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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  Nice Ride - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By n0va - January 25 - 1:56 pm

  Drives really nice. Gas mileage isnt bad for a 3800 v6. Very nice inside, good trunk space. A good buy if you can get a good deal on it.

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  Best Car I have owned - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By otax - January 24 - 9:09 pm

  I have a 2000 Bonne SSEi in dark red with about 97K miles on it. It still is an excellent car a lot of fun to drive. It performs like it was still new. If I were to ever fall in love with an inanimate object, this would be the one.

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  Really New - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Mike - January 22 - 6:20 pm

  Everyone loves the styling. It is not a blow your head off performance, but it is really fun to drive. I am sure the newer twin turbo would be a barn burner, but I do not need that any more.

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  JWs Loaded 2DR 2001 GP GTP - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JW 01 GP GTP - January 22 - 4:20 am

  Purchased the car from a Pontiac Mechanic.Him and his wife loved the car,but wanted an SS.Bought the car with 7,500 miles on it. It was in PERFECT condition, not even a scratch.It was their baby and now its mine. I dont drive it much(company SUV).Ive owned it for 2 1/2yrs and put 23,500 miles on it.The looks of the car are OUTSTANDING.It gets many stares and people ask about it.The sound,feel and torque of the engine is awesome.Competitors cant match it. True,the interior looks cheap,but given the performance,style,sound and reliability of the car, its a small price to pay.Only problem Ive had is the sunroof motor went bad.This is a sweet ride.It looks great in my garage or doing 120 mph.

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Bill - January 22 - 12:06 am

  I have had this car for about 7 months now and it is the most fun car I have ever owned. It is bright red and handles like a dream. Strangers approach me often asking me questions or complimenting it.

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  most fun to drive - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Alice - January 21 - 5:00 pm

  To most people this vechicle is ugly. In our area this car is driven predomanitly by 30 somethings. All I can say is BOY are they missing out! We have a 2 wheel drive version and it does great in the snow, mountians and everywhere. The handling is very responsive . It corners fantastic and I absolutly love curves.There is no rollover effect.

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  Questions unanswered - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By LFT - January 21 - 3:16 pm

  The car needs work. It isnt too bad for the price, but the small 2.4L should get better MPG and the same old GM issues with never correcting anything exists.

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  2002 Grand Prix GT - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Matt Terpstra - January 21 - 10:00 am

  the grand prix gt is an awesome car! its a blast to drive and has great looks. the 3.8L V6 delivers plenty of power and torque.

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  Most uncomfortable car (seats) ever made - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By betsy - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought 02 GP several months ago -am still trying to sell, but no one will give me close to what orginally paid. The most uncomfortable seats ever! At 54", average ht for women, I cant reach the gas pedal (located 6" farther back than the brake). This is a terrible design flaw as my foot slips off the gas often. When pushed forward, the seat goes "up", making my head touch the sunroof/visor. Also, seat belt cuts off circulation to my legs & I constantly tug at it (Im quite thin too. The car has a few good points, but comfort and ride are terrible, plus insurance costs are outrageous for a 4-door sedan.

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  Buyer beware - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By Raymon - January 20 - 6:30 pm

  Replaced the air conditioning unit 6 times the first 4 years. Major electrical problems. No way to open rear hatchbach if latch fails. Except by destroying the gate interior panel. No warrantee package covers interior repair. Not a good experience.