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:

• 

  Best for the money - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Alan - November 10 - 9:23 pm

  I have been a GM customer for years, owning a number of cars that were primarily just for transportation. The exception was my 1984 Buick Regal T Type (same as the Grand National, only in blue with chrome bumpers). I contemplated the G8 GT for quite some time I and finally purchased the same day that I helped my son buy a new Sierra. With all the GM incentives and my GM card points, I got the 34K car for 25k; how could I go wrong? Even the dealer said I could probably sell it for more than I paid. I think the styling, especially from a distance, is fantastic and the interior is beautiful; so the leather isnt on the doors, who cares? For a large 4 door sedan, it is impossible to beat.

• 

  Fun, Practical & Economical Car!! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Carol T - November 7 - 1:26 pm

  The car is not only economical, it is very practical and roomy. The back seat has more leg room than any other small car we looked at. We can comfortably fit 4 adults in the car with room to spare. It is also great for grocery shopping, taking the dogs to the vet, etc. It has good pep and the ride is nice! I would highly recommend the car, especially for the price!

• 

  2001 Aztek things I learned - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By mike - November 7 - 11:53 am

  I bought this car in 2008, with only 63K miles on it for 5K. Needed to put on new AC condenser, which the dealership wanted $1,100. I bought a reconditioned one on ebay for $200, and then a shop installed for $75 Also I problems with steering PULLING hard left, and then hard right, until I noticed that there were two different brand of tires on front. Once I bought two new tires that matched, it drives like a dream. I still get lights that flash on the dash, I keep taking it in, and , two weeks later they come on again.

• 

  Solid ride - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tony522 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Great powertrain. The 3.8 is a rock solid unit with great get up and go torque. Feels like a small 8 out of the hole.

• 

  my review - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By popsawood - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I believe this is a good car but a lot slower than i expected. Even though it is a standard model with a manual transmission 5-speed, i did not notice it to be any faster than my previous car which was a 1989 pontiac 6000-LE.

• 

  Downsizing to a Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By UGS - November 1 - 2:00 am

  A lot of utility & Ill never lose it in a parking lot (Fusion Orange Metallic). Cargo floor rattles sometimes. Great gas mileage (30.2 mpg for 1st 3600 miles) Wheel doesnt tilt enough & I cant move the seat closer w/o bumping my knee. It is a lot of fun & the moons & tunes pkg. is a kick; but I miss the power of my 2000 Intrigue.

• 

  GREAT PRIX - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BIGALB - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY GRAND PRIX, ITS A GREAT CAR , BUT THERE ARE SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDOWS. THEY STARTED RATTLEING AFTER A YEAR. THE CAR IS ALSO BAD ON CITY GAS MILAGE, THE HIGHWAY YOU GET 30MPG AND CITY ONLY 12-14

• 

  Easy-To-Smoke em!! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BigDipper - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my 2002 GTP Sedan in March and did not get a real "feel" until I took a road trip..... AWESOME! Ive owned a couple of dozen cars, including performance cars, and this one takes the cake! I dont care what speed youre traveling, stomp the pedal and this monster JUMPS! I luv playing with Mustang GTs!

• 

  2007 AWD Pontiac Torrent - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Heidi - October 28 - 3:03 am

  We really like our Pontiac Torrent. The exterior and interior are very well designed. I miss having a light by the vanity mirror. We love the leg room in the back seat. Its very reliable for us and comfortable for our entire family.

• 

  Great Value - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By GJB - October 26 - 3:53 pm

  starting to use oil and the heater fan is a little load on high. Other than that, it has been a great car.