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:

• 

  Fun, Practical , & Different ! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Emily - September 6 - 2:46 pm

  I had a 1991 Honda Civic Hatch & was ready for my first new car. I knew I wanted a hatch and something distinctive rather than the generic looks of the civic & focus. The Vibe is a fun travel car but practical for the weekly trip to the grocery store ! Bright Chromatic dials, Cybercloth seating, and a high view of the highway. I dont feel like Im being looked down upon by all the passing SUVs!

• 

  What the heck" - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Myra - September 6 - 1:53 pm

  I brought my 07 G6 Pontiac going on two years ago. My car been in the shop more than 12 times for different issues. Steering gear went out 3 months of me having the car. Three months later it happens again. Back lights went out. Air bags need service light comes on but never been in an accident. Brakes replaced. The computer system reset had to get a jump for it to get reset. Wheel bearing needs to be replaced. So many issues with this car not a good car to buy. They need to have a recall on these cars or give us our money back!

• 

  Aztek: The car people love to hate - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Aztek Happy - September 5 - 12:53 pm

  I bought the Aztek because of all of the great things it can do. It is the best car I have ever owned (I am 60 so I have owned a bunch). It does everything and is the most comfortable car I have ever owned. We went 14k miles last summer and never had any comfort problems. Get past the looks and buy one. You will really love it. You can get a good deal on one and shop around for the bells and whistles.

• 

  The Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By nervisnel - September 5 - 1:50 am

  I have to say the Vibe is a great little car. I love the way it looks on the inside and out, handles well. Gas mileage right now could be a little better. Maybe it will be when it isnt winter time out and having to be in AWD all the time. If anyone wanted a nice reliable car, the 2005 Vibe is a great deal. Seats are really comfy , easy to move and adjust.

• 

  Never buy a Montana! - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By DOHN NAGY - September 3 - 3:13 pm

  Last week my Transmission went and this was the last straw! Ive had trouble with the windshield leaking water into the light on the centre roof, handles come off the right sliding door(Twice) right door wont open easily or at all. Hood corroded and had to be repainted. As to the transmission replacement, it was $3672.79 and this for a vehical with just 144.0 kms on it and less than four years old. The original cost was going to be $4300.00 but was reduced at the dealer(Popham on the Queensway in Toronto) I have no quarrel with the dealership but General Motors in my mind is not a reliable vehicle to own any more and we have four GM vehicals in my family...I just dont trust GM anymore...

• 

  Uncompromising Sport and Utility to Boot - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dpdevil16 - September 3 - 3:13 am

  The cars looks and amazing versatility make this a vehicle that should stand out, especially for a sports sedan. What other vehicle in its class can boast being able to store a 10-foot 2x4, PVC tubing, or a Kayak inside the vehicle with all doors closed? The suspension meets a fine balance between sportiness and confort, while the acceleration is enough to arouse a the Indy racer in all of us. The Grand Prix is certainly a far cry from the midsized coups of yore and is a great utility vehicle and road cruiser. I am happier with my purchase every day that I drive it. Ive yet to find a dislike.

• 

  Great ride - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Jim - September 2 - 11:16 am

  I have owned some very expensive vehicles, but none ever rode as quietly, comfortably and firmly as my Torrent, nor were they as much fun to drive. For $25,000, it is the bargain of the year as far as I am concerned.

• 

  Fun to Drive! - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Zooman - September 2 - 10:00 am

  The car handles great and yet is very practical. It is comparable to the power of the mustang (automatic V8) but has the room of a sedan. The price was 29K but with all of the rebates, GM discount, etc. I save almost 10K. That really made the decision easier. I was close to buying a new 5 speed GT mustang, but fell in love with the Grand Prix.

• 

  Dont Judge A Book by The Cover - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By krystl - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Many people do not like the Aztek based on its looks. If they would look past that, they would find a quality vehicle, with lots of comfort and functionality at a reasonable price. I wish Pontiac would advertise the Aztek more because there are a lot of consumers out there that are missing out on a fabulous car! I am so glad I bought mine. Its very comfortable for my family of 4. It holds everything I need it to and the kids have plenty of room. The Aztek is roomier than its counterparts (RAV4 and CRV). Check out the Aztek. Youu wont be disappointed.

• 

  the best - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By azztek - September 2 - 10:00 am

  great Car Truck Van