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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  Wheres the aftermarket shifter? - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By darkitec - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is just a blast to drive. I purchased a 6 speed sight unseen. The vehical has turned out to be better looking in person that any of the photos that have been published. The interior fit and finish are better than anything Ive seen from any GM product in years. Unfortunatly the shifter is a piece of junk. Each and every morning its like arm wrestling a gorilla in an attempt to get it in gear. Thankfully my dealer has agreed to make any fixes that they can. If that dosent fix it Im going to look for an aftermarket replacement

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  Vibe Quality - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sweetness - July 31 - 10:00 am

  T have had problems with the vehicle. The sunroof leaks. It has been replaced and still leaks. I have to take it in again. I has been repainted in areas. I have tried to trade up but was told that they would not even give me what I paid for it.

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  awesome vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By sheldoni - July 31 - 10:00 am

  great car would recommend for anyone. drives great handles even better. Go buy one today.

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  Pontiac Grand Prix - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dscott8873 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The car is a fun car to drive and responds well, especially when using a premium fuel. I question the long term quality of the vehicle. My Grand Prix needed a new transmission after 42000 miles, I also had changed the transmission fluid at 20,000 miles. The car also had a problem with its computer system at 38,000 mile right after the warranty went out. The quality if the interior is good. Some of the knobs could be of better quality as the paint on the pointer part of the A/C knobs wears easily.

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  Happy Montana Owner - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By water well owner - July 31 - 9:50 am

  Bought this van nearly 8 years ago after driving most other domestic vans. This one by far the best! Have over 196,000 miles on it and still love it! Have been looking around at something to replace it, but cant find anything that is as roomy or has the big comfy seats. This has been such a great vehicle, were spoiled and cant find anything that is worth replacing it with.

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  My sweet little Vibe - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By DHancock - July 31 - 2:16 am

  My husband and I rented a Vibe to take on a long trip. The more I rode/drove the car, the more I fell in love. We returned it on a Monday and that Wednesday, we bought one. It doesnt have much get up and go when passing but once you get that little thing out on the interstate, it goes. The deciding factor was the Toyota engine. This sports utility car is for anyone wanting an SUV but just cant afford the gas or want to sit up as high as a school bus. It is roomy and an absolute dream to drive. My 16 yr old daughter wants one - now that is something to rave about. If a teenager wants to be seen in it, it has to be a cool ride. Im so glad we found it. I absolutely adore this vehicle.

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  GOAT - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By whitetygger - July 31 - 1:30 am

  This car is the best built Pontiac in years. It is very reliable. It is A BLAST to drive. My only complant is when my wife takes it. To all that complain about is fuel economy find a Sports car with better mileage. To all that hacked its exterior design why did you buy it?

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  Best Grand Prix Ever - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Thunderchicken - July 30 - 6:20 am

  I have owned several Grand Prixs over the years and have found the 07 GXP to be the best yet. It has a great combination of handling, power and technology. Taking into account the car has a 300+ bhp V8, the fuel economy is very good. I get 26 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg city. I am not lead footed but do lean on it a bit from time to time. I find the build quality to be a bit lacking for the interior but a dash dress up kit really helps. The only down sides are poor factory tires and massive torque stear under hard excelleration. Pirelli PZero 255/45ZR18 solves the tire problem. Sorry, no solution for the torque stear. All in all a great, good looking adult sports sedan. Great value

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  Micks Solstice - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By MICKEY WHITEAKER - July 29 - 3:03 am

  I love the drive, very fun. It looks much more expensive than it is. I get asked all the time how much it was. Also asked what it is, which is disappointing because I have worked for GM for 33 yrs & GM has not advertised this car at all, no one knows what it is. The body design is beautiful, GM has done a Good Thing with the design of this. The ride is excellent for the small size, I attribute to the large 18 In. wheels on it.

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  First non-foreign badge car in 17 years - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By RHS - July 28 - 3:36 pm

  After comparing the G6 with Impala, Civic, and Altima, we decided on the G6 because of the interior creature comforts. Love the Civic but still too small. I am 65" and fit in the G6 with ease. The dealership was helpful and made sure we were set up properly. Unfortunately the power pedals dont work and we purchased the car out of state. Plastics could be a bit more upscale but overall I think this car is a winner. At least the regular sunroof doesnt rob the rear passengers of too much legroom.