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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  good - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By jayownsya - August 3 - 10:00 am

  sporty nice look, you can accessories it. 2.2 ecotec engine is fast and good on gass

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  Nice car but... - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GTowner - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my GT about a year and half. I was very happy with it for the first year, but lately Ive become a little disappointed. The brakes have a terrible feel (which the dealer tells me is normal), Ive had gas guage sending unit and turn signal switch replaced, and had the computer updated for a problem with the starter. All this as I inch closer to the end of the warranty. In spite of these issues, the car has plenty of power (especially in the 3000 RPM range), handles well and is comfortable to drive. If only they would add the supercharger they keep teasing us with...

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  Fun - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By rickity - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive

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  Awesome Car! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JCSupercharger - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The GTP is just simply an awesome car. It gives a thrill every time I take a drive. I have no complaints. If thinking of buying a Grand Prix I would only recommend buying the GTP - well worth the extra bucks!

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  Love this car - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By speedy goat - August 3 - 1:33 am

  This car is incredible! For the money that I spent; the performance, build quality, and interior amenities - WOW. This is NOT a replacement for the old F Bodies. This is what they should have been. I would definitely recommend this car.

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  Besides the Judge, Best Pontiac Ever - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Kolossus - August 1 - 6:36 am

  I bought a 2009 Pontiac G8 GT in White Hot on the 30th of December 2008. So far I have about 800 miles on the OD and the car keeps getting better. Here in the Burgh, the winter is sometimes a hindrance and yet I have had no problems with the rear wheel drive. One just needs to learn the right amount of pressure on the gas pedal and drive safe. Im still breaking her in and will write more come summer once shes got a few thousand miles.

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  Danger!!!!! walk away from the looks! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Sissymlb - July 31 - 9:16 pm

  I bought this car because it looked so good on the lot.(big mistake) 1 week after i bought it the window motor went out then the alternator went i have replace it 4 times about once a year average the ignition switch has broke 3 times ? (over 400.00 a time ) the water pump, the power steering pump, i have replaced the brakes 3 times i have to replace tires twice the whole front end, the straps on the muffler have broke 5 times my cd player quit 6 months after i bought it if you have seen the movie the money pit. im living it with my car like i said when i seen it i had to have it because the looks ....for your own sake keep looking....

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  Great for the Price - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Gene - July 31 - 7:23 pm

  I previously owned a Miata and I feel the Solstice out preforms the Miata I had (2000 model). Complaints about acceleration are unwarranted. If you read the owners manual, it recommends premium gas. It definitely is a different car with regular gas. What the heck with premium you get better mileage, great acceleration and what the heck is an additional $2.60 more per tank vs. using regular considering all that is gained. Drive it right, treat it right and youve got one great car.

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  Happy with the Aztek ... - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Gnaeus Caelius - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I needed a larger vehicle to haul people and things. And with GM Card incentives and the current discounts I ended up in my Pontiac dealers showroom. I test drove the Aztec and bargained a little and came away with the Aztek thinking it was a utility vehicle I could live with .. and it certainly is that . But the more I drive it the better I like it, really like it.

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  I got your engine - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By blocker - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The GTOs not so showey exterior is a bonus for thoes who prefer an understated appearance. All go and no show! The GTO on the grill bring coments from many past Goat drivers