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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  G6 is underated - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By chris - March 11 - 7:36 am

  This car has power good handling and comes with a sports car attitude... Ive had mine used for over a year now and i havent had any major problems on it at all and i drive it hard. The only thing i think that gives this car a bad rap is the Pontiac logo on the front...

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  Great Car! I love my Bonneville - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By 1998bonnie - March 11 - 1:59 am

  I purchased my 1998 Bonneville SE in 2004 with 76,000 on it, now it has over 143,000. Being that it was sitting on a Chicago used car lot for I dont know how long, I didnt know if it was a good deal or not buying through Ebay. After I got it, I have several things done to it. Its still a good over all great car. In 2011 I had the anti-freeze problem fix with gaskets replaced, upper plenum (Upper air intake) replaced, water pump, radiator, spark plugs, wires, all hoses, all sensors, and starter replaced. Even though nothing was wrong, I still wanted to be safe than sorry. The new radiator sprung a leak and I fixed that with Bars Leak. I also replaced the stock muffler with a Flowmaster.

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  Absolute Beauty - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By L C - March 9 - 12:00 pm

  This car thrives on the lead foot driver that can resist temptation. This car can also double as a contemporary family sedan.

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  Best car ever! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By babyteach58 - March 7 - 1:26 pm

  I love this car! I read reviews before I bought it and was very impressed. I bought my 06 Vibe to replace my 03 Dodge Neon. I was shocked at how much better the gas milage is! It has everything I want in a car. It is bigger inside than it looks. I love the room in the back seat and the seats are very comfortable. Cargo room is better than expected. The only problem I had mechanically is the torque converter needed replacing last year but it was still under warranty. I drive it daily 45 minutes each way to work and back and am excited to take it on my first long trip in 2 weeks (680 miles one way) Too bad it has been discontinued. I will buy them until they cant be found anymore!

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  maybe I can make lemonade - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By lemon owner - March 7 - 2:00 am

  loved the looks and fun to drive when its driveable. Owned one year repaired wiper motor twice, battery, alternator, replaced the steering rack, brakes and rotors twice, oil leak, park interlock on shifter broken replaced once now needs a new shifter. a/c stopped working, so far in one year we have spent over $3,ooo on repairs and now are having transmission problems.

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  Great value for the price and size! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Brian Hamlett - March 7 - 2:00 am

  As a taller than average male, I was a little concerned about purchasing this vehicle. But for the many advantages to owning this car, they outweighed this small inconvenience. Style, options, fuel efficiency and affordability were all pluses in my decision to look at this economy vehicle. Ive always loved Pontiac, and they have held true to their name, even on this entry level vehicle.

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  Pontiac power windows, UGH. - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Cal - March 6 - 9:50 am

  I have had a truly horrible experience with the power windows. To date I have had 2 switches 4 regulator/motors replaced. Thats 6 and I only have 4 windows. And, this all occurred within 75,000 miles.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By glisamiguel - March 5 - 7:46 pm

  Oh my god..You will never own a better, more reliable and SEXY car like this!!

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  Not a bad car - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By therover - March 5 - 1:50 pm

  I bought this sunfire with only 16,000 miles on it and I still have it now at 133,000. I trust this car to get me where I want to go and have had no problems with it what so ever. Yes it could be more comfortable, but the lack of comfort should be expected in this type of small car. The paint is still intact and gets great fuel mileage, 30 on the highway! My daughter wants this car as soon as I get a new one. Again, no problems so far.

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  Love to drive! - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Lain - March 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the first car I actually loved. I bought mine used with 46,000 miles on it. She now has 77,000 and still purrs like a kitten. Front brakes done twice but no serious mechanical problems. Only real complaint is the notorious GM clearcoat, peeling around the trunk.