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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  See ya! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Nick - November 9 - 10:00 am

  My GXP is a garage queen. 3000 miles after 15 months. BUT it has been slightly modified. Kooks headers, Vararram cold intake, cat delete, SLP supercharger, engine tune and trans tune. It is simply the greatest sleeper ever. A 4 door sedan that can blow just about anything off the road! If you like 500 HP at the rear wheels, this is the way to go. Keep in mind Fly wheel HP doesnt tell the whole story! All these inflated HP numbers are at the Fly Wheel. They made me rate fuel economy. WHO CARES? At this performance level and low miles driven, it does not matter.

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  Always loved this car! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Cgts - November 8 - 10:13 pm

  All I can say is that anything would have suited me fine after having driven a Daewoo Lanos! But, I always admired the Pontiac Vibe for its adorable design since the first time I ever saw it. These new defined designs of the car is just stunning! Ive got the GT, and I love how this car looks! As an art major, it has been just spectacular having so much cargo space to haul my sculptures and oversized paintings. Very reliable car, not to mention it is crazy fun to drive. One thing I thought was great about the car was the magnificent interior design, but this is coming from someone who used to have cup holders directly under the radio, so I guess theres room for improvement on that note.

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  fun & functional - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By SaraE - November 8 - 3:43 am

  The 8-passenger seating with the fold flat seat is the way to go. We have had this van for 3 weeks and Ive used it many times already. We do have a full size truck with an extended cab, but this is much easier to use with also having two small children. Its handling is great. I went from a Prizm to this and dont feel any difference from a manuverablity standpoint. For as big as this is, thats saying something. I love it.

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  My 2002 Pontiac Aztec - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Doug Wilson - November 7 - 4:13 am

  My Aztec is the worst automobile Ive ever owned in my life. 1st Pontiac Grand Am, purchased new, within one years paint bwgan to peel off, Dealer refused to repaint it, said it was because of the High Mileage I put on it. Bought a New Pontiac Grand Prix a few years later. Ran OK but interior buttons began to crack and break, at 63000 mikes its timing belt broke and realy damaged the engine my mechanic told me. Then the Pontaic AZTEC 2002 used, with 28000 miles on it. had nothing but trouble with it electricly, have spent well over $1500 getting elctricsl problems fixed plus lousy gas mileage, Hard suspension. Pontiac Factory refuses to stand behind the car. Good Bye Pontiac fo

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  Great Car! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By CMGierbolini - November 7 - 1:53 am

  My husband and I rented a Vibe around the 2nd week of Dec 2004. We loved it so much we bought one 2 weeks later! It is the best car Ive ever driven! Its stylish and fun to drive. I only wish it had a few more horses. Other than that its the perfect car! I definatly recommend it to anyone!

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  nightmare on wheels - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By phil - November 6 - 10:13 am

  If i were to be able to go back in time I would never have looked at this car. My experience has been horrible. The car has been in the shop more times than I can count. I believe it is in the shop more than it is in my driveway. One instance was that the trunk lid would not close properly. Their answer was "all the 02 trunk lids close that way". So they bring another car in and sure enough! This car was poorly engineered from the ground up. In fact I am on my way to get a new one. Save yourself the trouble and buy a honda or a toyota!

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  The ultimate vehicle - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By samuel - November 5 - 4:53 pm

  The G6 handles nice and smooth, it is a very good car for the price. the interior is user friendly, the stereo is loud and clear. it does not scratch the cds when used. The fuel economy is very good i went to philadelphia with a stop off at atlantic city which is about 300 miles approximately one one tank of gas with some to spear, also one half a tank back to brooklyn. i recommend this car to anyone, it is much better than my last 3 cars put together. the insurance rate for the vehicle is alot cheaper then some other vehicles as well. it handles solid in the snow, it does not slid even without stability and traction control. go for a test drive you will not be disappointed.

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  SellingPriceRMartin - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By R. Martin - November 5 - 12:10 am

  Dependable, sleek looking, easy- handling coupe with no body rust or damage. Has been regularly maintained by authorized automotive servicer. Tires in good shape. It has been used for commuting. Good mileage, good for thousands and thousands of miles.

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  Great Car - NOT Dime-a-Dozen - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By ChevySmallBlock=HP - November 4 - 3:16 am

  More horsepower easily accessible without SC. A ton of performance parts available for small block Chevy motors. I love the sound of this car, especially when launching or serious downshifting. This motor is HIGH quality and will take what it was made for.

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  What a great car! - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kenly777 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my car!!!!