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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  WS6 All the way! - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By 01 Ram Air - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Great car, no problems besides gas eating and balding tires.. Oh, and guys in "fast" cars thinking they are faster... But thats part of the fun. Interior could have been done better. Exterior looks are exceptional. Power is way under-rated. 12.9@112 mph, you tell me... Me vs. C5; 13 to 1..... Impressed yet?

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  Pros Only Need Apply - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By SULLIVAN - March 31 - 4:43 am

  I used to race a 1968 GTO on the track (pure stock). That WAS one of the biggest thrills of my life. I now have a much bigger thrill. I didnt think this much power could be legal under $35,000.The comfort and appointments were a pleasant surprise too!

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  Locked up steering and ignition - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By dgulrey - March 24 - 8:36 am

  This car has locked up 8 times on us since we bought it in April 2008 I have been told thats the way there designed and thats normal for torrents.

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  smooth - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By steve - March 24 - 2:40 am

  dont like dash lights that come on and off. drivers seat a little uncomfortable but handles road great , good fuel mpg if ypu keep it at 60-85 hwy

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  First Trip Back American - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Robert - March 22 - 6:20 pm

  I turned in both a Chrysler Crossfire and Saab 9-3 convertible and bought this car. This car is easy to get in and out, drives well, though turning radius lacks. Comfortable and OK features. For the price, its a good vehicle.

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  Nice Car but - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By yahoo waa - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Nice car but I have had nothing but problems with is shaking at 65 mph. Now the brakes pulsate as a result. Dealership unable to fix 5 times. Would not buy another one.

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  My opinions after 9 months of ownership - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Trudy Case - March 16 - 5:30 am

  Style-AWD wagon Overall a very nice car that fits our needs perfectly. The cargo area is very useful for hauling 50# bags of horse feed, camping and fishing gear,groceries,etc.AWD really comes in handy in the winter. we live in the mountains of PA.and the roads are not very level or straight around here. During our 1st snow storm this past winter, I just had to take it out to see how well it run in the snow. No problem! Roads were snow covered, but never spun a wheel going uphill or from a stop. Handled very well on curves and going downhill. It just wouldnt slide with the anti-lock brakes. Very good gas mileage. Many useful interior features. Dont like buzzy engine noise.

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  Hey Its A Pontiac What Can I Say? - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By evnsptc - March 16 - 1:00 am

  I ordered my Grand Prix GT brand new to my specifications (Purple Haze Metallic, Tan Heated Leather, HUD, Monsoon 6-Disc, Moonroof, Dual Climate, etc). First of I have 4 Pontiac (00 GP GT Sedan, 01 GP GTP Special Edition Coupe, 04 Bonneville GXP and my 07 GP GT) I love them all and this one is my second favorite (followed by my Bonny) It is very comfortable, fast, reliable and just overall great looking. I take great care of my cars and they get professionally detailed every other month and I detail them every other month (wash, polish, wax, clay bar, leather treatment, interior protectant and wheel cleaner. All of my cars have less than 65K miles too! My 07 has 32K and still is great!

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  Good, fun, easy on gas too - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By arron t - March 15 - 7:30 pm

  I really like driving this car. There is a GM service bulletin for the transmission. I average 30 on freeway trips and have averaged 23 in town. But if I use the boost, oh how it drinks the fuel while I smile from the power. No lag like a turbo either.

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  Dark Cherry GXP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brian - March 14 - 7:16 pm

  Lots of power with torque-steer, I always say hold on when you put the pedal down. Over-all its a fun to drive but it does drink fuel even it you drive it normal. Road ruts created by the large trucks seem to whip the car from side to side. My 03 chev had no problem with the ruts, this car does. Im totally shocked that I need to repair my front brakes at only 25,000 miles considering 90% of the miles are HWY driving and that I really am gentle on my brakes.GM not willing to do anything about the brakes even so its still under warranty.