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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  Clean White 99 T/A - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By Dirtybird54 - November 14 - 4:56 pm

  I recently sold my Firebird Convertible for something a little quicker. This car currently has 37,xxx miles on the clock and its in outstanding condition. I love the power coming from the 5.7L LS1, same motor as my dads 00 Corvette Convertible. When you stomp on it, this thing answers back with a lot of roar and put-you-in-your-seat power. Ive done a few things with the motor to free up some more ponies and put some grippier rubber on with new 18 inch wheels, really makes this car that much more enjoyable. Its a shame GM isnt talking about bringing it back, they could really make some money if they did. I know Id buy one, if they designed it right with the enthusiast at heart.

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  Major Problems - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By moodylicious - November 14 - 2:53 am

  Have had major problems with the brakes suddenly locking up while at hwy speeds while not being able to shift above 3rd gear. Took five dealer visits before problem was even diagonosed. Was very disturbed about how serious a problem could not be reproduced in the shop. Once nearly got steamrollered by a semi while trying to regain power. Problem finally stopped. Also, power window motors have had been replaced 4 times at $300+ a crack. Would I buy this car again? No.

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  Love It - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Giggles - November 12 - 4:53 pm

  I love my car and I love everything about it. I have had it for over 8 years and have never had any mechanical problems at all. It is one of the most reliable vehicles Ive ever had. Even though it is a small car it handles better than a lot of 4 wheel drive trucks. I dont think I can say enough good things about it. I love the look of it and the interior. I would recommend this car to everyone.

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  Excellent Status - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By Notcho - November 12 - 12:13 am

  Wanted a vehicle that would allow some movement in the vehicle while traveling. This one has auto outlets as well as a 110 outlet that can be used for a small plug in fridge. When I need to use the 4 cup coffee pot or microwave I just unplug the fridge for a few minutes and use the micro to pop some popcorn or what ever.. It also has a built in pump for pumping up what ever is needed. Last week I had a flat from a slug I picked up. Instead of having to change the flat tire I just got out the hose for the pump , blew up the tire and drove to the station for repair. Excellent handling and roadability.

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  Love this car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ron Nichols - November 11 - 11:40 pm

  This is a great little car. Good performance and great looks, much better than the Matrix. Fuel economy is considerably better than EPA rating. I have only one problem with the car since new-a cracked battery case- an it was fixed under warranty. 46000 miles and no other problems. Plenty of room and comfortable.

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  Great Value - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jason - November 11 - 1:46 am

  I had an Olds Alero that gave me nothing but trouble (In the shop over 15 times in 3 years...all covered under warranty, but unaccepatble). I looked to the Toyota Matrix for quality, more room and better gas mileage. The fact the Vibe has a Toyota pedigree was the strongest selling point. I was primarily looking for the Matrix, but a pre-owned loaded Vibe with only 7000 miles came across me so I jumped at it. The cars design is top notch and the build quality impressive. It corners well and accerlartion is better than I thought it would be. You have to know going into buying that its not a hot rod, but there is plenty of power for everyday driving. Gas mileage is icing on the cake.

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  Great car and fun to drive - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By andrewsf27 - November 10 - 5:03 pm

  I have currently 32,000 miles on this car and it has absolutely been the best car that I have ever owned & I have had 12. I have only had a few issues which I have been able to get resolved with the dealer. I tinted the windows and with the dary grey color this car looks sharp.

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  no BMW but solid economy car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By John Yeh - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Good, reliable car. Very good gas mileage and plenty of space inside for a small car. With a Toyota Corolla drivetrain, itll be reliable. Wish it had better handling, similar to Mazda Protege, but I bought it because it was more thrifty fuel-wise and had a bigger interior. Itll never be a BMW but for an unrich guy like me it was a good buy. The interior is fun and the stereo sounds good. As a recording engineer, I always test my mixes in the car. Plus having that extra space with the fold- down rear seats, I can carry a rack of equipment while still having kid- carrying flexibility that I didnt have in my two seat pickup.

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  Lovin My GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Lovin my GXP - November 9 - 5:00 pm

  Bought this car on a whim. Went to test drive a Mustang. Hated It. Drove by this Dealer by accident, and test drove a Trail-Blazer. Then I HEARD this car pulling into the lot. From there I was in Ahhh. But to get behind the wheel of this Powerful V8, what a dream. This is my third Pontiac (others were Grand-Am GTs) and they have done something Right with this GXP. I put 32,000+ miles on it the 1st year I owned it. Its a great highway car. I love to take it out to the deserted stretches of straight rural roads, and let her loose.

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  My Wifes Solstice - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Thomas Meyer - November 9 - 2:40 pm

  My wife wanted the Solstice. However, she likes me to drive. Quite frankly, it is a lot more fun to drive than I had anticipated. Im a longtime motorcycle rider and didnt think a car could be so much fun until now. Its a beautiful car! Its so much fun to drive and it works well. As we had to wait two months longer than expected for delivery, we were becoming impatient and were seriously thinking of the much more expensive BMW Z4. Were sure glad that we waited for the Solstice. The power is enough to be fun but a little more grunt (e.g., a V6) would draw even more excitement for this vehicle. Fuel mileage (29 hwy, 22- 23 town). Its an American company making a great car!