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:

• 

  Nice CUV - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Mark C - March 18 - 4:30 am

  We have had this vehicle for almost a year now and have not had a problem with it. It drives very smooth, very appealing exterior which is hard to find right now.

• 

  Another Toy for my colection - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Ron - March 17 - 12:43 am

  Took from April to Dec but was worth it. fun to drive and the ladies love it. I drive it more than my Harleys.

• 

  My aztek - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By GREYHOUND - March 16 - 9:40 pm

  I thought this was the ugliest automobile on the road, and then I drove one! My first was a 2001 with a campers package (loved it!), then I traded it for a 2005 knowing the car was nlm. I will have it paid off soon and hope it lasts forever! I haul greyhound dogs in it and it is perfect with the back seats removed. I love this car!

• 

  Hard to replace - 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
  By sayin_goodbye - March 16 - 8:00 pm

  Purchased in 98. While we did experience the lovely Dex-cool challenge & intake manifold gasket problems, I have loved my van. Faced with the challenge of finding a new vehicle 11+ years later, few seem to match the bells and whistles we got on our Montana, nor the mileage for the size of the vehicle. Unfortunately, the engineers responsible for it are now likely unemployed - we didnt qualify for Cash for Clunkers due to the great mileage. Vehicle aged well, is still sound, durable, and comfortable, but starting to have small maintenance problems, prompting us to get a new vehicle. The perfect vehicle made for my familys use. Got us through the travelling years (soccer,football,camping)

• 

  2007 Solstice GXP - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By tr6jag - March 16 - 5:16 pm

  After 900 miles on the Solstice, it is a fantastic driver. The handling is awesome, the performance is fantastic, and the build quality is beyond my expectations. I purchased it not as a daily driver but to replace a 69 Triumph TR6 I should have never sold. Regardless, the Solstice is heads above any 2 seater I have researched and driven. Its great to have no oil spots on the garage floor! Too bad the weather hasnt been better here in VA to enjoy the Solstice more. There have been no mechanical or negative issues with this Pontiac since I have owned it.

• 

  The glory that was - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Machevelli - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had many delightfull times with my convertable,it is part of a long line of Pontiac convertables i have owned. To me its a shame they have discontinued this line of cars. This current car has performed up to all of my expectations it is truly an american sports car.

• 

  Sporty and practical... - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Boersmar1975 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Never under 30 MPG. Enough zip to get you through traffic. Sporty look and feel. Features galore. Great stereo with moon and tunes. Can be packed to the hilt because everything folds down.

• 

  Not even in the market for a new car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By TinTop - March 14 - 9:43 pm

  It was a dark and stormy night....reallly! Not a fit night to be out, but we couldnt resist test driving the 2007 Pontiac G6 GT convertible. It handled so well in the rain. Who knew a convertible could be so quiet? Now the only test, was to wait for the rain to stop and drive with the top down. It was a cool 58 degrees, but with the heated seats and a bit of feet heat, we were in heaven. Style, Comfort, Handling, Sporty, enough get up and go without being a gas hog. SOLD! Loving every minute.

• 

  FUN FUN FUN FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By CORBA KILLER - March 13 - 10:00 am

  All I have to say is this car is great!! I have owned many sportscars most of them turbocharged. I love turbos but theres nothing like instant raw muscle horsepower and torque 330hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque under your foot. Tire-Smokin Heaven, The women cant get enough. If want to attract a lot of attention especially women & the bogus pony riders wont leave me alone. This is the car for you. Its such a shame we have to say goodbye!! Im sure GM will having something Hot in store for us to AWWWW at! God Bless!!!!

• 

  Red T-Top - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Ryan C - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It has excellent performance and is very comfortable to ride in the front seats. The back is a little cramped but not too bad. I havent had any mechanical problems except the fuel pump went out at about 80,000 miles.