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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  Goat - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Putch - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Great fun to drive! Im taking a killing at the gas pump but hey, I knew that when I bought it. Get it up around 75mph and this Goat really begs for more. 100mph comes up very quick. Pontiacs got a winner! Just go down to your local dealer, bite the bullit, and buy one.

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  GREAT - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By KirbyRocks333 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  great, awsome, ill keep till i die its soooooooooo great

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  A great first car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Flash3377 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This car has had only a few minor problems while ive had it, and it was the cadalidic converter that went out, but my car was still under warranty, the rest was my bad cause i ran over some nails cuz my tire blew out. Other then that its a great car for a high school students first car, and looks like it will last me through college.

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  BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!!! - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Feyee - January 10 - 12:33 am

  This is a fantastic car, drives like a dream, corners well, handles well in ALL weather conditions. Have driven 14+ hours a day, could never do that in most vehicles. Seats are unbelievable comfortable for driver & passengers. Have enjoyed having a sunroof. VERY Reliable, if could would buy the same car over again!!!LOVE IT!!! With over 121,000 miles on it trying to decide to sell or not?? Hate to let it go.

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  Bought new in 01- sharing the experience - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Bought New in 01 - January 9 - 8:16 pm

  Purchased the car new in 2000 after looking at all the options. Main buying factor was the GM 3.8L. With all my other GM models having the 3.8L, I have totaled over 650,000 mile on this engine model. Typical 30 MPG, great acceleration and reliability. Recommend using Mobil 1 10w30 and platinum plugs, drop the hood and drive. The car has proven reliable, safe, and fairly enjoyable to drive. Currently has 150,000 on the car and plan to drive to at least 250,000. Repairs to date: 3 brake sets, 1 transmission at 149K cost $1700 rebuilt, updated and installed, rear air shocks, 1 battery at 147K, heater motor and fuel sending unit, all the exterior lamps. Drives great on snow.

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  Im trying to find the positives - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Russell Lewis - January 7 - 6:36 am

  Let me start by saying, Ive only had this car a few days but wow... It is awful. No light in the trunk. Front doors dont unlock when you open the door twice. The odomoter is in a stupid place. The radio has FM text, good luck reading it. The A pillars are in AWFUL locations, visibility out of the car is dangerously deminished. I think Pontiac hired Pablo Picasso to do the interior ergonomics. Im sure someone calls it beautiful, but it doesnt fit any human. The steering wheel is just awkward, has too much slop/play and feels cheap. The seats are also rather bad. As for how the car drives.. Awful. The car I have doesnt have anti-locks!

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  Do Not Buy G5 GT!! - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By MuscleMike - January 5 - 9:40 pm

  This car has been a disappointment since the day I bought it. Bought it to save on gas, but I am still kicking myself today for trading in my 2006 GTO for this joke of a vehicle!

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  Me and My Vibe - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Buckeye - January 5 - 6:56 pm

  Love this car - owned two SUVs previously but had to give them up due to distances traveled and gas expenses. Found this little gem and I feel right at home - sitting up high and feeling safe while getting the added bonus of good gas mileage. Performs very well; quite zippy. People (teens included) like the cars performance and appearance. We love the audio system, sun roof and fast-responding heater. It is keeps us warm! We are ready for the nasty winter :)

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  A Joy to Drive - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By DanOPFL - January 5 - 10:00 am

  The test drive sold me. The longer I have this car the more I like it, and I thought it was great to begin with! Comfortable, fast, great handling, good gas mileage (averages better than our Sunfire!). Outstanding car on road trips - long or short. I really enjoy driving this car. Just cant say enough about the acceleration and handling. This car is just a joy to drive! Have had 2 problems - the right rear door requires too much effort to close and dealer cant resolve (the other doors close effortlessly) and had the temperature sensor go at 800 miles (warranty). Since then zero problems. Dont regret this purchase at all. Great car!

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  LOVIN MY CAR💓 - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Debbie - January 3 - 10:12 pm

  Been a GREAT CAR!!