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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  Fun, economical ride - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By John L - January 12 - 3:06 pm

  A fun car to drive, very good gas mileage, 30 mpg in combination city/highway driving. 55,000 miles with no problems only routine maintenance. Interior is comfortable, lots of small storage compartments. One of which suffered a broken latch the first week and has remained broken- lots of plastic. A lot of interior storage space for carrying things, also the roof rack is handy.

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  Coupe in Sedans Body - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Elizabeth2002 - January 11 - 10:00 am

  As I reviewed differing sedans in the 20K price range, I found that the base model of the GP boasted good power in its 200hp engine and a good ride. In 3+ years of ownership, the vehicle has been reliable and fun to zip through canyon roads on trips. While its not a coupe, if you need room for kids, it will satisfy your need for speed.

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  Had this for 3 years no real issues - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By patroness - January 8 - 9:01 pm

  My G6 2005 has 120,000 miles on it. Up til now I have only had to replace the tire, brakes, and battery. All of these things are due to be changed at its age. Tomorrow I am replacing a tie rod and a Control arm, both considered to be a wearable item. Given its mileage I think that there replacement is a no issue. I have no complaints other than the featureless radio and built in Info center. At 120, 000 miles my car still drives, looks, feels like new. I have a future plan to change out the stereo and say good by to the info display. I have in the past changed the transmission fluid, and I will do a spark plug and belt change all thing due at 100,000.

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  Sunfire-quality & dependable - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ci1101 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Most dependable small car Ive owned at a very reasonable price. What impressed me most when I first got in to check it out, was the "heavy car feel"---no tinny sounding doors, quiet interior, etc. Biggest problem: defroster for windshield is only one approx. 8" oval in the center---long defrosting time in the snowy, icy winters. Mechanically, Ive replaced brakes twice and needed a new starter just a month ago. Not bad for owning it new.

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  2000 Montana Blue - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By RGP - January 6 - 10:00 am

  We are happy with the Montana - design & performance. The fit and finish is not as good. Comfort is good - though front passanger seat could have more basic adjustments. Power sliding door went out recently.

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  Great Car - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Ford Guy - January 5 - 1:26 pm

  Have had this car for a while and never had any problems.

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  2006 Pontiac Torrent - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By G.M.Weber - January 3 - 7:56 pm

  Pleasant vehicle with easy handling, very responsive, and fun to drive. Adequate amount of space in rear and moveable rear seat to add more storage space is excellent. Tail gate raises high to clear ones head when open. Nice hand holds for bringing it down. Should NEVER put black interior in a SUV - as it shows every bit of dust/dirt, and a SUV is for working~!

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  an offer I couldnt refuse - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By massbio - January 2 - 8:00 am

  We have an automatic 1.8L. Good basic transportation and safety features. An upgrade to ABS and traction control for us. Engine is peppy. Lots of things could be better: paint chips easily. Spoiler chips paint on hatch (check out those you see in parking lots). Big blind spot! Wind noise from somewhere. Tire pressure warning is incorrect. Interior could be roomier without making the car bigger. Design was superior in 2008. Still, we expect it will last a long time for us.

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  Decent, but wont buy again - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By wouldnt get another - January 2 - 2:56 am

  My car, like some of the others also had brake issues. It also likes to hesitate when starting. The paint easily comes off the interior buttons and the visor mirrors break easily. Seems like it needs aligned often. Blind spots are bad when changing lanes. But overall the flaws my car has had so far have been minor. Its been reliable and handles well.

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  GTP Eats Mustang GTs and poops Subaru STIs - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By eddymerckx - January 1 - 5:21 am

  The 3.8 SC motor is under-rated at 240hp, unlike the Japanese who over-state their motor output. My stock motor on a Dyno put out 304 hp. If you dream of Audi S4 performance, but need reliability, look no further than the Pontiac GTP. These engines are bullet proof, except for the occasional intake gasket which although time consuming is not a terrible job. $500 tops at any shop. A Wards top ten engine mated to a reworked GM trans able to take the extra output.