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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  Grand Prix GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Frank & Denise - February 4 - 10:00 am

  The Grand Prixs style, performance, options, and comfort are excellent. Its my second Pontiac vehicle and I never had a problem mechanically with them. Only problem is storage area in the front of the car, but its worth it.

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  3 Day Review - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By forgop - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Just leased a Grand Prix 3 days ago. Nice car for the money, at least with the rebates and GMS pricing that was available to me. Had it not been for being so upside down on my trade, I could have done a 2 year lease with 15k miles/year for just $200($24k MSRP). Definitely has the Pontiac ride, having leased a 99 Grand Am as well. I think the 3800 engine is perhaps one of the best out there in the midsize market. Very well equipped car for a base package. Roomy interior with lots of trunk space.

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  best car ever owned - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By sonja - February 3 - 9:46 pm

  i have had chevy 2-10 4 x 4 trucks, and i still love my truck for winter time. in the winter time the pontiac is in garage on dollies, along with our restored 1968 camaro. on dollies. then we dirve the chev trucks, and only use pontiac g8 for summer time. it is so comfy, fun to drive, supper fast, i have to watch myself. with the speed all in all wonderful car. my love was mustang convertables about 1966 or so, i had a 2004 mustang convert 5 speed, for 3 years, got tired of shifting, and clutch was all screwed up. so my husband got me the pontiac g8, and i am in love now. you couldnt get it away from me. even the birds love my car for their dropings,

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  How much can on person smile - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By sweetface - February 3 - 6:30 pm

  When I went to a quarter mile track near where I live and I heard and saw one of these beautiful sleepers go down the track, I had to have one. Luckily only 2 months later there was a beautiful Cyclone grey one in mint condition ( you could eat off the engine) sitting in my garage. I have loved getting up every morning since knowing that I get to drive it every day. Its powerful, comfortable and the most fun automobile I have ever owned. I cannot stop smiling every time I get behind the wheel. What an awesome car!

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  Greatest car ever. - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brian2570 - February 3 - 8:10 am

  I got a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix GT in white with the tan leather interior with only 27,000 miles for a first car (Youd say spoiled brat, but let me just say I got a hell of a deal!). My siblings who drive Hondas say its incredible. The ride is smooth, its extremely comfortable with tons of legroom, the Monsoon sound system is insane, and this thing is FAST. I am in love with this car. There is not one thing more I could wish for, I swear. If you are looking for car, take a look at the Grand Prix. The ratings I gave it are honest, this thing is more fun to drive than my moms Mustang GT. And whoever says theres no back seat room has gone mad.

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  Fun car to drive - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Suzanne - February 3 - 12:20 am

  Very fun to drive-(have the coupe with a 6 speed), shifting sometimes is stiff but the car looks great and zips around with very good gas mileage. There has been no problems with the car and it is driven a lot. Like others, I also am not crazy about the cup holders and their location. But I have adjusted to this. The car is really roomy and the backseat console is handy for the passengers because it is not located on the floor. I love the car overall and am very happy with the purchase.

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  AZTEK A OK - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Aztek713 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  The ride is great, power is better than expected. Interior controls are placed well, the 10-speaker sound system is fabulous. Has more interior room than one may expect. With the rear seats removed and the removable tray removed, the amount of hauling space is wonderfu. Rear sight lines with spoiler on the 2002 models could be improved. Other than that, we love our 2002 Aztek. A lot of vehicle for the money.

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  My Granny Ammy - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Pauly - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is just simply awesome words cant do my baby justice.!!!!!!!!!!!! The engine is great good trans very good performer and reliable too!!!! My 1999 Grand AM went 92,000 Miles with no problem and pured like a tiger at the time or trade in

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  GTO-Todays Muscle Car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By PONTIaction - February 1 - 12:06 am

  Great to drive. A wolf in sheeps clothing! A real nice true 2+2 muscle car.

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  good solid car - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ken - January 31 - 6:33 am

  No problems except transmission just before the warranty expired (thank goodness). nice sturdy car, v6 has good power, good cornering, and fun to drive.