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:

• 

  Very Nice Car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Mike&Sandy - November 6 - 12:43 am

  We love the new G6 GT. Weve only put a few hundred miles on it but have a few suggestions, mostly cosmetic. The V-6 needs more guts Dual Exhaust should be standard on the GT I was surprised to find a manual rear view mirror dimmer! With all the whistles and bells why not an auto dimming mirror? The most annoying thing so far...The windshield wipers need new geometry. The passenger side stops right in front of the driver on the upswing and leaves a line of crud/rain/slush right in the center of the drivers view! I love the handling of the car! Over all, If Pontiac continues on this pace they are def headed in the right direction!!!!

• 

  Dependable, sporty, but a little ho-hum too - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fnash - November 5 - 11:55 pm

  I bought my GP GT2 used with about 32,000 miles on it and now have 115,000. I have not had to have any major service done on it, ever. I have had to replace normal wear and tear items like brake pads or rotors, and have oddball issues that occur still. The fuel pump seal is bad so when the car sits for a bit the fuel drains down the line. Turn the key to ON a couple of times before going to START and youre fine. Exhaust sound is outstanding, handling is great, and power is nice but a little lacking by todays standards. Fit and finish is OK but kind of bland and cheap looking. Overall though, an excellent purchase. Well worth the money.

• 

  Love to Hate Pontiac G6 GT Convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Linda - November 5 - 3:13 pm

  Always wanted a convertible, husband pushed me to get hard top retractable for safety reasons. I have really enjoyed the look, the feel, and the convertible. Several draw backs in the build mechanically. Replaced the front rotors twice already, 57,000 miles now replacing the water pump and soon will need to replace the intake manifold. Live in country, roads rough, but not abusive. Had collision with a dear and was amazed at the little damage caused and appreciative of how safe I felt. Cost to fix was very high, front bumper and headlamps, cost 7000. Covered under insurance, however very high. Brake pads seem to go often, every 3-4 months, dont live on big hills like in PA either.

• 

  Midnight Blue Solstice - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By DavenJacey - November 4 - 11:20 am

  Great car...no complaints. Its our reset button on weekends. Only gripe is some wind noise around the seals at the windows when traveling over 55. Otherwise, this car is amazing, and it turns heads! No regrets, especially for the price.

• 

  best 4 dr hot rod yet! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By s nemeth jr - November 4 - 9:46 am

  200 h.p hot rod 4 dr - best car i have ever had -beats my 01 olds aurora v-6 electronic power steering - electronic throttle control - very very smooth ride "long wheel base" no wind noise, no engine noise,also has "remote start" from 200 feet away. looks sort of like a "audi" sedan . go drive 1 and you will buy it!!!!

• 

  love it - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By zaferis - November 3 - 10:00 am

  love the size, comfort, and so far am glad I bought it

• 

  Interesting vehicle - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By kaysoc - November 3 - 10:00 am

  This is so unusual that some think it is cute and others ugly. I know it works for me. I am short, so I love the slightly higher viewpoint. We had some nasty weather and the Aztec was smooth and controllable even in the worst weather. It is easy to load and we have gotten a full sized matress in the back--and were able to close the hatch.

• 

  hate my pontiac - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Kristen Wade - November 3 - 10:00 am

  My 99 pontiac grand am is garbage...it has been in the shop more times than I can count...I have spent about 5,000 in repairs..and now it has a 4,000 dollar repair waiting to be fixed...I dont think so..I am hoping to trade it in...I still owe more than the car is worth...my advice dont buy

• 

  Previous Car was a Bonneville - 2003 Pontiac Montana
  By RonBliss - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Having recently expanded the family, we wanted something that could handle an extended ride with two kids and two dogs. The Montana had the best styling on the market and having owned a Bonneville with 200,000 miles on it I knew the Pontiac would hold up! The leather interior and DVD system make the vehicle fund to drive. The big surprise was the 3.4L V6 has more than enough performance!

• 

  Owned a 2003 and a 2004 - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Oogie - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Loved the 2003 so much I bought a 2004. Waiting for the supercharger to come out as I purchased the FWD automatic (wife - cant drive stick) The GT version has the PEP I wanted and the supercharger will allow me that. Lets get on GM. Get it to the public. You teased us since the auto show. HATE the automatic headlamps as they do what they want to Sun or Shade.