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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  Hot Car! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By 2d- 2.4 liter - February 15 - 10:20 pm

  I love my Solstice. It looks better than my 99 Corvette hardtop. I have done several things to make it different than others. I am thinking about putting a Hahn Turbo and maybe a hardtop also. Mine has just about ever option. I have not had to take it back for anything up to this point. Very good quality and really fun to drive. The most fun car I have ever owned. Buy one youll love it!

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  Good car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Bob - February 14 - 12:56 pm

  I bought mine new in 2003 and had to have door skins replaced due to rusting the first year. Also front brakes keep warping the rotors and I donÂ’t even use them very hard.

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  Unbeatable - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By pro1mt2000 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  The Pontiac Vibe is the most significant car built this year. Its aggressive styling, luxurious ride, outstanding fuel economy, make it an unbeatable package. It has plenty of power, roomy interior, and plenty of personality. Definitely get the moon and toons package.

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  No better car - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Metalgod - February 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is great and fun to drive. Enough power, comfortable, easy handeling. there is plenty of room. Rides great and is very quiet. Would reccomeend this car to anyone. I will always stick with Pontiac as my car of choice.

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  to see if my car is doing well - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Lettie Marchand - February 14 - 10:00 am

  when i go too fast it shakes really bad. Its the steering wheel.

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  My GTO is Good Enough - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Bill Ray - February 14 - 1:33 am

  All GTO owners that I have talked to grows more pleased as time passes. Initially I was impressed with the muscle and speed. After a year of driving I began to love this cars European look! My car is black w/red upholstry, Calif.Chromed stock wheels, L&N air filter, best set of headers made, you can imagine the compliments that follow this classy and sassy road machine! When I purchased it I thought I might change it after 3 years,but its the best car that I have owned. I plan to keep it. I have bought Pontiacs since the 60s, that includes Trans Ams Gran Prixs. All were good for their time, but none compared to my 04 GTO!

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  "Love My G6!!!" - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Love My Pontiac - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my G6 for almost 2 years. I still love it. It has great performance,acceleration, and handles curves extremely well. I get around 26 mpg on the highway. Hint: Use a product called STP gas treatment at every other fill up and you will increase your mpg. I cant imagine another car I would rather have. The only thing I would change is the cloth seats, I would rather have the leather ones, they are much more comfortable and durable, but these clean up pretty easy using Blue Coral.. Happy driving!

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  First Car - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By swankytigers - February 12 - 1:13 pm

  I received this as my first car when I first started driving, and I can honestly say its been the best car I have ever driven. For 15k, you get an engine that feels just as powerful as a 911. It has very sexy angles that perfect it. Go pontiac!

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  Feeling the Vibe - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By TeeDubb - February 11 - 1:00 am

  My Vibe was a leftover new 2006 I found on a local lot in May 2007. I replaced my ancient 1993 4Runner with the Vibe and I couldnt be happier. Tons of interior space (as much as my old truck), lots of storage cubbies, surprisingly peppy engine (though a little noisy when it gets into higher RPM) and aggressive, sporty styling (much cooler than the Matrix). After about 1700 miles, Im very pleased with my purchase.

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  GrandAm, my best car ever - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cc - February 10 - 5:06 pm

  O.K., so we all know about the window motors, weak right side mirror, flimsy bumper covers, brake problems, faulty security lights, and the costly intake gasket job requirement at about 60,000 miles. Still and all, this car has been wonderful to drive. I wouldnt expect to operate any car without having to fix kinks, and when I add it all together, this car has not been very expensive to own. As for the security light not allowing you to start the car, try a new key, also, letting the car just sit for 20 minutes before you try to restart it works everytime. One honest mechanic just replaced a wire and it did not happen again for over a year. Beware expensive repairs for this.