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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  Wish I could get rid of it! - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By BLCurry - March 8 - 1:46 pm

  My car has had many small issues, speaker went out, air vents wont turn, blinker doesnt tick anymore. The one thing that set me over the edge is that the battery is in the trunk. That is really not a problem, until you combine that with the whole anti theft thing where when your battery is unhooked or dies, your key gets stuck in the ignition. How are you supposed to get to your dead or unhooked battery that is in your trunk with the key stuck in the ignition? Seriously? Most women (and this is a womans car) do not keep their spare on them. So, that leaves us with either climbing into the trunk or calling a popalock to open our trunk. Oh, and now the thing is on the recall list FANTASTIC!

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!! - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By lovemysolstice - March 8 - 9:16 am

  I bought my new 08 Solstice(base) 5 weeks ago and am loving every minute of it. Most of the reviews list similar negatives which are true, but as for the storage issues, lack of a spare tire, fussy top operation, plasticky interior and ridiculous cupholders, etc..., I would not want any of these items improved if it compromised the beautiful looks or low price of the car. Performance in my base model, while nothing exciting, is adequate. I am 6 215 lbs and the car is plenty comfortable, although I am wishing I had gotten power windows, due only to the fact that the window crank protrudes in to the area where my left leg rests and is a bit uncomfortable. Did I mention that I love this car?

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  Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Heather - March 7 - 9:26 pm

  My car has alot to offer. We travel alot so w/ 2 kids we need alot of room. The trunk is great the way we pack we needed the room. The kids have plenty of leg room in the back. I myself have plenty of room in the driver seat. Overall great car w/alot of room.

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  Blue Streak Dream - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Michell Obrochta - March 7 - 8:43 am

  I purchased my G5 on 8/28/06. So far I am very impressed. This 4 cylinder engine is very powerful. Shifting is very smooth with the 4 speed automatic transmission. I live in a very hilly area in New York state and have had no problems getting up these hills. If you have looked at this car then take a second look. Breathtaking!!!

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  Disgruntled Customer - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Margie - March 6 - 5:56 am

  I would stay away form this car as well as the Matix. I loved this car until last week. I only have 51,000 miles on my 2003 5-speed maual Vibe. It died on the highway. My differential went out and I had to replace my transmission and clutch for $3100 which my mechanic also said wasnt in good shape. I didnt take out the extended warranty because its a Toyota. I just got it back and now my check engine light is coming on. Another Problem? Even though I still owe on the loan, Im thinking about getting rid of it and going back to the Honda Civic.

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  A very nice ride - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Scott - March 6 - 4:30 am

  This is my second Vibe. I upgraded to the GT because I wanted more power and versatility with 6 speeds. I was not disappointed. I am getting 35+ mpg hwy, and about 30 in the city, which greatly exceeds my expectations (and EPA ratings). What a great car, and fun to drive!

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  Lots of looks - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Larry Carson - March 5 - 8:03 pm

  I bought my GXP in Octber of 2005. I love this car. I get a lot of looks and finger pointing. My wife said it makes me look and act younger. Very fun car to drive.

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  Silver Bullet - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dredee - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Hey. This car is great. Bought used and wondering how they messed up the cruise, but it gets great gas mileage for a six, like 345 miles to a 12 gallon tank, plus is just all out comfortable. I will get an 04 next year before they change it to the G6.

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  Lovin my Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Russ McDonough - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 2003 Vibe since July of this year. I have had nothing but kudos for this automobile. Its comfortable (I have back problems 7 disc surgeries) the seating fits me exceptionally well I am 6 ft tall, 224 lbs with a large build. My wife and i took the Vibe to New Hampshire this year and we got 31.5 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg around North Conway. The car is a dream to drive, it handles well, and most of all its an absolute BLAST to drive. Cant say enough good things about it.

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  Lemon Lemon Lemon - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jakeybo - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is junk.I would not recommend it to anyone.Problems all the time.Everything electrical going wrong.Signal light switch,emergency switch,power window motor,blower motor,bad breaks,intake gasket,and alot of check engin lights.All after warrenty ran out within 6 months.LEMON.