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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  Zippy Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rob - October 13 - 9:40 pm

  I found the standard Vibe with automatic transmission to be very zippy around town as well as the freeway. City fuel milage varies from 24 to 29mpg depending on traffic and stop lights. I like the wide wheelbase and the way it hugs the road and the curves reminisant of the 60s, a Pontiac trait. Ilove this Vibe as it passes the gas stations, not like other vehicles that outweigh it and wastes fuel. The Vibe is an all around zippy fun vehicle; its the answer to todays gas prices. I look forward to driving the Vibe to Monterey, and up to Oregon, and Washington, i know it will get looks and stares, it always does.

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  Hammer Down - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By CEllis - October 13 - 12:50 am

  I recently bought my G8GT with sunroof, sports and comfort package for my wife as we our first child neccessitated 4 doors. My wife LOVES this car as do I. The power this thing has is incredibly smooth and I regularly find myself going faster than I should. The only weak areas of this car are the brakes, lack of navigation, no memory for the driver (my 98 vette has it, why cant a 09?), the manual knob for the seat back, and the lack of bluetooth in lieu of Onstar (boo). Other than those little things, which are forgotten once I put the gas pedal to the floor, this car is a rockstar. In fact, I will be looking for a nice used GXP once I pay this GT off.

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  2004 GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By dave - October 12 - 10:33 pm

  Great "grand touring" car for the money. Plain styling, but the overall performance and built quality (not your typical GM car) make up for this.

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  Fun...at a cost! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jhawkes - October 12 - 6:13 pm

  I love driving this car--it performs very well for the cost ($5,000 in early 2004) and handles like a dream for its age. However, there are some issues. I had to replace the brakes and need new pads literally every six months (and I dont drive it very hard). The audio display and climate settings displays sometimes show goofy non- numerical junk and/or no display at all. Ive also had some issues with a grinding noise when turning (which is probably the result of hitting a deer - the mechanics error, not Pontiacs). Finally, the drivers side window has given me all sorts of trouble (two window-engine replacements and still an issue). BUT, fun to drive!

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  Somewhat of a Good Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By littlelisa - October 12 - 6:56 am

  Only had for one year, and had to replace the ignition switch twice. Been dumping money into it left and right.

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  Drive it you will buy it - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By WHTODD - October 12 - 2:00 am

  One month into 24 month smart buy on red 6 speed GTO. $7500 off msrp and high residual made this an easy purchase, ($114 per month!) Interior is extremely comfortable, power is immediate, shifts very smooth and wonderful braking action. Averaged 24 mpg on 1000 mile trip running 75. Solid, confortable, fast and rattle free. Higholy recommend any real car enthusiast drive this and you will want one, expecially with the heavy discounting on 2004 model. Only saw one on the road in TX, so it is also a unique car to own. Friends who drove it cannot believe the power and sheer performance of the GTO. As a 60s teenager, this car has the spirit of the original

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  I love my GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By danright - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I love the car

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  a snazzy, sport little ride - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By things_hoped_4 - October 11 - 10:06 pm

  I have had my G6 for a week.It is great! It rides like a dream, and has alot of get up and go. Everyone comments on its beauty.

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  Best MPG vs Dollar Spent - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By dhg6 - October 11 - 5:56 pm

  Looked at at lot of cars. Found 2009 G6 Sedan with 4 cyl and 6 speed auto trans. I commute 120 miles round trip per day. 1st tank of gas avg 35 mpg for a range of 525 miles. With the blow out prices and warranty and 2 yrs of Onstar,free maint, and free xm radio for 2 yrs. Best bang for the buck

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  Happy with mine - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By George Smallfield - October 11 - 1:56 am

  I purchased my GTO instead of a Infiniti G35 coupe after driving both. 8K miles later I cant imaging how wrong the G35 would have been, my GTO seats 4 comfortably (granted getting in the back seats is difficult, but comfy once youre there), is MUCH faster, more comfortable ride and saved me some money.