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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  Damn Good Vehicle - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Joe Cottone sr - June 26 - 8:46 am

  My lease on the 2006 is up next month & am looking to replace it with another Torrent, thats how much I like it. Gas mileage is 16 city 22 hwy, handles well, roomy enough for my 62" 350lb front or back seat. Dont need 3rd seat. I am looking for comfort & economy, the engine has plenty of get up & go when needed. Has plenty of added features that seem to work well when needed, good enough storage space. Great Looking Too!

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  Love It !! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By tim - June 23 - 1:20 am

  I love driving this car!! Its quick , looks good , and rides like its on rails !!!

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  Typical GM experience. - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Kanchou - June 22 - 11:36 pm

  While the interior stuff is nicely located, the seats arent good for entering and leaving the vehicle. Trunk space is cramped compared to others. Engine response is good when traction control is off. When turned on, there is a noticeable help with rain/ice slippage. Several components around the engine required awkward maintenance; Various sensors, valves, a lead pipe from the AC. . . but the engine itself, as well as transmission were strong. This Ive come to find typical in GM engines.

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  sick grand prix - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By treek - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I have a gold 2000 grand prix gt it is a blast to drive, just wish it had alittle more power after 85 it has had no problems since I have owned it when I first purchased it was quick but now that I have borla exhuast, cold air intake, and reprogamed ecu it screams took mustange gt in quater mile at track

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  love my pontiac - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By gi-gi - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought this one used, its clean with great pick-up. Fun to drive and everyone fits. Needs better cup holders.

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  Baddest car on the road! - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By TACruiser - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 TA, WS6 with one intention... To own my dream car!!! This car is the coolest ride on the road with tons of power! I put 400 hp in this ride, a killer sound system and a lot of extra goodies!

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  I love this little car - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By fett - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I love the way this little car looks and drives. Its way more fun than any of the other cars I drove and for some reason it feels more powerful than the others. Its dirt cheap and perfect for every day driving.

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  The best Mini Van - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By Johnny Holmes Jr. - June 22 - 10:00 am

  It rocks baby. What else can i say except it gets great gas mileage and is a true bargain amongst Mini-Vans.

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  Pontiac Forever - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Pontiac Guy - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Performs like a 6 cyl. Handles with the best. Interior roominess and great, but understated cockpit, make my 2002 Grand AM my preferred sedan of choice.

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  My new toy - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Dan - June 22 - 6:33 am

  I debated whether to go with the Solstice or new MX5. Now that I have received the Solstice Im so glad I decided on it. The car is exceptional in every aspect.