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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  2006 GTO Struts problem - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Josefina - October 20 - 7:10 am

  2 weeks from purchase my daughter drove the car to later find that she couldnt drive the car because it was making a very loud noise on the passenger side. of course we scream and question if she did something to the car. of course not . We found that the strut was defective we figure ok is a defective strut no big deal. The car started making the same noise on the left over the weekend of course is going in tomorrow for another strut I told the dealer to check the other 3 struts but they said they dont have anyting from the manufacture for a recall. a little frustration having a new car

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  5 years and counting... - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By jk - October 18 - 4:03 pm

  Purchased new in 2004, it now has almost 100,000kms. Anybody expecting luxury and the finest build quality in a Sunfire is barking up the wrong tree. Its an economy car that gets you from A to B. Gas mileage is great in the city/highway, reliability has been good. Biggest issue was having to replace the struts within 1 year of ownership. No problems with transmission or engine. Although the 4 cyl is a peppy engine, its not refined and is harsh above 4,000RPM. Passing power is good with the automatic, hitting it at 70km/h seems to be its sweet spot. Overall a good, practical and fuel efficient car.

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  Great gas mileage - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Noahs Ark - October 18 - 9:23 am

  I have had this car for almost 4 years now. We bought it before we had children, and two children and two dogs later, we have almost outgrown this car. It handles well and has held up well being rear-ended once (no scratches even!) Gas mileage is wonderful. The sound system is great. The drivers area adjusts well between my husband and me without a lot of moving things around. Its a little slow in the acceleration, but manageable. Overall, not a bad car, but a little small for family trips.

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  Not As good as my 2002 Grand Prix - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By PontiacGuy - October 17 - 12:50 pm

  This is my 2nd Grand Prix. I was hoping for the same overall performance and economy as my 2002 but it didnt happen. The fuel mileage is nowhere near 27, 18 is the highest to date. The transmission is sloppy from 1st to 2nd in traffic, the dealer says its "hunting" to save fuel. Then it does find the gear it slams hard. It is very unpredictable. On the plus side the interior is great, car is very power full and fun to drive and it looks great.

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  great touring performer - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By aldinero - October 17 - 10:00 am

  very nice dash,comfortable front seats,hard unsupporting rear seats.ride has improved handling is a little better than earlier grand prixs.

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  Better than you think - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By mike - October 15 - 11:23 am

  I bouth this car in 04. Used to sell them, and I was always a fan. Killer motor after you replace the head and intake gaskets(warranty) Front wheel bearings after 90k. Otherwise, its been a great car. 22-28 mpg with a K and N filter and has good power. Tons of room and a killer interior. Rear seats fold up or pull out, and even recline. The console cooler is the best! So is the stereo! Have 115k on it now and it runs perfect! Understeers in snow, but once you learn to drive it, it will go most anywhere with good tires. Buy this car used and it will not let you down.

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  Versatile - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Selig - October 13 - 12:03 am

  Unlike many SUVs, the trunk allows you carry taller objects. The seats come out to create a cargo van. It carries 4 adults comfortably. The versatility is really useful for the outside sales type. The spoiler is the rear-view can create some sight problems, but overall the rear view options are pretty good. I average 22 miles per gallon, which is a huge change from the Dodge Ram I used to drive. It has a nice balance of features: High seating for good road vision, reasonable pick up, good gas mileage for an SUV, and versatile (camping trip or diner for four). From experience, this vehicle does not hold its value.

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  GXP Awesome and it growls - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Matthew - October 12 - 4:40 am

  I have`just purchased a Pontiac Grand Prix GXP after trading in an 04 COMP G. The new car is awesome and it growls like a. tiger. If you want some power and need an exciting ride this is the car for you

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  2006 Montana - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Martin - October 11 - 1:50 am

  Had this van only a short time but it used with only 11K on it. Had driven a 96 Dodge Grand Caravan for the past 6 years and the Montana is a nice ride! Feels beefier and is feels roomier inside. We opted away from stow-and-go seating of the other newer vans because although they do fold away nicely- they arent really comfortable for long trips. The Montana back seats are sturdy and comfortable and we love the cargo area very functional with the tray installed and the built-in air pump is handy. So far this gets my recommendation!

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  Nice one from Pontiac - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Tony - October 10 - 8:36 pm

  I was very suprised when I took the Torrent for a test drive. On the test drive, I was totally convinced that this vehicle was for me. I totally agree with the one review about it being the poor mans BMW. It feels like a very expensive vehicle, but it doesnt have the price tag of one. I am proud of my Pontiac Torrent!!!