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:

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  One Year Review - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By rayban64 - March 8 - 1:23 pm

  We lived in AZ, were moving to VA and needed something for the winter months that could also move a lot of stuff cross-country. The tires are specially made and when we got a flat in Santa Cruze, NM we were stranded for a few days until a new tire came in. It handles well in the snow but the wiper blades are in a well that easily fill with snow and ice requiring you to get out and clean it on dangerous roads. The materials for the interior are very cheap. The turning radius is horrible. Gas mileage is not what they claim. Overall value though is very good and we enjoy it. The clamps on the rack do not hold at all.

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  G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Ito - March 7 - 1:53 pm

  One thing I noticed about the G6 is that when you go fill up at the gas station, it never seems to fill up all the way on the gauge. If it does, it falls below the "F" with in a few miles. Also, I noticed that the panoramic sunroof does not have a complete seal when closed. While driving I can hear a slight whistle and I was misted with water at the car wash.

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  My Aztec - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Hofmanms - March 3 - 12:33 am

  I bought this used from a private seller. Within about 4 months the BCM quit while driving to a wedding 300 miles away. Luckily this only affected electronics and I was able to continue with little more than inconvenience. Had the BCM replaced by the dealer for about 500. I dont think the A/C ever worked but I hear its a 1000 dollar fix so I wont. Despite these problems I love the car. It can handle snow better than any car I have seen and I live in upstate NY so I see real snow. I get a lot of compliments and you cant beat the tent option with the cooler. Very Happy with the Aztec

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  I love my G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Mikein Mich - March 2 - 1:40 pm

  I have been very happy with my 2007 G6 V6 Sedan so far. No problems so far and I love to drive it. It is responsive, quick and quiet. The controls all feel good and they are so simple without gimmicks and complexity. The stereo system sound great too. I average right at 25 mpg with moderate driving. The exterior fit and finish could be better but it is acceptable. I would recommend this car for the price for sure.

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  Good First Car - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JAB2588 - March 2 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this car is very good. I have had no serious problems nad the still runs great after 50000 miles.

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  Great car! - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By crames33 - February 27 - 12:10 pm

  I bought a 2003 bonneville when it was 8 years old with 86,000 miles and it was in perfect condition! Besides routine things, I never had work done on it. It got great gas mileage on the highway and was a smooth comfortable ride. I recently totaled it when we got a snow storm but I walked away completely fine! It still drove and the engine sounded fine but a lot of body damage was done. Im looking into getting another bonnelville. Great cars! Very roomy (especially the trunk) and looks sharp too. I would definitely recommend this car for anyone especially for a family car.

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  Bought Ours New in 2000 - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By Airhippo - February 26 - 8:40 pm

  We purchased this van new in November 2000 right before the 2001 hit the market. This Van has been an awesome mode of transportation. We still have it and our Teenage Daughter loves driving it to hall her friends. We had some minor AC issues at 75,00 K and had to have the head gaskets and heads redone at 120,00 Wife drove it and it got hot. That cost around 2,000. But other than that this has been a vehicle well worth the drive. We still have it so that says all. around in.

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  Good ole American car - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By middleage - February 25 - 9:23 am

  I originally bought a 99 gtp that went 154000 miles before a deer got it. Couldnt bare to pay close to 20k for an new econobox, so bought the last of this generation in 2007 for half that. It is a comfortable muscle car. Acceleration and long distance cruising are its forte. Handling is okay but sloppy when really pushed. The transmission does this clunk at times when starting from a stop?? The "leather" is more like vinyl and the rear seats are not adult comfortable over the long haul. The hvac setting doesnt work in the first 2 positions. The brakes fade under repeated hard use. A 5 speed [m]transmission would have made this car much quicker. 15 mpg city 26 mpg hwy. Feels solid but fat.

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  Having doubts - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By SueSue - February 24 - 10:00 am

  very good looking car. milage, excellent. price, a bit high for the quality of workmanship. Too much plastic. Metal very light and flimbsy...feel like tin. I do not expect to be able to keep this car for more than 3 years, unlike other cars that Ive own for over 15 years, I own a 92 Grand Prix SEL...excellent car! I also own a Volkwagon Vanagon 86, still running like sa clock. And like that you may see, I take care of my cars and if they are made to last...they will last with me. I do not feel this will be the case with the Sunfire. Having my doubts, hoping I am wrong. Thank you, Sue

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  Fun car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mike in virginia - February 18 - 6:23 pm

  This is the first I have owned and so far its been a great car. I like the g6 it just lacks in body style. My own opinion GM should have just revamped the grand AM a few more ponys under the hood wouldnt hurt. the 3400 is dependable but a super charged offer would be nice.