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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  Fun - priced at unbelievable price - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Teresa - July 10 - 7:53 pm

  looked for a fun convertible - fair weather car! the price was right the looks are classic sporty - loads of fun to drive satelite radio to boot! would recommend to purchase this vehicle

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  My Azteka - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By lspeegle - July 9 - 7:33 am

  I have enjoyed this vehicle and to date have had no problems. I replaced the battery after three years and factory tires after 75K miles. It has good pick-up and a lot of fun to drive. It has 80,500 miles on it and I have yet to replace the original brakes. I get from 27-29 MPG on the highway. I really like this car.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Car lover - July 9 - 5:03 am

  This car is the most fun to drive I have ever driven in 50 plus years. It has all the options that I want or need except a compass and I can get one of those lots of places. The seats are totally comfortable. It has great pick up off the line. The sound system makes me feel like I am in a concert hall. I love this car!

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  GXP Rocks! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By birdman64 - July 7 - 12:16 pm

  This is one of the most rounded cars Ive owned. I have had 5 Corvettes, ranging from c4s - c6s. And far the money, you get an awesome vehicle! I am very impressed by the gas mileage I achieve, I am averaging 27.5! Now keep in mind, this is a V8! Very responsive! Very quick for a midsize sedan. I love the looks and stares I get from others that wonder what im driving. Most people have not even heard of a GXP!

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  Supurb - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By karfreek - July 7 - 10:00 am

  This has got to be the best car I will ever own. I have put 24k on it in just over a year and I have have no complaints. The interior is well thought out and built with no squeeks or rattles. Some more storage for the front seat occupents would have been good. The car now has 98,000mi and is going strong, I have no doubt that I could get this car to 250,000mi. The car can move, the Supercharged 3800 has endless power.

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  Dont overlook the Aztek - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Germanshepmom - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the aztek because it fit my needs but i have found that it is a great ride. It handles like a dream and is as silent as the dead. No rattles or squeeks. I read a great deal about the car in many reports and web postings and i found that the poor reports were unwarranted. I dont find it ugly at all and the report that found it to be small and cramped is simply wrong. It has more room than any other suv i test drove. The only advised i can give is try it for your self dont let some sad sack tell you its a bad vehicle. Oh and you have to get the tent WOW what aa great time

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  what a car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By ilovemuscle - July 7 - 10:00 am

  Not only is this car fast and powerful, but it is one of the funnest cars I have ever driven. There is no other car u can get for 30 Gs that gives you the speed, comfort, and nice interior of the Pontiac GTO.

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  FUN CAR - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By gwstack - July 7 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS ONE OF THE FINEST CARS I HAVE EVER OWNED. THE SEATS ARE EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE AND THE RIDE IS SUPERB.IT REQUIRED A MINIMUM OF SERVICE WORK AND THE DEALERSHIP IS TRUSTWORTHY AND VERY HELPFUL. WOULD NOT HESITATE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER PONTIAC IN THE FUTURE.

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  Daves Take - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Raimondi - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I first was this model as a GT1 in the summer of 2003 and test drove it while my 96 was in for srvice. I loved it from the get go. total redesign, yet distinctively pontiac. Pretty peppy for a normally aspirated 3.8 V6. Then we bought our own... a GT2 with HUD, infotech and a cassette along with the cd. Its even better than the GT1. Handles well on dry or wet roads. This march we had snow after the revieved the car and had no issues with traction or control. Its a great car!

• good job pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By t deering - July 7 - 10:00 am

  First I liked the look then the drive then the mpg and last the price so I made the purchase without even popping the hood open!!!!!