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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  More than just for fun - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By Arithory - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The main focus of this car is styling and performance. Merging with traffic on the highway has never been more fun. Simple things like the aftermarket ASP Pulley or a whisper induction lid will give you an extra ten horses a piece for a cheap price. More expensive mods like headers and cam packages Ive seen (ranging from 800 - 2,400 dollars) can add anywhere from 70 - 150 ponies to your ride. Of course, suspension upgrades are in order with this much power or you risk twisting your chassis, but even suspension parts should put you back less than 1,000.

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  Pontiac Bonneville - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By mike1969 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Lifelong Pontiac buyer that decided to by a "supior" German product. Needless to say I was very disappointed with my Passat, had owned Grand Ams for 15 years. Went back to Pontiac and fell in love with the smooth comfort of the Bonneville. This is the best car for price, style and comfort.

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  Not to Bad - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mrsbro5 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Head lamps stink, replaced both. Radio display goes in and out for about 3 years now. Drivers window froze, fixed myself. Heater fan has been rubbing and clicking for about 3 years but still works. Rear window leaks somewhere into back floorboards, Dealer can`t find it either. replaced frozen belt tentioner a couple months ago.

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  Can You Say .....Sleeper - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Bruce k - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Dont let the tame exterior of this car fool you. I am very excited with the performance and handling of my new GTO. This car drives like a true dynomo Everything from the the nice deep rumble sound to the wheels burning rubber. I also think that this car can be an everyday driver as well. Perfect combination for me!

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  Another Roadster at Our House - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Steve & MaryBeth - July 17 - 11:20 pm

  This car replaced a 2001 MR2 Spyder which repalced a Miata this is MBs car and she hasnt stopped smiling yet. Our first drive was to Mid-Ohio Races. There was a very nice surprise awaiting us. GM had a Pontiac corral there that we were invited to join. I own other sports cars,Porshce and a Corvette but we have never seen so much enthusiasm and passion for any car as the people that own the Solstice. This was exciting and very refreshing. We are looking forward to many fun miles with this car.

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  Dont get me started - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Susan - July 17 - 12:33 pm

  My advice - dont fall for the fact its a convertible! I bought my car with only 3000 miles on it. I owned it for 6 months and called it quits. I would have paid for the dealer to take it back. I did love it when the top was down but that is all I can say that is positive. The car constantly pulled to the right. The hardtop constantly rattled when it was closed. The breaks didnt seem to want to stop and forget trying to drive it in the snow. It scared me to death. I had to get rid of it. I now own an eclipse again. I actually feel safe again. Is the car cute? Yes. Hot? Not hot enough to stress over daily. This is my opinion. Others seem to love it.

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  Still getting in my Pontiac and DRIVING! - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By CHollars - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad little car for the price. The Sunfires sporty look makes everyone think I have a V6 under the hood. Ive driven it on long road trips and short trips and its just a fun car to drive. I can haul more luggage than my boyfriend in his Mustang, and 9 out of 10 times we go somewhere we take my SUNFIRE. So far, I have few complaints. For someone who has always driven a car from the compact market, it comes in at the top of the pack. As long as this car stays on the road and out of the shop, Ill be pleased to call it mine for a long time!

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  Fun to Drive Great on Gas - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Fun Car - July 15 - 5:03 am

  The Vibe is a great little car its fun to drive has a smart sporty look, and is great on gas milage. The large wheel base gives is a great ride and good handling. Its a soild tight car.

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  Fantastic Car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By rick hughes - July 15 - 12:50 am

  Got a great deal on the car and could not be happier. Worth way more than what I paid. About 9000 miles on the car and no problems. By far the best car Ive ever owned. Great handling, greater power. I am costantly being stoped and asked about the NEW GTO. A friend has a 2004 Corvette and the GTO is pretty darn close in fun factor.

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  Montana rocks - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By Joe, Fort Wayne, IN - July 14 - 11:23 pm

  This is an affordable, comfortable van that fits a growing family well. The fuel economy needs some work, but otherwise it is a solid, effective vehicle.