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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  rental vehicle - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By regwaw - May 27 - 2:00 am

  i just got a rental vehicle, pontiac sunfire. Its an awesome vehicle, the tires spin when the light turns green and i am impressed with its 0-60 performance.

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  Glad I have one. - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By greencleanutah - May 25 - 5:03 pm

  My vibe has 155,000 miles. Thanks to TOYOTA for making a great motor the only maintainance ive done is change plugs-which were extremely easy and affordable cause there is no plug wires to replace. tires and the front brake pads were extremely easy to replace. I also like that the back seats have hard plastic on the back of them so when they fold down its like having a small truck. I use this vehicle for my organic carpet cleaning business. Good gas mileage. So far havent found any other vechicle that is as old as this one that looks and operates as good as this one.

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  Never thought Id buy one of these! - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Selhaus - May 24 - 10:43 pm

  Never in a million years would I have thought of buying an Aztek, they look awful. Then I drove one. Loved it. The flexibility it offers is great. The style has even grown on me. My friends all laughed when I bought it, but even they like it now. My only problems has been seeing past the spoiler and sometimes the back latch does not unlock. I have to press it 3 or 4 times. It was a lot of bang for the buck. Who knew?

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  A treat to drive - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By BHuge - May 24 - 9:10 am

  I have always been the type of person who dreaded driving. It was just never any fun. Since we got this car I drive everywhere. I am 63" and there is plenty of room for me up front and plenty of room for my children in the back.

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  Pro charged GTO - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By papacon60 - May 24 - 12:36 am

  Since I bought my GTO, I only drive it on nice days. This car has never seen a raindrop! I put on a pro-charger, 3" stainless exhaust, a GMM rip-shifter, and drag-bags to eliminate wheel hop. The car was dyno tested, and produces 512 rear wheel h.p. The only comments I have about my GTO, is that is is scary fast, and an absolute blast to drive.Not to mention, the fastest car on the street!

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  Fun vehicle - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By CLYDE - May 22 - 12:10 pm

  This is a really fun suv to drive. I traded in a new hhr because i liked the torrent so much better. Smooth ride. Easy on gas. Love it !!

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  Sporty, Fun To Drive, Great Economy - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Leo-Bailey - May 21 - 10:00 am

  What a great ride! I have 26000 miles on the car with none of the problems listed by other reviews. Did have a shaking problem between 65 & 70, but found the tires to be at fault. Goodyear replaced them free of charge-- Problem solved! Solid, great handling and fantastic fuel milage with great performance! Some girl followed my wife for 10 miles just to tell her the car was the best looking car she has seen. She wanted to know the make and model

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  All the benefits, none of the expense - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Movie Buff - May 21 - 5:26 am

  We just purchased this Grand Prix, and so far have nothing but positives to say about it. And Im a die hard Japanese car buyer. But, after speaking with many Grand Prix owners, researching and test driving, we took the step to domestic. Weve met many owners with mileage well into the 100,000k, many over 150,000k, on model years 03 forward, with little if no problems. Ride is fantastic, corners like a pro, with little "roll". Interior comfort excellent, quite and well mannered on the road. Acceleration is excellent, and were getting 28 to 30 on these mountain roads of SW Virginia, which by the way, the car does very well in the snow and ice. We kept our "Subie" as a second car

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  Family Safe Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By ellaarkin - May 21 - 5:03 am

  This the first car I am actually comfortable driving my children around in. My children are my most valuable treasure and we found a reliable and economical family car.

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  i love my G6 GT - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By T Davis - May 19 - 11:03 pm

  I love how this car drives, rides and handles. Sporty looking "Mommy" car! (my first 4 door out of 6 cars owned). Very roomy inside and great trunk space. I get stares and questions about it. I just love it!!