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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  Beyond All Expectations - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By USA ZR-1 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I put a deposit down on this car 18 months ago without even seeing a picture of the new GTO. Were just thrilled with the actual vehicle. The fit and finish are supurb as is the quality of the interior. It is as exciting to drive as my first GTO was in 1964. The six speed is very smooth. The car is exceptional in all respects and Bob Lutz should be commended.

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  WOW - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By TJthrows - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Anyone who complains about this car must not have drove one. I bought mine and love it. Smooth but responsive ride and loads of power. Not many cars advise you to shift from 1st to 4th if you are not getting on it. Interior is superb. Exterior styling is sleek and looks great. I know it is not the eye grabbe the trans am was, but at every stop light, people stop and looks at what i am driveing. I have no complaints.

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  Excellent in all respects - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Pontiacowner - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The Vibe handles well, gets great gas mileage, is sporty yet has enough passenger and cargo space to move pretty much anything you want. Its comfortable and has lots of storage compartments.

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  Fun to drive - horrible to own - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bcmtojm - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This car has been in for service more times than any of my previous cars combined. Twice the very expensive intake manifold gasket has been replaced as well as gaskets for the power steering fluid and transmission fluid. Ive also had to have the turn signal noise indicator replaced because it wont stop clicking(which is once again broken). Ive had a gas module replaced and the power mirror control fixed. This car is great when it it running properly but not worth the trouble or the money!

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  Grand Prix - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 3Hendrix - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I own a red 2001 Grand Prix GT. I have also owned a 1998 white Grand Prix GTP and a 1988 Grand Prix. My experience with these cars is exceptional. My 1988 Grand Prix did have some trouble with quitting when pulling out into traffic but this problem was corrected in my later models. These cars are fun to drive yet practical on gas mileage. There exterior is sleek and sporty. I have one child and there was plenty of room for the car seat, toys, groceries, etc. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who likes to drive.

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  Excellent car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By coolness4me - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car last month. So far, It has been the best car that I have ever owned. I got a great deal on it. If I ever buy another Pontiac again, which is highly likely, I will again give Pontiac Master of Augusta the first chance to sell it to me. It does not get good gas mileage at all, but it is a V6 so I didnt really think it would. I love the interior design! My babys car seat fits perfectly in the back seat while leaving plenty of leg room up front. I also love the exterior design of the car...kind of reminds me of the newer Ford Mustangs only with 4 doors and more get up and go.

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  Pontiac Hits Homerun - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By John Scheu - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! The GP GTP Comp G polo green exterior and parchment interior car I purchased impressed me so much that we purchased another (black) GP with exact same options for our daughter as a college graduation present. The safety feature options were a major factor in this decision (HUD,stabilitrak, traction control, ABS, and head side curtain impact bags). Performance and handling are superb.

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  Love this car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Frances Nelson - August 29 - 12:46 am

  Car will take off,Just love the inside,lots of room in the truck.Need to make lots more like this.

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  Pleased - 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
  By BW - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Owned for 1 year with no problems. Has plenty of power. With the standard length van means less weight to lug around.

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  WHAT A CAR - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By Bcaudill - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Power, Fun, Exciting. Theres is nothing more to say when it comes to this car.