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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  More Good Than Bad - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By jpollock - June 20 - 7:03 pm

  I purchased this 2000 Pontiac Montana new. Features power sliding door, climate control, power seats, etc. Payed $32k new for it, not worth that much, maybe close to $20k. All GMs vans had problems, this is by far the best out of the three though. There are about 127k miles on it now, its still running ok, but needs new head gaskets soon, so will be trading in shortly. For the most part the quad seating and roomy interior was a great van for a family of four and the dog!

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  Great convertible, best of both worlds - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By rjent - June 20 - 4:13 am

  We own a couple of Corvettes, one we have owned for 25 years. We traded an F150 supercrew pickup. We have about 1000 miles on her now and absolutely love this car. First Pontiac in decades. I must say the performance (and I would know :) is fun but the real magic of this car is the retractible roof, what a concept. We compaired the other 40K+ cars with retracts and thought this car was actually a better buy, plus you are buying American. We are getting over 27 mpg and know it will get better as it breaks in. If you are looking for a convertible, look hard at this one. We couldnt be happier!

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  A Keeper until it Dies - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By WylieCoyote - June 19 - 7:13 pm

  We bought this car in 1999, with 5,000 miles on it and I knew it would be a keeper. We have had absolutely no serious problems with this vehicle in the 10 years we have owned it. Was considering trading it in until I realized that there was nothing really wrong with it except a leak from someone putting a new front window in badly. That could be fixed, and it would not cost 25,000 like a new vehicle would. I would miss all the room we have in it if I bought a new vehicle. So we will keep her till she just lays down and dies. She is still pretty, fast, clean, and people still notice this type of car. Sorry they are not making any more. A shame indeed.

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  Fun Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Nate - June 18 - 12:56 pm

  This is a fun to drive, very sporty looking car. Only had it into the dealer for a few minor repairs, overall im very happy with it. Had to replace the front tires at 32000 miles, I went with Yokohamas and am very happy with them (less road noise and great traction).

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  Pontiac Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By S Smith - June 18 - 11:03 am

  Great responsiveness upon acceleration. Monsoon stereo makes driving a pleasure. Pontiac stepped up and subsidized the conversion to aluminum caps. Drive 20K + miles per year - best car Ive driven.

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  Lovin That Tek!!! - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Happy Aztek Girl - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I always thought it was unusual to look at, but, after driving it, I wouldnt have any other SUV. I love the power,the smooth ride, the feel of the steering, the quiet interior, the spaciousness. Just plain love the thing!!!

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  No big SUV for this mom - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Lee Lee - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I had a 1994 Bonneville and loved it. I thought I should go to an SUV because everybody else did, but I missed the sportiness of my Bonneville. The car is beautiful, sporty, and much better on gas than my SUV was. I will never go back! Who says when you are a mom you have to drive a boring sedan or a mammoth SUV?

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  Milestone - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By WESB - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The car is muscular, and a blast to drive. I have the 6-speed. Shifting is smooth and fun. There is so much torque. It feels like you are bubbling down the highway with lots more push if you want or need it. My 6 year old daughter thinks its cool. The 4 year old always wants to take the GTO whenever we go out. Priceless!

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  Awesome - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By James West - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Handles great. I love the outside design. It has the kind of power and speed you love for touch and go situations. I could drive it all the time. I feel like I have been in a commercial where I make excuses to take a drive anywhere. It is an awsome car.

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  Project Bonneville - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Trent - June 17 - 2:30 pm

  Bought the car from family a year ago, first of three. My first car at seventeen, my Bonneville is one of thirty or forty cars Ive drove and Im beyond happy with it. I underestimated the performance before I owned it; Ive ran the car in about twenty races, losing twice- once to a 2004 v8 mustang and a second time to a v6 celica. The cars been modded to be a sleeper and has as much performance add ons as possible without ridding comfort. I love it but am considering a full ssei conversion, or maybe even reinforcing the entire car and putting in a gto or ls1 engine along with new transmission and exhaust layouts. I love this car and am extremely satisfied with it.