Pontiac was a division of General Motors (GM) that was founded in 1926 and existed until 2010. Over the course of its history, Pontiac played an important role in the American automotive industry and produced a number of iconic cars that are still remembered fondly by enthusiasts today.

The origins of Pontiac can be traced back to 1893, when Edward M. Murphy founded the Pontiac Buggy Company in Pontiac, Michigan. The company initially produced horse-drawn carriages, but in 1907 it entered the automobile market with the introduction of the Pontiac Six, a high-performance car with a six-cylinder engine.

In 1926, GM acquired the Pontiac Buggy Company and renamed it the Pontiac Motor Division. The division was positioned as a mid-level brand between Chevrolet and Oldsmobile, and its cars were designed to offer more style, performance, and features than Chevrolet, while still being more affordable than Oldsmobile.

During the 1930s and 1940s, Pontiac produced a number of successful models, including the Streamliner, the Silver Streak, and the Chieftain. These cars were known for their distinctive styling, with features like curved windshields, chrome accents, and sleek body lines.

In the 1950s, Pontiac continued to innovate with the introduction of the V8 engine and the Bonneville, which was named after the famous salt flats in Utah where land speed records were set. The Bonneville was a high-performance car that helped to establish Pontiac's reputation as a brand for drivers who valued speed and power.

In the 1960s, Pontiac continued to build on its reputation for performance with the introduction of the GTO, which is often credited with starting the muscle car craze of the era. The GTO was a high-performance version of the Tempest that featured a V8 engine, upgraded suspension, and distinctive styling.

In the 1970s, Pontiac faced a number of challenges, including increasing competition from foreign automakers and new emissions and safety regulations. Despite these challenges, the division continued to produce popular models like the Firebird and the Trans Am, which featured distinctive styling and powerful engines.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Pontiac continued to innovate with the introduction of new models like the Fiero, which was a mid-engine sports car, and the Grand Prix, which was a sporty sedan. However, the division faced increasing pressure from GM to cut costs and streamline operations, and many of its models began to lose their distinctive styling and performance features.

In the early 2000s, Pontiac attempted to revive its fortunes with the introduction of new models like the GTO and the Solstice, which were designed to appeal to younger drivers who valued style and performance. However, these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and in 2010, GM announced that it would be discontinuing the Pontiac brand as part of its restructuring efforts following the global financial crisis.

Today, Pontiac remains a beloved brand among car enthusiasts, who value its history of innovation, style, and performance. While the division may no longer exist, its legacy lives on through the many classic cars and iconic models that it produced over the course of its history.