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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  Too MUCH FUN - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By GREJEF - August 4 - 2:36 pm

  This car is great. Room, Super FAST, Handling, Sound, SPEED, braking etc... Purchased the car for the wife on her birthday, either it was this or a Volvo convert. We both love it, only driven on sunny days, but when the hound is released, it goes. Oh, it has the 3.9, performance exhaust, body kit, and pushes 250 HP. Oh, so far one of a kind with the tan seats on a black body, talk about looks with the top down.

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  Chrome Tire Rims - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Jill Yingling - August 4 - 2:06 am

  My Car is 3 1/2 years old, and I do love it. I have 14,000 miles on it now. However the tire rims are chrome plated. I just found out that my front right chrome rim has shredded inside making the interior of the rim like shredded razor blades ruining my tires. It has ruined two front tires which cost about $325.00 each. I would recommend not getting the chrome tires and I am calling Pontiac GM on Monday and I hope they replace the tire rims and check my other three tires for the same problems. My first flat tire I almost had a serious vechicle accident. The entire tire shredded. The dealership would not tell me the reason why this happened. This is a serious danger to Soltice Drivers.

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  GTdriver - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By James O. Bynion - August 2 - 8:26 pm

  Interior started slight rattling and buzzing after the first week. Great handling and power. Great leg room front and back.

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  Comfort with "musclecar" power! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Walt - August 2 - 6:23 pm

  Just bought mine a few weeks ago. The engine is awesome, with a smooth, broad power band that lets you just drive around everyone else without a fuss. If you really open it up then hang on, because the GTO is FAST. The seats are top rate, the interior is very nice with excellent fit and finish. To me the suspension is a good balance of performance and ride comfort. The exterior is a bit bland, the trunk is small and the back seats are hard to get into, but none of that matters to me. Good hwy gas mileage, but uses fuel at a phenomenal rate if you romp on it around town. The GTO makes a very comfortable daily driver thats a blast to drive if you are into raw power.

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  Love my Pontiac! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Kim - July 31 - 6:20 am

  I really shopped around before I chose the G6. I had it narrowed down to the G6 and the Dodge Charger but when I st in the G6 GTP, I knew it was the car for me. I have been driving this car for almost a year now and it a joy to drive. It was the best buy for the money in its class. I purchased the panoramic roof which I highly recommend. I was going to go with the regular sunroof until I sat in one with the panoramic and its like being in a convertible but better. Overall, great car and incredibly satisfied with my purchase!

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  Beautiful Girl - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By Shemachinist - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had absolutely no problems with my baby. This car continues to amaze me. She turns on a dime, drives like a dream. As yet Ive not had a ticket, but it isnt for lack of trying. This car screams for more gas, and the engine handles this with ease. Ive taken 3 1000 mile car trips with this car, and its extremely comfortable, and reminds me each time why I purchased the car.

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  PONTIAC MONTANA FWD EXT 3.4L 6 CYC 4 A - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By chip sheppard - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Our family has enjoyed the comfort, reliability, and dependability of the Pontiac Montana. It offers great space for all of our animals too.

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  just got it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By evan - July 30 - 10:00 am

  its cool from the outside but the inside is a little tacky it doesnt have much horse power but it will get you were you want to go

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  a+ - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By kgar44 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I love my Vibe,its been a pleasure.It runs great,its sporty, and it gets good gas milage.Like having a mini truck/luxury car.

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  Great all around car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Berreth - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Just an all around fun and safe car to drive. Wonderful pick up for a small engine.