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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  Aztek - take another look - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Bill Duffy - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I love my Aztek, its so quiet and smooth. Has plenty of options, and I get 24 MPG. Stereo pumps out some fine tunes and bass. Best car I have ever had!

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  Dont know what theyre missing - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By BrianS - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I never intended to buy an Aztek. But, after taking one for a test drive; the low noise level, comfortable seating and smooth ride made my decision. Typical issues seem to be the rear hatch not opening properly and the BCM (Body Control Module) causing unusual problems. Both of these items are well published, and easily fixed. I havent personally experienced either one. The Aztek is incredibly versatile. Packages are designed specifically for many outdoor activities - including tailgating. (The rear door drops down pickup-style and has cup holders). Anyone considering an Aztek should drive one - otherwise, they dont know what theyre missing!

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  Screw the Critics - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Kdavis324 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  The Aztek is the best SUV on the market, I drive from SC to NY 2000 miles round trip, at least 3 times a year with my family and the comfort in this SUV is un-comparable to any other. The cargo space allows for 3 suite cases and a cooler without impeding the visibility. Gas mileage is about 30 highway and 22 city. The Sound system is perfect and this thing is built to last for years. To every critic who has slammed our beloved Aztek, shame on you for being just another cow in the heard.... One last thought, if the Aztek is so unappealing to the eye, why are there so many copy- cats out there.

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  A Reliable Cheap Car - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Luke - May 29 - 9:33 am

  This car has been more than dependable. It has held up through 3 teenagers, a papaer route, pizza delievery, and everything in between. My only complain is the suspension. It just isnt right. it edge wears tires like no other and there is nothing you can do. The Strut bearings go bad super fast, but the ball joints and tie rod ends hold up. Very Dependable. it has never left me stranded. I have has the car a long time, and it has 135k on it, still runs like a champ. been child abused, and killed with miles, hardly ever maintenance it, and its still a good car. For the price, you almost cant beat it, other than insurance. Sport Coupe. I Recommend this car to anyone needing a cheap ride.

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  2000 Bonneville - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By jim - May 29 - 6:50 am

  I have used it to travel between WV and FL for 7 years. Excellent gas mileage, reliability and comfort. Absolutely no major problems- no major expenses.

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  mecham - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By CUEVAS - May 28 - 11:23 am

  This vehicle is a supercar on racing it gives out an outstanding performance when it come for take off and racing. Its also very comfortable from the interior (the seats, a/c radio/cdplayer) and the most important part of this vehicle is that you can make some modification to the gtp (illuminate your gages, upgrade your system) and all this details wont cost you a thing.

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  Long range thoughts - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Larry - May 27 - 10:50 pm

  I may have been the first to take one of these beauties on a long distance road trip. No matter what anyone says, this is NOT a vehicle for such an excursion. MI-FL-MI was the selected loop. While in FL, it was the perfect ride. Top down, high sun, friendly girls....it was all good. Exiting the car at rest areas & having my legs spaz around like I was having a seizure might have been amusing to onlookers, but not to me. Am I glad I bought this "Child of Lutz"? You bet I am! Will I ever ask it to do something it wasnt designed to do again? No way!

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  4Dr GT Loaded w/Panoramic Roof - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By DocWyeth - May 26 - 5:40 pm

  At 64" I love this car. Tilt and telescoping steering wheel have come in handy. My shorter daughter loves the 6 way seat. I rarely use the air (temp has to be 90+) because it is so nice to tool down the road with the roof open. This car is the most neutral car to drive. No over or understeer. Upgrade the tires from the OEM and you have a great sports car. I dont car for the driver info center being incorporated in the radio. You cant upgrade the radio. Gas mileage is 26.3 for the life of the car and on trips to Florida we have 30mpg+ at 80mph, Wow. If you have a heavy foot at lights expect to get under 25mpg.

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  best car Ihave owned - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By francis joubert - May 26 - 11:53 am

  I have 42,000 miles on it and have not brought it back to dealer. Handles very good and the 3800 engine is superb, very peppy.Gets 30 miles per gallon on highway.The fits are excellent. No squeaks or rattles. Seems to me GM has finally built a good reliable car. Will definitely buy another car. I tried a nissan,and camry,but this is quieter and handles better.

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  compact suv - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By joe k - May 24 - 7:06 pm

  this is the most versatile car i have ever owned. its a fun car to drive with good gas mileage. capacity to haul your huge dogs or rambunctious kids. get all the the groceries you can afford in this thing, or go to the nursery for all the plants you want. whatever you are looking for you can normally fit it in a vibe. and the gas to fill the tank for three hundred and some miles of driving on a trip wont bankrupt you