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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  You would be MAD not to love it - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By David - June 8 - 12:06 am

  After looking at all the pros and cons I decided the pros won out. This car is not only comfortable, refined, with great handling it is also economical, at least on highways. However if you use your right foot to much the gas mileage will suffer. The performance is unbelievable when you push the gas pedal, it just forces you back in the seat. At a constant 70 mph the mpg is around 28. Good job GMC

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  Love My Van - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By B C Harvey - June 6 - 1:36 am

  I purchased this van and immediately was impressed with the comfort since I have 4 major disabilities with my lower back. Secondly, it was fun to drive and felt like a solid (no rattles)automobile. Being a 7 passenger is handy at times as I live in Sr. housing and often transport my friends to and from their appointments. And, they are also impressed with the can and the comfort.

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  Fast and furious. - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Kemper Lockout Serv - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is a very sporty and fast compact vehicle. I find it to have more room then the honda civic. When i purchased my pontiac sunfire i found it to be very quick as well as fun to drive. And the gas milage is excellent.

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  Versatility - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By nancyceo - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car with many options and uses. This is a fun sporty car that is also practical and fuel effecient. I love looks of the dash board and the 6- speeds makes it fun to drive. I also got the sunroof and 6 disc changer, which make the car even more enjoyable. I recently drove from Miami to Phoenix and even with the car loaded with stuff, it got great mileage. It was also comfortable even on that very long drive.

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  Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Big Sausage - June 4 - 10:00 am

  After two road trips from Tucson To Colorado I am very pleased to report that my GT 2 preformed very well on the freeway and thru the mountains. I got close to 30 mpg on both trips which was more then expected. Handled very well on tough Mt curves and was able to pass with no problems on the steep up grades. Over all I am pleased with the purchase and hope to keep this one for at least 3 years.And by the way, Im 63 and have no problem with head room as stated by other reviews.

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  love it!!! - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By cammadzach - June 3 - 8:43 pm

  Recent mother of four loves the interior space of this van!! Lots of room for the kids, less fighting over whose feet will go where. Montana has a nice ride to it. Love the extra cargo space and still have enough room for stroller in the cargo area. Hubby drives Chevy Trailblazer and doesnt mind driving the mini-van when we go places because the look is close to suv!! The interior is sharp!! Cant say enough about this van!!

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  Best Bang for the performance buck! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By qwik06gto - June 1 - 11:16 pm

  Outstanding performance for the price of admission! A Corvette with 4 seats. Exterior styling could be more stylized. Gas tank placement needs revision to free-up trunk space. Sound system leaves much to be desired. Once you drive it, nothing else matters!!!!

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  Love my Vibe! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Feather - May 31 - 11:33 am

  We bought the Vibe new in 2003 and have only had to do the brakes, oil changes, and tires - and were almost at 100K (97K right now). Even though we cant fit three car seats in the back (darn!) and have #3 on the way, we are keeping this car as my husbands daily driver. Easy to drive, enough horsepower for me - LOVE the storage capabilities with this car, and I would recommend one to anyone. Definitely impressed with my first (and what seems like my last due to the demise of the brand) Pontiac.

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  n/a - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jose - May 31 - 11:13 am

  I drove between N.C and Wash DC for two years the car never broke and it has 115,000 miles still driving like new. I did not drive it for a year because i was serving overseas the only hing i had to replace was the battery and one rod. it is a great car.

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  Excellent Sports Car for the Money - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Rockit_GTO - May 31 - 10:43 am

  Being a former Z28 owner (highly modified), the comparison in quality is unmatched. For a similar level of performance and much better interior design, this car wins hands down. Everytime I fill up with gas people just start looking around and inside the car. All of the comments are very positve. The red leather interior is very eye catching and the detail in the interior is top notch.