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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  My Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By RRitter - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I got my Vibe a couple of months ago because of my my job requires me to drive alot. Great gas milage but the Vibe has one of the worst blind spots I have ever seen. If I had of known about this from the beginning I would not have bought it.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By mbj629 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Have owned for over a year.I adore everything about it.I am a mother of two,who dislikes the idea of a minivan.This vehicle is just right in pricing, style, safety, & fuel economy.

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  Grand Prix Accolades - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By EagleArgy - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Very responsive, great power and comfortable is how I describe the 2004 Grand Prix-Comp GTP This is my second GTP and Pontiac has improved. The tap shifter takes a chapter from Ferrari and makes the car fun to drive. Engine is a tad noisy. Leather interior seems to be much better grade than in past.

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  Pontiac Grand Prix 2 Door GT - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Wiggles - February 6 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been a thrill to drive, it really handles well, accelerates well, and is pleasure to drive. The only complaint is an annoying squeek in the dash and the power windows could be a bit more smooth. Everyone comments on how beautiful the Grand Prix is and friends always want to drive it.

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  fabulous car. - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By caismer wisomierski - February 5 - 10:10 am

  i have never owned a pontiac before,this car not only looks sporty for the money, but,has the pick up i wanted in a car. i really am honest when i say this,,,i love this car, i truly am 100 percent satisfied with the pontiac sunfire,before i bought this car i have not been impressed with any of the other dealership models that are out there.thank you pontiac,i will return to pontiac in the future for another buy.

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  My G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Erin923 - February 2 - 12:26 am

  Love it! Havent had it but a few days, but its been fun, and was an easy drive through the snow, sleet, and rain.

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  A Home Run for Our Family - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Dazz - February 1 - 3:56 pm

  The Torrent has been a hit for my wife and me. We have pack it to the top and traveled with it. The rear seats and front passenger seat fold flat which allows a lot more storage. I consistently get 20-21 mpg and have gotten 26 when going 60 mph. Overall, my wife and I lover our Torrent!

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  Legitimate Review - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By D Bone - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall very comfortable vehicle to drive. Excellent performance for its class real strong engine 3.8L V-6. Reliability on major componenets has been good trany and engine are solid 81 K miles burns virtually no oil and holds good pressure. However,wter faile at 40K, been through 2 alternators, one at 38K and one at 70K, Minor oil leak at 30K (new gasket fixed), blower motor (ac/heat)at 40K, replaced trany gasket at 79K. Semi- minor stuff but powertrain is solid. Mileage 19-20 in town 25-29 on highway, pretty good considering the power and size of the vehicle.

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  Sunfire rules - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Dario - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Ive had it for 3 years now, and no problems. I have driven it across the United States, and had absolutly no problems.

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  Enjoyable Grand Am - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GrandAmSE119 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2001 Saturn SC2 in for my 2002 Grand Am SE1. The Grand Am is a great car for its value. Even though I opted for the 4 cyl it is still fun to drive and can keep up with everyone else. The interior is very creative with the large round vents and the thoughtfully designed dash. The seats are comfortable and very supportive great for long trips. I would recomend the car to anyone.