Like a coma patient on life support, when GM would finally pull the plug on Pontiac was more of a mystery than "if" they'd pull the plug. But today said plug was pulled, at the end of 2010, Chief Pontiac will be no more.

It's sad in many way to see Pontiac go the way of Oldsmobile into the automotive Happy Hunting Ground. In the 70s Pontiac was probably the only GM division keeping some modicum of performance alive outside the Camaro and Corvette in the Chevy stable. But in the 80s and 90s, Poncho fell victim to the blurring division lines and creativity stifling atmosphere that GM became (see killing the G-body platform to focus on FWD cars that basically sucked).

Really, this moment has needed to come for a while. But, like a trusted friend or beloved family member, no one wanted to admit it. The real Pontaic brand died long ago, the only thing that was left was a withering body of rebadged Cobalts, Malibus, and Impalas.

Rest in peace Pontiac, old friend, performance warrior, and star of countless great automotive moments.