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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  Our Bonneville SSE comments! - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By WHAMBAM - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Had terrible experience with the Goodyear tires that came on the car. Goodyear nor Pontiac would make them good even though we were told they were defective. Had to go to outside sources for a decent ride. Wheels were also defective. They pitted (all 4) and Dealer replaced in warranty. The interior dash area is not practical. The trunk lid (after a rain or wash) drips water into the trunk area when it is open. Other than these few things, we have enjoyed the car. The interior is very comfortable riding. The design and changing color paint job is very attractive. Original owners

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  People ask to look inside - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By almoh - March 5 - 10:00 am

  It is the first vehicle we have had where people have asked about it and asked to look inside. We have been approached in parking lots, even classic car gatherings.

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  Stupid cupholders ! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By xtreme_1 - March 5 - 10:00 am

  As far as performance goes.....hands down over anything Ive ever owned...never going back to imports thanks to the Grand Prix GT....but, I enjoy an armrest and with 2 coffees in the cupholders,not the biggest issue I know, it is for me however, its the only issue I have with the interior, not the most comfortable position for my arm, but overall....BUY THIS CAR (I cant wait until I can buy a brand new one!)

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  A Big Mistake - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By samstinks - March 5 - 2:40 am

  My husband and I shopped and shopped before deciding to buy this car and despite our careful planning, we made a poor decision. At 20k, I had to have it towed due to a malfunctioning anti- theft device that cut the fuel after 10 seconds. That, at least was under warranty. At 25k, I had to replace my front wheel bearings; a $500 repair. At 56k, both my intake manifold gaskets blew out - $700. Six months later, my head gaskets are blown and the heads possibly damaged from the heat. I commute 25 miles one way to work in it every day, and have had only dealer repairs on it. Ive taken care of this car by the book, but it is a horrible car and I cant wait to trade it in.

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  Great toyota motor - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sonny - March 4 - 11:50 pm

  Great car for several reasons fuel, all weather driving and just fun to drive

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  Love it! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By AKMelnick - March 4 - 8:23 am

  I find the Aztek fun to drive, love all the cool features such as music controls on steering wheel. I have a black one and its styling exterior design may have been some what odd or even ugly when first came out however, there are many suvs that tend to look similiar now such as the Lexus SUV. I love the look!

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  Solstice Advantage - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Happy camper - March 2 - 8:13 pm

  I have always been a lover of the Old Vets but have never been able to buy one. The solstice gives me the ability to afford a fun car to drive with out costing me a fortune. I love driving this car and enjoy the looks the people give me when I drive by. There is nothing practicle about this car but that is the reason I bought it. It looks great and is a lot of fun to drive!

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  Loyal to the Prix - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Cherise - March 2 - 6:33 am

  Although I dont love the color (I loved the cherry red that my 99 offered), or the fact that I was forced to buy a 4-door car (2-door no longer offered), overall I still like the car well enough to buy it again. Its a nice ride, has the options I really like (HUD and heated leather seating), and handles well. Its sporty, but still reserved. I love the large trunk and fold down seats (VERY useful for those of us who dont want to buy gas guzzling SUVs). I like the upgraded lighting package. The cruise control and HUD display control is awkwardly placed. The glove box is too small. The back seat doesnt afford much passenger room, but it works well for kids. A great car all in all!

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  surprising! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By soccermom09 - March 2 - 12:03 am

  I bought this car 5 months ago to replace an SUV so was not sure about sitting lower to the road. I was pleasantly surprised by this Vibe. The drivers seat raises, giving me some of the height I used to enjoy. This car is just fun to drive! Pick up is great, handles well. My 17 year old loves to drive it too. I have not had a chance to try out the AWD yet, but if my current satisfaction is any measure I know I will not be slowed by any snow!

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  GT is well worth it! - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Kurtis L. Roesler - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I had a Teal 2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT Coupe and absolutily loved it! It was hands down one of the best cars ever made, especailly with the ever-so- sporty GT package! Sadly enough though, I was only able to hold onto the car for 10 days because on the 10th day I had it, I was ran off the road in the country by and old man and I skid accross the road into a ditch and flipped. Rest assure if your car does this, it will be totaled; mine was! But unbelievably, I got out with only a few minor scratches on my arm and a stiff neck, so this is also a VERY safe car. It saved my life!