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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  Everybody should have one! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Jam - November 23 - 12:20 am

  I have owned a 350Z, Acura, and RX-8. When I traded in my mazda for this car I was a little hesitant, but I am glad that I did. Aside from the power, the car is very confortable and roomy. I feel as though I am driving a cadillac the ride is so smooth. Many have said that the cars looks dont appeal to them, well it looks much better from behind the wheel. I am lucky enough to have gotten a 6-speed and it has been a pleasure. Oh, and by the way it has a 6.0 liter V-8. Enough said. If you are in the market for a practical rocket, this is the way to go.

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  back to general motors - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Tim - November 22 - 11:30 pm

  First of all, GM is priced much better than most companies with HQs overseas. You can dicker with the price for the same quality much more than with Honda or Toyota or Mercedes, etc. Secondly, the build quality is at least equal now---just look for yourselves. My buddy works for Cadillac---he knows its true and now I do too. My Pontiac is trim and big and powerful enough to serve my needs-- -it feels good and with black leather the interior has the right stuff. FULLY equiped the price was thousands less than 4 runner or Highlander or Honda.

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  07 GXP - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By ¿spoom - November 22 - 5:10 pm

  Too early to tell, as I dropped it off at the dealer last week after 11 days because of an intermittent "no starter when you turn the key" problem. Ill test it some more when I get the car back ;) Overall, this is a fun car to drive. The 2.0 turbo took care of the weak performance that kept me from buying the first years model. Handling is on par with cars costing $10k+ more (Ive driven a Crossfire some). Even with cold tires & road on a 11 °F day this thing road like it was on rails-the suspension set-up is perfect,IMHO. I constantly found myself wishing I could reach the seat angle knob while driving but that would take a skinny-armed contortionist.

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  Love the GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mackbru - November 22 - 3:33 pm

  I was quite happy with my 2000 Gran Prix GT until my friend took me for a drive in his new GP GXP! I was blown away. Had been seriously looking at the new Mustang, but no more. Acceleration, high speed driving in all conditions, rain snow,(with winter performance Goodyears Eagle Ultragrip GW3 V rated) even city driving in stop and go traffic, the finesse this car has in stopping, lane changing, accelerating makes even the trip to work in heavy traffic almost enjoyable.

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  Versatile and Fun! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Miss Michelle - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Love my 2004 Fusion Orange Metallic Vibe! The Moons and Tunes and the Power package is worth the extra money.

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  Just What I Expected - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ratboyz - November 22 - 10:00 am

  1,200 miles and still loving my GTP. Just as I expected this baby really scoots and outperforms many imports I tested. I cant say enough about the comfort,style and performance of this car. I am happy with the decision to return to a domestic. If you are considering a Nissan, Acura, Beamer, etc. give this car a try first.

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  We Love It! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By howard a. - November 22 - 9:10 am

  The 2009 Vibe GT has exceeded every expectation we had. we average 32 mpg, we love the way it looks, it drives and handles like a much more expensive sports car. The 2.4, 4 cylinder engine has an unbelievable amount of power. The ride is comfortable and we enjoy sliding the sunroof back as we motor down the highway listening to our favorite xm station on the built in xm radio.

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  No Remorse - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Scott - November 21 - 7:40 am

  I leased a base G6. To give some background I own a Toyota Highlander, I never thought Id get a Pontiac, I hate their looks. The G6 looked different so I decided to take a look since I knew I could get a great deal on one compared to a Honda or Toyota. I only have 250 miles on mine but can tell you this. It handles really well and has a quiet and supple ride. It comes well equiped and like the V6. It is sporty enough for me and can handle 2 kids in car seats. It has been fine in the snow belt. My new Consumer Reports rags on this car which isnt fair. I never thought Id defend a Pontiac but drive one and judge for yourself. I got more bang for the buck which Magazines dont consider.

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  Fun in the Sun - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Tom Sully - November 20 - 9:33 pm

  This car has been nothing but all fun. The only problem that I have had with this car is that when it was only 2 weeks old the top wouldnt go down. The dealer said that it was a broken hinge.

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  Own one more than a year - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Monica - November 20 - 10:33 am

  I have not been pleased with this vehicle at all! The car had electrical problems from day one! No headlights, taillights, brake lights, you name it it broke. Trunk would not latch after a few months after purchase. The plastic interior cracks and falls off. Now the car has internal engine problems. Been broke down for a few weeks and it will cost over a grand to fix one of the problems. I have called GM several times but they say there is nothing they can do. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone. I never owned a new car until this one. I will never buy another Pontiac after this experience.