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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  Cmon! Interior coming apart after 3 months - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By R&L - April 16 - 4:03 am

  We purchased this vehicle four months ago. First rims had bubbles in them, then the lever to release seat came apart and now after 4 months the window console panel is popping up. Very cheaply made and whats the deal with the stupid storage racks! couldnt come up with something better? I could go on and on about things that we found wrong with this Jewel from GM. Way to go boys! Wont get another purchase from me again!

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  To"buy or not to buy" - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Danny - April 16 - 3:40 am

  Found this to be a smooth riding car and well built. No squeaks when going over bumps and the vehicle felt "solid".

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  A great blown Grand Prix - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Joe - April 12 - 6:23 pm

  Ive owned this car for 2 years, was a previous owner of an 04 non- supercharged version, and I love it. Its fast and stylish and gets pretty good gas mileage. Although good, I have to clarify the mileage rating as was given in a few of the other ratings. This car has never averaged 30 mpg for me, and I live 7 miles from my job. My trip computer indicates 21 mpg (avg) on good days, 17 if I get on it hard. The trip computer will show avg, instant, and range mpg info. Its good, but not that good. Still, for the size of its motor, its weight, and the hp rating, its plenty good for me. It provides a very smooth and stable ride and can hold the road very well for its weight.

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  My 2003 Vibe GT - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By B-Dog - April 12 - 2:40 pm

  I swapped my 2003 Honda Civic Si for my Vibe GT, "Spinelli" because a) I needed a five door for easy access for my five-year old son, and b) I needed a domestic vehicle for my job. Ive been pleased with the swap. The car accelerates crazily when you hit 6000 RPM, but around town with my wife & son, its quite docile. Its a real Jekyll-and-Hyde kind of car. The handling is nice, the brakes are strong, and I do get 30+ MPG on the highway consistently. I drive over 30K miles/year, most of them highway, so thats a nice add (especially with Premium selling for $3/gallon now). Ill definitely consider another one next fall when itll need replacing.

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  My Review - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ChrisGAGT96 - April 12 - 3:50 am

  After having this car for a little over a year, I find that it can get some attention with the right mind put into it. Although where the car does lack the edge most of the same year cars in this year range have, It still has a kick to it like no other. The Sporty appearance of the 2 door GT is very noticable; mix in a 5-spd and 2.4l, and you have yourself a combo. As far as performance parts go, there are really none available, which is sad because the engine is a sound one. For the daily driver this care is a phenom, great gas mileage, and hopefully minimal problems make it great for point A. to B. driving.

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  Should have bought a Honda... - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Kccase - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This car really isnt worth what little money it is worth anymore. A 2000 model year car that is worth under $6000 is worth under $6000 for a reason. The Sunfire is slow and unreliable umong many other downfalls. Last time I ever buy a domestic...

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  GT is worth the extra money! - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By mags118 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I cant seem to understand why some individuals complain about Pontiac and the Sunfire in general. Sure, if you have the SE model, the performance wont be as high as a GT. Personally, I love the GT model. It rides great, its pretty smooth, and it has a great get- up-and-go from the minute the light turns green. No problems here!

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  I LOVE MY TEK - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By daluna71 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I was planning on purchasing a Honda CRV my mom has one and she really likes it but then on a lark while shopping multiple dealers I happened upon the aztek.Call me crazy but I actually like the way mine looks so do most people that see it.I get asked all the time if its that new mitsubishi thats out.I hated the way they looked when it came out but making the black trim body color and giving it nicer rims makes a huge huge difference.The aztek rides much much quieter and softer down the road I could not believe the difference it also corners better and feels more stable on the highway.The tek also has features on it the crv can only dream of.

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  The best family minivan weve owned - 2003 Pontiac Montana
  By Laverne Marble - April 11 - 10:00 am

  The Montana was only a passing thought until we drove it. We were looking for an SUV but drove the Montana and we were hooked right away! It drives like a dream. Smooth and the undercoat kills road noise. The kids love the "Montanavision" I call it A Moms savior. We took our first trip as a family two days after we bought it and the kids were "seen and not heard". If you buy this vehicle, you will not be dissapointed!

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  New GP Rocks - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jkeener71 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. Looks great, Handles great. Very good power. Impressive Braking. HUD (Heads-up display is sweet). Very informative information center.