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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  I Love my 2006 Montana SV6 - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By jim1 - January 19 - 1:20 pm

  My wife inherited our Montana van from my uncle June 2008 then had 10,900 km now as of Nov 2008 it has 26,400 km. My wife drives about 60 km return trip to work 5 days a week she loves it. Some may say it has problems. Only work done on ours is had calipers sanded and rear rotors. Tires good for another 30,000 km likely. Going from our 1999 Ford Contour in 2 years owning it spent over $ 5,000 in repairs montana a dream no bi weekly repairs. Only complaint my uncle had was the deep space front wipers go into freezing rain snow there bothered him he called it a pig trough becauses was so deep could be improved. Seats do stain easily but is newset automobile we have ever owned is great

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  Bad! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Twenty2inDubz - January 18 - 10:33 am

  I never thought that I would buy a Pontiac!! Considering only driving foreign automobiles. Paid $33K for the car and it feels like its worth more. Driving this beast is incredible .. fast, responsive BMW killer!! Thank you GM .... keep them coming. Number 037 of 888

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  97,000 and still going - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Lynn - January 14 - 10:13 pm

  Bought this car new in 2001. Only problems was computer went out at 3000 miles. Was replaced under warranty. Have not had all the problems like most people have. (Guess I got a good one.) Did replace drivers side window motor. Of course the rear speakers are blown. Isnt everbodys?

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  Great Car, but it has its quirks. - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Daniel - January 12 - 10:10 pm

  Bought the vehicle with 50K, in late 2005. The first week I owned it, it left me stranded on the side of the road twice. Dealer was very good about fixing it. It was the fuel pump. It went out twice before 60K. I have had to replace all 4 wheel bearings, and brakes 3 times. Front end is constantly shuddering, no matter how many alignments you have done. Has a good deal of power, and fuel economy isnt bad @ an average 22 mpg. I know have 111K on this car, and my wife wrecked it yesterday. They will surely total it, and I will be sad to see it go. Also, i just got a recall notice in the mail stating that oil can leak onto the exhaust manifold and cause the car to catch fire.

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  GTO rating - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Wyatt Smith - January 7 - 6:26 am

  The GTO has strong acceleration and is a well balanced vehicle. Steering is nutural and the seats are supportive during spirited driving. The traction control system was inoperative when the vehicle was delivered. Took a week to repair.

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  Vibe experience - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Norm T. - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Nice handling. Noisy engine, but smooth.

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  2006 Pontiac Torrent - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Greg - January 3 - 9:40 pm

  Overall, the vehicle is a fun SUV to drive. It has just enough power on both the highway and in the city to make short & long trips fun & enjoyable. The vehicle is reliable in most situations and I like the roominess in the interior. The stereo and sound system is nice. As for the AC, it is about useless in the Las Vegas heat. Many a times, I simply opened up the windows to cool off rather than tax the AC system. Passengers in the rear seats cooked. There is plenty of leg and head room. I have found that the vehicle does not have the much of a turning radius and it has many blind spots; like when backing up or parking. The rear lighting at night from the backup lights is minimal at best

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  2006 AWD AC problems & car quits running - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Alice - January 2 - 12:00 am

  I have a 2006 AWD Pontiac Torrant SUV. I purchased the Torrant in 2006 with 11000 miles on it. It was a loaner car. Love the Torrant when its not in the shop. I have only had two problems with it. Right from the start the AC would quit working I live in the south so AC is a must. Had the Torrant to my dealer several times & another and they couldnt find anything wrong. Finally after they replaced parts and worked on several things they thought it was fixed. Well its still not from time to time. Now Torrant is in the shop again. The suv just quits while I am driving. My dealership is great & really trying to repair. Defective code B2105 com lost with ECM BCM to PCM still problem.

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  back to GM - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By dnance64 - January 1 - 8:26 am

  Just traded in 2000 MB ML320. Liked styling, financing and colors/options. A little noisy on the some back roads and my boys wish for a center arm rest in back seat. Still breaking-in so performance and mpgs still not really tested. Looking forward to lower maint. and fuel prices, and more self maint. This is my 1st GM in over six years and Im happy so far.

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  Great style at low price - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By STEVE HECKMAN - December 31 - 7:03 am

  I was a car critic at a very early age and continue to be years after graduating from GMI [General Motors Institute]. The last Grand Prix is very distinctive which is a real plus compared to generic "non-style" from Toyota and other mass marketers. The GP also has a strong V6 that delivers excellent fuel economy without being a slug like many of its competitors. Mine has a tan interior which remains cool even on the hottest summer days with the sunroof wide open. On winter days the heated seats react quickly and also serve to relieve muscle strain from shoveling snow. The seats are very comfortable even after a 500 mile drive. After 46k miles I have no complaints, only praise.