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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  Bills Torrent - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Bill - December 1 - 1:00 am

  I previously owned a 1998 Olds Bravada and a 2007 Mazda CX9. All of my vehicles have their pluses and minues but I really like the Torrent. The biggest problem I have is with is with the interior design on the Torrent. The cup holders are virtually worthless to use. The stereo system is excellent. The handling affects out on the road are very good - just hope the gas mileage gets better.

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  Would never had believed the all around - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By pontiac grand am ,04 - November 29 - 10:53 pm

  Not even a quarter of a tank fountain to va hosp/. Denver, smooth shift, smooth ride, and an all around rugged car..

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  Unbeatable for the money - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Drew - November 29 - 3:50 pm

  This car has been great. Ive had it for a year and put about 24,000 miles on it, without a single problem. V8 is awesome, and gives mid-20s gas mileage (mixed driving, but more highway). Looks great in black. Got it loaded with options for under 30k. Very comfortable car for me (56"), and everybody else Ive ever had in it. Car rides, brakes, and handles very well. Id recommend this car to anybody, at least drive it before spending comparable money on an Accord, etc.

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  Fun car !!! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Patrick Drake - November 29 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned my VIBE GT for only two weeks but, just let me say that this is without a doubt the most fun, practical, economical, most comfortable car I have ever owned!! It is VERY quick but, when I carefully checked the gas milage it was an impressive 25.7 mpg. This was a combination of highway/city and fun O:) driving. Of course if you are going to constantly get on the motor you are going to be rewarded with less gas milage (power comes from somwhere).I read some articles that said the GT didnt have alot of low end power. However, my 2006 model came equiped with a transaxle gear ratio of 4:53. This low gear ratio allows the motor to get up into its high end powerband rather quickly.

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  Great car. - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By J Money - November 28 - 9:56 pm

  I have 154000 miles on my car and never had a problem with it. I drive it pretty hard and nothing has broken. Tranny has never slipped, even though it would be nice if it shifted a lil faster. Tranny fluid flush might fix that. Plenty of power. Wish the top speed gov. was a lil higher then 107...bose sound system is nice if your not gonna do anything to it. but putting subs or anything in and your screwed cuz u got to switch out everything. all 8 speakers, head unit, amp. for me to do it,it would cost 800- 1500.

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  Watch Out! - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Disgruntled - November 28 - 9:23 pm

  I purchased this car used with 28,000 kms on it. I have since put roughly 50,000 on. I was very satisfied with the car in the first year of running it having run into only minor problems. Things got a lot worse as the car began to fall apart on me. I have had the following serviced: heater fan/resistor(3x), front calipers (2x), power mirror switch (fell into the doorframe: 3x), ventvalve seal, front power window regualator, hazard warning switch(recall), front brake pads, replaced the driver seat belt, and I dont know how or why but the rear seat came loose. I have kept up with the maintenance schedule to a tee and I have had countless problems. I will never buy a GM car again.

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  Kansas - 2009 Pontiac Solstice
  By Gene - November 28 - 11:16 am

  The car is more than I exspected. Fun to drive has the power and the sound of a true sports car and its American made. Driving it gives you a relaxed mind set. I dont know about the car turning heads as you go by Im enjoying it to much!

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  Disappointed - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Disappointed - November 27 - 11:30 am

  I love the appearance of my car, but after a while of having it...so many problems to overcome! Transmission is bad, replace brakes all the time, water leaks into the driver side floor, had to replace the intake gasket and the computer part of the accelerator... etc. I was so excited about the car and then all of these things started happening... and of course... no more warranty. I love my car, I just wished it worked like it should and that I could be 100% sure that I will make it when I get in it and go somewhere..ha ha.

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  The American Dream from Australia - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By i12cunekid - November 26 - 2:09 pm

  I simply love this car. 6 liters of V8 muscle with a 6 speed and rear wheel drive. Interior is nicely laid out with more room inside than anything else in or near its class. Fun to drive and gets lots of compliments. Sat radio, power everything, heated seats, DOD/AFM, factory 19" wheels, Leather seats, dual climate control,... Looks like a 5 series BMW on the outside and has more room on the inside. Yes the BMW has a nicer interior but its also twice the price. Ive had the car 3 years and love to drive it. If you can get your hands on one, get it while you can. Only imported for 2 years by Pontiac from GMs Australian partner Holden. Only thing Pontiac about it is the name badges. :)

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  Im happy after two months! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By VibeOwner - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 2 months (400 miles) and really enjoy it. Its not a race car but it has sufficient power for the highway. Cruising at 75 MPH was no problem and the gas mileage is great. Ive been averaging 33 MPH through the first 2 months. The amount of room inside is surprising giving the small overall size. Ive had a number of people praise the amount of room in the rear seats. Even with a sunroof, theres plenty of headroom (I wish I could say that for my Monte Carlo). All in all, Im extreme happy and would recommend it to anyone.