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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  1 month - 7500 miles later - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Nat - December 4 - 12:23 pm

  Took my Vibe (a rebadged Toyota Matrix) in its first month of ownership on a road trip across the country after taking advantage of the Clunkers program. No major issues or squeaks and rattles have arisen yet. Have only changed the oil/filter and added fuel injector cleaner so far. Was getting a fairly consistent 30 mpg of mostly highway driving with a fully loaded car, bike hitch rack, and a codriver who doesnt know how to smoothly modulate a gas pedal. Vibe has decent midrange punch with the 2.4 to pass and get up the hills. Glad I opted for the bigger engine Overall pretty happy with my purchase as the car has been both reliable and practical. For the money this car is hard to beat

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  Great - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Shellsea - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy this car so much. It is very comfortable and drives excellent. No plans to get rid of it !!

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  Great car - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Amanda - December 2 - 9:00 am

  This is the 4th Sunfire I have owned. I have loved everything about this car. Due to a recent accident I no longer have this vehicle, which is why I am writting. My husband and I hit a telephone pole at approx 50 mph and even though the car suffered major damage we both walked away with only a small bruise. I am very happy with the way the interior of this car stood up. A lot of times you see cars that completely fall part this car is amazing! I just wish they still made them so I could have another new one.

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  Good Vibes - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Mike Buchner - December 2 - 6:03 am

  The Bonnie Gxp is a blast to drive. With the sweet sound of its pipes, I feel like it;s 1965 again. It has good power,could use more torque down low, but its a dohc engine; and really starts to cook @ about 3500-4000 rpm.I love the styling. Looked at the Chrysler 300; but couldnt handle the cheese grader front end. And please; the Toyota Avalon is just plain ugly! The Bonnie has a busy interior, but I love the red dash at night; XM radio is fantastic. Gas mileage is only ok but it is a big heavy car with a v8. But like the man said "I feel good when I get in, and I feel good when I get out" If your looking for a larger car that handles like a BMW;w/good power;nice ride,big trunk; GXP!

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  good little car - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Becky - December 1 - 5:23 pm

  This is a good car for the people that needs a second car with room! I would buy another Aztek! I love mine and it has never let me down! I feel like I made an excellent choice!

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  Excellent Purchase - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Stan - December 1 - 8:33 am

  I drove the GXP for a couple of weeks and thoroughly enjoyed the 303 hp and all the gadgets this model comes with. However, with gas prices high, I opted for the 260 hp v6. Still plenty of power and the car is nice looking with comfortable seats.

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  Better than Grand Am - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Jery S - November 30 - 9:20 pm

  This car is fun to drive. Great mileage, good acceleration and cornering. The ride is stiff with some road noise and a little wind noise. The tires take a cold set in cold weather which makes the tires feel like they are out of balance until they warm up after about 5 miles. Have some rattles which the dealer corrected. The electric steering feels a little numb but transmits vibration back to the driver. I expected more from this model.

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  Nothing but Regrets - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By nothing but regrets - November 30 - 7:46 pm

  I bought my 2006 Pontiac g6 used with 33,000 mi. After two weeks of having the car, the stearning shaft needed to be replaced. About a year after having the car, the check engine light went on and the catalitic converter needed to be replaced as well as a head gasket. Thank goodness it was still under the manufacturs warrenty. The car is loud and nothing what I expected for what I paid for the car. I am trying to get into a different car because I am so disatisfied but the trade in value is nothing and I am about $7,000 in dept compared to what the car is worth. I would not recommend anybody buying this car because it will be nothing but a headache.

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  Pure Fun - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By V8frk - November 30 - 11:33 am

  I went from a 2001 Yukon to my 2004 Greystone Metallic GXP. The size was the toughest adjustment, but the power and handling made up for the loss of room. Its nothing but muscle and fun to drive. Theres nothing better then merging into fast moving interstate traffic and listening to the growl of the Northstar at its best! I have had it in for warranty work four times since purchase in six months for silly minor things and one major A/C water leak which the dealer kept in the shop for a week! Probably more of a dealer issue. The brake rotors rust as well and the dealer thinks its acceptable.

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  Love it!!!! - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By dgmyr1 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my third bonneville and is by far the best car I have ever driven!! It is extremely fun to drive! It handles well and responds when you press the pedal unlike other cars that I have driven. With it being low to the ground it is also safer to drive as I found out when I hit a patch of wet pavement with my last Bonneville (balding tires my fault)and spun off the road (at 70mph) but the car and passengers were quit safe. My first Bonnevillewas over 200,000 miles when I sold it my second 80,000 after 4 years when I sold that. No problems!!! Great cars!!!! Looking forward to my next Bonneville!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!