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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  Great Car!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mr Beatnick - September 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good car. This just makes me feel good about American cars once again,and on top of that I still have some cash in my pocket.

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  In a town of Imports... - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By CHAK - September 27 - 8:10 pm

  After taking advantage of the summer promo from GM, got great deal on Bonny GXP. Stands out in a town of sameness (Lexus, BMW, Audi) and is a great ride. At 62", leg room is a minor issue, but seats are great and I am very comfortable. The dashboard at night is stunning and the purr of the V-8 matches that. Strongly recommended and fun and safe to drive.

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  Dependable Ride - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Elizabeth - September 27 - 11:46 am

  I purchased this vehicle new. The only problem that I have had with this car is the brakes (but I am always hard on brakes).

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  Look but dont buy! This car is horrible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By pontiac no more - September 27 - 4:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car since 2000 miles. Constant vibration and bounce that dealer cant fix. Got GM involved but nothing resolved. Recently had the rotors resurfaced, again, oil level sensor broke, seat weld broke and more rattles. 20,000 miles later and the vibration still there. Finally called a lawyer. Im just glad I leased! No wonder the big 3 are failing, poor quality and lack of interest in consumers!

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  American muscle - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BMW KILLER - September 27 - 1:13 am

  I have had my GXP for few months now. I had an 04 GTP and I must say that having the GXP is a big difference. The rumble from the exhaust is much greater and once you step on the gas you go. The tires are summer tires though which is a concern living in Chicago. Overall its a blast to drive.

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  Love this Car! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By aaaprotected - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2004 Pontiac brand new! It has 132,000 miles on it and I still love this car like when I bought it. I have only had minor things go wrong, but nothing ever major! I sadly trading it in for something newer with less miles. Being Pontiac isnt making these anymore I am having to search for a car just as great! If you love POWER you will love the 3.8 motor.

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  06 GTO - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By rick - September 25 - 9:43 pm

  i purchased my GTO in june of 06 i was pleased in the comfort of the interior and performace but not blown away. cant get much better for the price range unless you are willing to spend an extra 10 grand on a corvette or mustang shelby GT500

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  Its Great - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Luv My Car - September 25 - 5:46 am

  I absolutely love my little Vibe. I got the Sun & Sound pkg, so it looks and sounds great too. I love the spunkiness it has for such a little car, especially for a 4 cyl automatic, and it runs great on a cross-country trip. It holds as much as my old clunky Isuzu Rodeo, and gets twice the gas mileage!

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  Still love this car! - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By Sumer R. - September 24 - 5:15 pm

  In 2014, I purchased this car used from a reputable dealer in my area. Truth be told, Ive always owned a foreign vehicle, but I was working with a limited budget, and understood I couldnt be picky. The dealer showed me this car, and I wasnt totally impressed initially, but after a test drive, I had a change of mind. This car gets it done. Ive had it for about 18 months now, and as a commuter, who drives about 30,000 miles a year, my little silver bullet has proven solid through an extreme winter in Ohio, never given me any engine trouble, and is pretty comfy for a base model. I keep the oil changed, and I do regular maintenance as the manufacturer suggests. 6/17 update: Finally something went bad on this little car. In April, I learned the transmission was in need of replacement. I had it replaced for $1992, as a point of reference for anyone looking for costs. Still running. I now have 166,000 on this car.

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  SOLOVE - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By LindaD - September 24 - 3:30 pm

  This is the best mid-life crisis I could have ever asked for! I dont have to struggle now to maintain my youth, I drive it! What an eye- catcher! Thats how I fell in love at first sight. Chased this vehicle down the highway just to see what it was. Then, I couldnt leave it alone until I got one of my own! I love this car! Too bad I couldnt have had this car twenty years ago!