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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  05 GOAT - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By 05 GOAT - March 22 - 5:36 am

  I remember getting a sneak peek at the "new" 1964 GTO back in the fall of 1963 at the local Pontiac Dealer with my dad. That was thrilling as a 12 year kid. The car was kind of plain but the first thing the dealer talked about was the "389" motor. This 2005 makes me think back to that experience the car, while attractive enough, does not get by on its looks ... its that 6.0 liter 400 HP engine. Having owned many cars from early Z-28 (1968), Corvette, 400 CI Firebird, Tuubo-Coupe Thunderbird, three 5.0 Mustangs (still have 2), that are considered performance cars this may be the best balance. Bought as a GM Certified Used car so far so good. Im over 64" & car is roomy for 2 adults.

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  Great Value - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By brad lebosse - March 21 - 10:00 pm

  I am totally impressed with my 2008 G6 value line. The 2.4L is powerful, quiet and responsive. The 4 speed transmission is excellent. I was swayed by negative reviews about the electronic power steering but after driving the G6, I actually prefer electronic assist. Turning radius is great. I also like the large diameter steering wheel. I bought the tan interior and like the bright appearance over the black interior. Seating is comfortable and the car is quiet and fun to drive. It is a fun car to drive and feels safe and secure. I also test drove the Honda Civic and Accord, and Toyota Camry and completely prefer the G6.

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  Great Mpgs, a lot of leg room and powerful! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By k_relyt - March 21 - 4:28 pm

  I have driven this car for 80,000+ miles and I know what I am talking about when I say this is a great car! I bought the car with 70,000 and now its at 150+ and I have only had to replace minor bits and pieces that come along with driving a car that much. Brake pads, wheel bearings and a battery once. You dont have to buy a 4 cylinder civic to get good milage. This can get 33 tops on hwy and 21 in the city. I avg. 28 driving through mnt. ranges on cruise. For a 2dr the back seat is spacious for leg room and comfy. I can fit my snowboards and wakeboard in my trunk no problem as well as move all my belongings in the thing. Its sharp with the 17" chrome rims and can give you amazing v6power.

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  Fun Convertible! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By hawkee - March 20 - 6:10 pm

  Ive only had this vehicle for a couple of weeks and so far I really like just about everything about it a lot! My only wish is that it would have a more exciting interior and not use so much hard cheap looking plastic. However, overall Im very pleased with my purchase. A hardtop convertible for just over $31,000 is a great deal in my book!

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  Detroit can build a great car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By DB - March 20 - 3:56 pm

  This is my second Grand Prix. my 1992 went 155,000 mi before I traded it in for the 1999. At 165,000 mi this GTP is still going strong. Aside from typical wear items: tires, brakes, belts, bulbs, etc, all that was replaced was the fuel pump at 156,000. The 3.8L motor is a strong GM plant, runs strong, still gets 32mpg hwy 20 city and uses minimal oil (1/2 qt between changes). The body integrity remains tight. People are amazed to hear the year and mileage when they see the condition. Very roomy in interior and trunk cargo area.

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  I like this car... - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Lisa - March 20 - 12:53 pm

  I have just bought a 2007 pontiac G6 GT, yes I know Im saying I like it now because I havnt had it long, but it has done me well so far, it does have a little popping noise when I turn the wheel, but my car has 40K and was totaled, so not a big deal yet. My brakes are a little bit of a problem because Im used to touchy brakes and these are soft compared to my old car, still not a big problem Ill have to adjust. All cars have problems,I know that,they were a newer car(2007)and there was going to be bugs. Not every car is the same just some are lemons. Trust me this car is alsome conpared to all the other cars I have had. The only other car I would take for this car is a Mazda or a Honda

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  Drop Top Dream - 2009 Pontiac Solstice
  By Tari - March 19 - 2:50 pm

  Although I have only owned a month and put about 700 miles on it, it hasnt disappointed me yet. I had the power up package added. Now 290 HP and 340 ft lbs torque according to article in Hot Rod. I still get goosebumps when I step it down and look at speedometer, I wont admit what it read! Admittedly going to be a summer ride for me but it will be a GREAT summer!

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  DONT BUY GM - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By dontbuyGM - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Had my car less than 6 months and it started falling apart. VERY POOR quality car. The paint is peeling off all over. Front end of car is messed up, Ive been told it was more than likely damaged at the factory. ****GM mechanics SUCK!! I have had 6 dashes, 4 left panels, 3 right panels, 3 consoles, and the stereo replaced!! ALL because the "GM CERTIFIED MR GOODWRENCH MECHANICS" are careless when they work on my car!!! And guess what GM customer service does NOT care I have called numerous times!! BEWARE OF HOW FAST THIS CAR CAN FALL APART!!! BUY A FORD INSTEAD!! I WISH I HAD!!!!!

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  Great deal on a great car! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Sabresfan - March 18 - 10:00 am

  You cant beat the performance for a small car. This vehicle has style, and quality to boot... I love it!

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  Reliable Grand Prix - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By gina - March 17 - 9:26 pm

  I purchased the car new in 2000 and I currently have 65,000 miles on her. My only major complaint is the regulators/motors for the windows, at least 15 times since new combined all windows and I rarely use the back windows. The headlight lens have been foggy since 15,000 miles and GM refused to fix under warranty. Other problems, lost fan speeds for climate controldriver door panel is loose, and a blown speaker. Its been paid off for years and only requires routine maintence, oil changes, 1 new battery, new tires on front &and 2 new tires and brake pads at 60k. I love my car and wont part with it!