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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  Love it - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kim - August 18 - 4:53 am

  I purchased my 2003 new in 2004. I leased a 2000 and loved it, but didnt like the look of the 04s, so went out of state to buy it. Totally love the car, driving is never boring, and the acceleration is fantastic. Some minor repairs: brakes, thermostat, and a few other things, but nothing major. Sometimes I think about buying a new car, but I dont think there is one out there with this quality and this much fun to drive. Still looks great!

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  Love My "Azzy" - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By Sonia - August 16 - 6:10 am

  We bought this car because we were ready to start traveling, and 93,000 miles later, it has been the most comfortable car for that, not to mention the decent gas mileage helps to fund our road trips. It has also hauled things from Lowes that people stood in the parking lot smiling because they didnt think it would fit...drop the back seats and it hauls very well.

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  2 Years and 57K miles later.... - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By PhillyAztekBoy - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This car still runs good. I do alot of communiting back and forth to work, and have not had any problems whatsoever! I still get people come up to me and ask "What is that? I like it!" For my few gripes 1)The hatch gets stuck way to often and I have to press the release button more than once. 2)GM made it hard to use after-market equipment (i.e. stereo stuff). I had to relocate the factory radio under the backseat. 3)Wish steering was a little more powerful. Good car folks. I love it!!

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  1995 BlackonBlackFormula Convertible - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By steampro - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car for 4500.00. Was beat up but with another 8,000.00 in it. I would match it to any on the market. Reliable and only driven on weekends. Very happy made the purchase.

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  2001 Aztek AWD - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By GM AZTEK - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Love the Aztek, looks grow on you after a while, great interior, fuel milage is adequate for a SUV of this size. My only problem is the constant down shifts when driving in moderately hilly terrain or into the wind. It seems to hate staying in overdrive. The dealership has been very cooperative in trying to fix the problem but it is a desine flaw. The engine does not have enough power for the AWD.

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  Terrific from GM - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Rod72 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I had left GM for many years and it took this car to bring me back singing its praises. It is both beautiful and quick and 30+ MPG is easy to take too. Had a hard time deciding between the Grand Prix and AM and am happy with the choice, because it handles lighter and quicker. GP is softer but still a great car also. Thanks Pontiac.

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  The "Experts" Missed One! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By George - August 15 - 4:36 pm

  I have owned this car for 14 months, accumulating 12,000 miles with NO mechanical issues and I could not be more pleased. This cars 3.6 liter engine is FAST, its sporty looks get loads of compliments and it averages as much as 27.5 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg overall! The car handles well, has a satisfying but not obtrusive engine note and came fully equipped with leather interior, moonroof,auto climate control, 6 CD changer, power drivers seat and 6 speed auto/manual trans. For all this, I paid under $21,800! Too bad GM killed Pontiac; this car was a sleeper!

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  Awesome! - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By DAM - August 15 - 6:50 am

  This is just an all around amazing car. As much power as any ordinary driver would need. The interior is extremely comfortable and there really IS room for 2 adults in the back, though getting back is the difficult part. I gave fuel economy less than 10 simply because I havent been able to reach the numbers advertised (perhaps totally my fault). But you dont buy this car looking for fuel economy. Oh and Boo automatic, Yay 6-speed.

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  Mediocre Car - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By JaCarpenter - August 13 - 5:00 am

  The car is competent. Nothing more, nothing less. It handles well but not great, fits a good but not great amount of stuff, and gets decent but not great gas mileage. The engine is a real weak point. It is very loud but furnishes little power with the autobox. I live up in the Four Corners area so am often above 6000 or 7000 feet. It has a lot of trouble gaining speed on even moderate inclines at altitude. With the AC on or full up with people sometimes it has trouble keeping the same speed. I think the dash design is poor. It looks nice enough but the chrome gauges reflect on the windshield in any sunlight. Its very visible and very annoying. The interior materials are adequate though.

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  Reliable, Dependable, Fun - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By LOVEIT - August 12 - 7:43 pm

  I have never had a problem with my car. Regular oil changes, change of battery, new front brakes, and this car still runs like a champ. I have no plans to buy a new car, as this one still runs like it did when it was brand new! I am happy with this car, it has never let me down, as others have. I have complete faith in a Pontiac, now more than ever. Keep your foreign cars. This one is built right here, in the USA...