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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  I love this car!!!! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Victoria - June 12 - 6:33 am

  The G6 is the best car I have ever owned and I look forward everyday to getting in and driving to run my errands. As I am a busy mom this car has all the convienience features you could want and more. I will continue to love this car for years to come. This is a great, fun, and very reliable car to own and it is a safe car which makes me even happier.

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  Underrated, unappreciated - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By researchingu - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. Some people dont like the exterior, but when they check out the interior, the sound system, heads up display, tent, ice chest, etc...they are sold.

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  old ones did ok to! - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By PRS - June 11 - 10:00 am

  i had the 97 trans sport that went 175k. Did ok repair wise, most started after 150. I rated as "not bad at all"

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  2004 gto - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By stevenk - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Pontiac has every one beat on this one.

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  GM finally hit the mark! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By D&S - June 11 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I love our Vibe. We purchased the fusion orange model with the automatic transmission, power package and moons and tunes for $18.7k out the door (including tax title&plates). We opted for the 17" wheels well. So far we have taken several road trips in the Vibe, and are fighting over daily driving rights. Mind you we also own a corvette and an audi TT yet we prefer the utility, gas mileage and frugality of this little cross-over. Driving the Vibe feels natural...the seats are comfy! The interior storage room in the Vibe is outstanding! The torque of the 4 is adequate for passing and accelaration.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BlakeGV - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is one amazing car! I just bought it and I am so glad I did! Its a great car!

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  Unbelievable car ! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Songbird - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Have owned 16 new GM cars - including a 68 GTO, two Trans Ams, and a supercharged 97 Riviera. This car takes a back seat to none of them. The handling is exceptionally TIGHT. I love the growl and bark of the powerful engine when you kick it in. Ive owned and driven many, many so called sports cars, but this is in a class of its own. You forget that you are in a sedan and not a sports coupe! A great, informative, and friendly dealer.

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  Great vehicle! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By snydered2004 - June 10 - 1:23 am

  My wife and I are extremely happy with the Vibe. We have the "Toons and Moon" package and it is outstanding. The build quality is great and the car gets great gas mileage.

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  The Pontiac G6 is hot! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Karrie - June 9 - 4:03 pm

  This car is HOT! It looks good and drives SOOO smooth. You could hear a pin drop when on the highway. Im a 22 year old female, therefore, my only tizzy on this vehicle might me the price. We young people like to have our cars "decked out" so if you choose to have all options available like I did, it can get pretty spendy. Overall, I love my car! Besides....its a guaranteed eye catcher, what could be better?!

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  Grand Prix - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By karake - June 8 - 10:00 am

  The Grand Prix is an excellent car that is fun to drive and has great gas mileage.