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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  Love my Azzie! - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By LORIE - August 24 - 11:00 pm

  My Aztek has been the perfect vehicle for me out all the vehicles I have ever owned! Its not a girlie (mini-) SUV, but handles like a car. I love the interior because its easy to clean up spills. (My three teenagers and I live in the car!) It is easy to handle, doesnt sit too high or too low, sporty, converts easily for more cargo space, and I easily put my 7-8 foot fresh cut Christmas tree in it! Its been the best investment Ive ever made in a vehicle!

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  Dont miss out on a great bargain - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Fran - August 24 - 1:30 am

  The Torrent is a great little SUV for women. Enough space to carry just about anything, but handles like a compact, that fabulous Pontiac power steering and transmission. Pontiac is the true signature American car; sharp style at first glance, muscle when you need it, smooth ride, fun and always dependable. I have done weekend driving with the Murano and the Jeep Liberty and the Torrent beats both no contest. It has all the classic benefits of a Pontiac: fast start, stylish interior and exterior, affordable price (at $26,000 it is $12,000 cheaper than the Murano) and great on gas. I get 27 miles to the gallon, and it only takes $61.00 to fill up the tank. I love this car.

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  The Best - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Sarah - August 23 - 11:06 am

  This car was perfect for my teenage driver, encouraging safe driving, since it has a not-so-extreme power supply. it also handles very well, perfect for the inexperienced driver.

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  The best crossover vehicle Ive owned - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Walter Conrad - August 19 - 3:06 am

  This will be the third crossover vehicle I have owned the other 2 being Subaru Outbacks a 1997 and a 2002. The Pontiac has it all over them. More power, more room, better styling, better fuel economy all with a lower price tag. The interior on the Pontiac Torrent is very roomy, comfortable and well laid out. Cargo space is huge and versitile because of the sliding rear seat. Fit and finish is outstanding both inside and out. Power from the standard 3.4L V6 is impressive and the 5 speed automatic transmission is smooth shifting and the rest of the drivetrain is also smooth and quiet. Handling, braking and ride quality are top notch as good as I have experienced in vehicles costing much more.

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  06GrandPrixGT - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Irish - August 17 - 10:36 pm

  I drove a 97 GTP for 8 years and loved it so I was reluctant about the new style but when the 06 came out with more power and options in a GT I traded up. This car can fly. Ive driven the Magnum RT and the Grand Prix is faster off the line. Smooth ride, corners well. 90 degree doors in the rear are nice for kids getting in and out. I would recommend buying one without a sunroof as it adds much needed headroom. Leg room in the rear is a little tight but seats are more comfortable than the 04/05 versions.

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  G6 GTP Sedan-Great Value - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Richard Myles - August 17 - 12:46 pm

  I had a 2004 Mercedes C320 and even though it was rock solid and handled the road well at high speeds. It was overpriced and a piece of garbage with all sorts of mechanical problems. Total waste of money. I leased an Infinity G 35 Coupe and loved the car. It was fast, beautiful, and fun to drive. The reason why I got rid of it because it was not ingress and egress friendly for babies. G 6 GTP has almost identical performance 0-60 6.2 seconds compared to G35 6.1 seconds. The G 6 GTP Sedan is beautiful inside and out and offers outstanding performance (Faster than the 2004 mustang gt with the 260 horse). I know beacuse I beat them all the time. G6 GTP really changed my views of American cars.

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  Boowannas Black Aztec - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By boowanna - August 17 - 2:43 am

  Great vehicle!

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  If you didnt get one, you lost out - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By rag - August 15 - 5:23 pm

  I love my 06 GTO. I currently also have a 67 GTO which I have owned over 30 years. I use the new one as a daily driver and find it to be extremely comfortable. My average gas mileage is about 15 which I dont think is too bad. It goes up a lot on the highway. I love the looks of this car. The people who were turned off because it didnt have the "retro" look lost out. I was thrilled by its looks. Who wants to spend this kind of money to have a car that looks like its 30 years old. The drivetrain is spectacular. Getting in the back seat is difficult but I have had myself and 3 others in the car on several occasions. I am leasing it and am planning on buying it at the end of the lease.

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  Great car! - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By magslena - August 14 - 2:53 am

  This car has been surprisingly good. I was looking for a sporty yet cheap car to take me to school and back. I absolutely love the power, it has a great get-up and go, it doesnt lag behind like other similar models. The GT style and model is what makes the Sunfire.

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  Best all around car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bobby - August 13 - 2:16 am

  Recently purchased a GT2 and I would not trade it for the world. This car is quick and quiet. It will get you to where you need to go and looks good while doing it. It also will save you a load of cash in fuel. I highly recommend this car to any consumer.