close by on the street. The car does well in everyday driving, quiet, smooth, solid; and can take off at the light with the best of them. The 3.6L VVT and 6 speed auto is seamless. Keep up the good work Pontiac (GM)

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  Grand Prix GPX - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RichInFla - January 17 - 6:16 pm

  Quick, agile, fun to drive! Garners plenty of looks, and glares from other drivers when you beat them off of the line!

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  Love our Aztek - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By wabartz - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Its easy to maneuver in parking lots, handles well and is surprisingly peppy. The rear audio controls and slide out storage bin are extremely useful. The stereo is great (get the 180W 10-speaker system). With the rear tie downs and tailgate/hatch setup I am constantly amazed at what I can haul with it (very versatile). This has been a great replacement for our minivan and has been servicing our family (2 adults and 3 kids) very well for the last year. This is the vehicle that brought me back to domestic vehicles after years of buying imports. It has been reliable and fun to drive, definitely a keeper.

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  Great Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JUAN ALFARO - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car over 106000 miles and only had to replace gasket that was leaking for about $400.00 normal for gm cars Im told, but other than regular maintance very reliable car. My next car will be Grand Prix GT or GTP. Dont miss out on great car.

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  Born to run - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By fcpride - January 17 - 5:18 am

  I own a couple of GM products. I love putting the top down. In my stable currently is three convertibles and a T-Top. I was interested in the G6 because of the hardtop convertible aspect and the car has some nice appeal on the outside. I have owned it for a couple of months now. Since it is a hardtop, I drive it everyday with out weather worries. I have owned plenty of muscle cars in my life span. This prior knowledge gives me some view points on this G6. I will start with the favorite features.