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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  Lovin my new G6 Sedan - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Brandon - December 25 - 7:16 am

  So much better than my previous vehicals I traded my 2001 Isuzu Rodeo SUV in for it and its the best choice I ever made its so much better than my moms new grand prix.

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  My Vibe Experience - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By John G. - December 24 - 7:23 pm

  I am a real fan of this car after 3 years of driving. I have always traded my new cars after 3 years, but Ill probably hang on to this one! Im 64" and Im more comfortable in my Vibe than in most cars that retail for twice as much. The only disappointment was the original equipment TIRES were JUNK. (But most car makers mistakenly try to save on tires on their lower priced vehicles). Vibe is a winner!

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  pontiac g6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By pjob201 - December 23 - 8:16 am

  very pleased with the overall car,1st midsized car ive owned in years, fun to drive. friends also enjoy the ride and driving the car

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  I love my CAR - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Grand Prix Lover - December 23 - 3:43 am

  I am the original owner of this car and still am in love with its performance and look. I will always wish I could have afforded the GTP, but thats in the past. I was hit from behind at 55 mph and had minor damage and no injuries several years ago, other cars behind me (Honda and Mazda) were totalled! I havent cared for the car like I should, and have just now started to have some problems at 91,000 miles. Needs AC replaced, and just replaced fuel tank. But hey, I havent had a car payment in over 5 years! Interior is still beautiful except carpet on driver side is wearing down.

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  over 100,000 miles, no problems... yet - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By NiCkIsThEmAn - December 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is THE best bang for the buck on the market today. Tight handleing for a 4-door 3500lb. car and the 240HP motor is always there when needed. The transmission is smooth and shifts crisply. The only complaints are the cupholders which suck. theyre too shallow and right where id like to rest my right arm, also, the suspention seems a little stiff sometimes on the pothole ridden streets of the northeast. other than that I have no complaints. Anyone looking for a fast 4-door that looks and drives great should check this car out. By the way, perfect tourque band for stoplight to stoplight races ;-)

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  Great Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By gogetter - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The looks, performance and safety of this car are great. You need to keep up with regular maintainance or it can cost you. Gas milleage could be better but the fun handling can sometimes give you a lead foot.

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  What A Disappointment - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Caligirl - December 22 - 6:36 pm

  I bought this car in 2002 straight off the lot. I loved this sport, affordable car. It was fine for the first 6 year with only 60k miles on it. Then, things changed. Both window motors burned-out costing $350 a piece. Then the fuel pump, $1000. Finally, it was the use of mid-level oil filters rather than a AC Delco oil filter, that caused berrings and crank-shift damage. Never again!

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  Fair - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Netyoda - December 22 - 7:30 am

  This SUV crossover is a good attempt by Pontiac but seems to have been more of an afterthought than a outright new vehicle. Oversights with Interior items such as a poorly placed cup holder (blocks the Emergency brake) which also allows drink-sweat to drip directly into a accessory outlet directly below the cupholders. The instrument cluster is eay to read and the blood-red color is nice at night. Although overall i am very happy with this vehicle, i woould appreciated more attention to detail such as the drink holders and the clips holding the sun visors. The clips do not firmly hold the visor so they sometimes come loose when driving.

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  64 to 05 - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Bob Negherbon - December 21 - 10:00 pm

  I have a 64 and bought the 05, Wow! What a great car! The power is fantastic and so easy to use. A great automobile and especially for the price. This can only get better and maybe GM will keep it around. There are so many things that can be offered to maintain the legend, cause the new one is truly worthy of the name.

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  Love that engine! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By ray the german - December 21 - 9:10 am

  My previous vehicle was a 2005 Pontiac Vibe and did not have any problems with it whatsoever, however due to the new safety features, new look, and the excellent 2.4 L engine, I traded it in for a new 2009 Vibe GT. Drove the vehicle to and from North Carolina two days after purchasing it and averaged 30 miles to the gallon. I love the pep of the engine and its just a fun car to drive!