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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  My G6 Convertible - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Darcelle Strother - November 29 - 9:00 am

  This is the second G6 that I have owned. The quality is great, the performance is fantastic and I enjoy the hard top convertible. Very sleek and classy.

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  GM Service lowest of the lowest - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By vjchap - November 28 - 11:53 pm

  The enjoyment of this vehicle is overshadowed by having had it in service three times for hub replacement - $600 a wack. The first time was covered by warranty, but the other two times it wasnt. Even the ones that were replaced had to be replaced. 3 times to service for the same defect, once each year for the first three years I owned the vehicle. It would make sense to most consumers that GM would care- but they dont. They even had recalled hubs,and denied me the recall reimbursement. I wouldnt be surprised if I have to replace them again. I only drive the vehicle to work. My husband and I have had several GM products, but well never purchase another one. Itll be imports for us now.

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  like it...but - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By traveler - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The general tires suck...34,000 miles and I already need new set. Rack & pinion is being replaced due to a leak also. Like the styling overall, but the uneven floor creates loading problems; everything slides or and tips forward.

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  Fun to Drive - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Lofty - November 28 - 10:00 am

  12K mi now and not one problem. Great car, rides and handles very well. Comfortable and smooth on trips. A supeior veh to the Impala. A much better value to the Cadillac Seville.

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  Nice Car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Levi L. - November 28 - 1:50 am

  The G6 is a real treat, with lots of interior space. My brother who is 66" even commented about how he was able to sit in the back seat comfortably. With adjustable pedals, and power adjustable seats it is very easy to find a comfortable driving position. The car looks very nice on the outside, but the "flare out" on the rear of the car makes for an interesting blind spot on the sides. The red interior dashboard lighting is sweet to view at night, and the headlamps are excellent for night driving as they light up the highway very nicely. All in all a great buy, especially with the great incentives & financing going on now (August 06).

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  Great Value Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By CEEZR - November 28 - 1:26 am

  I have driven many cars in my life this car has been a great value. Very reliable, excellent fuel economy 25/31MPG, reg gas, I drive 65-70 mph I bought it new from the dealer and has been a very good car and it is a lot of car for the money. Heck over 30 miles per gallon on the highway thats as good as most compacts. I would buy another one. Why buy a Camry? I drove one before the GP and this has been a much better car.

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  My Firebied - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By Leslie2762 - November 27 - 6:16 pm

  I love my Firebird and I would purchase a current model if available. However, my love is so vast, it does overshadow the new transmission, air compressor, alternator, and just about every belt, window motor, plug, or fluid that exists.

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  Best so far - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By AJA85 - November 27 - 10:06 am

  Great car. Gas mileage is good but could be better. Very fun to drive yet very comfortable.

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  Awsome pontiac - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Greg Cox - November 26 - 8:26 pm

  solid car that also has the sporty look for midsize car and has the performance to go with it.

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  Great car! - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Randall - November 25 - 1:16 am

  I have had my Grand Am SE for close to 2 years and the only problem so far was the battery. Its a very comfortable ride and has a good suspension. A great vehicle. I highly recommend it.