Pontiac

Part of General Motors since 1926, the Pontiac brand was forced to close permanently in 2009 as GM restructured its operations in bankruptcy. Prior, Pontiac served as GM’s performance division, often selling aggressively styled versions of mainstream Chevrolet models.

Pontiac is perhaps best remembered as the brand that kicked off the Muscle Car craze in the 1960s. The division famously stuffed a 389-cubic-inch V8 engine from its large car line into the midsize Tempest as part of a GTO option. The resulting car proved very popular and helped Pontiac to develop a reputation for high performance cars.

Pontiac’s lineup in 2009 was one of the best in its long history. The brand was anchored by the midsize Pontiac G6, which was offered in coupe, sedan, and convertible forms. At the head of the lineup, the Pontiac G8 performance sedan earned numerous accolades from enthusiasts thanks to its thundering V8 engine option and confident handling. The two-seater Pontiac Solstice sports car served as the brand’s halo model.

Pontiac was based in GM’s headquarters in downtown Detroit, Michigan.