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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  Features of the car - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Betty Waller - April 8 - 10:13 am

  Driven only by me. Never had any problems with the car.

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  Feel the Vibe! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By jacksmom - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Love my Vibe. I was a little unsure at first and it wasnt really my first choice, but once I took it for a test drive I loved it. It just fit. Runs and drives smooth. Excellent for a 4 cylinder. Really has LOTS of room for hauling. I managed to fit (all in boxes) 2 desks, 2 filing cabinets and 2 office chairs in the back with the seats down.

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  Grand Am review - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BigRed369 - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a nice compact and is good for single people who do not need much room in a car. Otherwise, it is too small for a family. The car performs well and is a stable vehicle to have around.

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  Pontiac Sunfire REview - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By stepfanie - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Very good car. Not bad for the price. Loved to drive it, love the look.

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  Great car all around - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By kshue - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Okay, I know people give this car low ratings on its styling but I really think this car has nice clean lines and it is devoid of any typical excess Pontiac cladding and ground effects. I like the fact that it doesnt scream out, "here I am." The sleeper factor is awesome. The GTO is a very well built car. The interior is first class and I dont ever expect a shake or rattle. Performance is beautiful. The last car I can recall with as much factory power on tap is the 1986 Buick Grand National. The LS1 with 6 speed provides plenty of good old American tire shredding horsepower and torque - you have to love that. The only, and I mean only negatives I have on this car is the trunk space.

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  Pontiac Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By forestpilot - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I drive numerous cars as rental cars while traveling for work. After driving a Vibe, I was impressed with its ergonomics and performance for an automobile its size. When I later discovered its gas mileage, I was sold. I am getting 33mpg with a combination of city/highway driving, and this with an automatic transmission! With the current trend in gas prices, this is no small factor. The price is another big selling point, few cars that I researched can offer the same level of features and utility for anywhere near this price.

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  #937 - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Drex - April 7 - 2:26 pm

  Had my car a little over a week, already have 800 miles on it. Lots of fun on back roads, very little body roll. The monsoon sound system is definitely a worth while option, gives enough kick.

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  Gerat Car! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Iheartmyvibe - April 5 - 12:00 am

  I purchased the car second hand, and Ive only had it for a few months so far. Ive only had to replace a sensor for the heater (inexpensive). It drives well, great gas mileage and it is fun to drive. It seems like a very reliable car.

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  03 Grand Prix - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Susan Cip - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I had a comfortable, secure feeling from the first time I got in and drove the GP. Its good looks are agressive as well as stylish. It has power and handling that makes it fun to drive. Plenty of room for 4 adults as well as a cavernous trunk. There were no flaws found inside or outside of the car. Ive had it 2 1/2 months and feel Ive made the right choice.

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  97 Formula Hatchback - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By Joshua Williams - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Great style, unexpected great gas mileage for a v8, gut wrenching torque, great fun ripping through the gears, rides nice, great interior layout, handles any curve you can throw at it, lots of third party support for this vehicle, an american icon, FAST!!!