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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  GTO to Go - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By H - June 1 - 10:06 pm

  I searched over 4 months for a new vehicle. Looking at Fords and Chevys. Heard bad reviews for the 2004 GTO. Waited for 2005 for improvements. Searched over a 100 mile radius to find the right dealership. Tested and enjoyed the performance. Same drivetrain as a corvette, for lower price plus it can hold two more people. Held out for the one color that would work. Cyclone Gray, which does not look like gray. Plus I wanted the Sport Appearance Package.

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  2006 AWD Torrent - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By queens - May 31 - 5:46 am

  I saw an ad for the Torrent and just loved the look. I was hesitant about buying one because I never saw one on the road. Its my first experience with an SUV and I love driving it. I got it fully loaded with the safe, sun and sound packages. The seats are very comfortable and the back seat is roomy and seats fold for more storage. I love the six disc cd changer and the sun roof

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  I hate it - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Brittney - May 29 - 12:00 am

  I traded my 06 ford explorer off for a g6 because I started to get too high off mileage on my explorer and I needed something that got better gas mileage. I liked the way it looked on the outside. The inside wasnt bad at first and it drove alright. Within the first month it was in the shop three times for rotors, brake pads and steering column problems. Now, the silver trim is peeling off. It looked cheap on the inside to begin with but now looks even cheaper.

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  Pontiac Montana - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By Jim McCarty - May 28 - 3:20 am

  The only real complaint I have is wind noise around the sliding doors. It is so loud carring on a conversation is difficult. Is there a way to tighten the sliding doors so they close tighter?

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  Issues with my Convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By pompanoman - May 26 - 6:33 am

  I bought my G6 GT with the GTP package in May of 07. I love my car but have had few annoying issues with it. First issue, my car started whistling within 8 months of purchase. One entire line of the muffler had to be replace from the engine to the end. I live in Florida, so A/C is a must have. The A/C seems to have a mind on its own and sometimes will not come on, so is the wiper system. I set the wipers on the continuous speed setting and they will go intermittent on me. Last issue, my top wont retract anymore. I bought the car brand new and only have one user, although I love my car, for the price I paid I was expecting more from GM.

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  So Far, So Good... - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By Auntbetty - May 25 - 3:13 pm

  Weve had our Montana for 5 years and it had 60k miles when we bought it. Now it has 175k on it and seems to be doing ok. No major repairs and have avoided the head gasket issue. The intake manifold gaskets had been done before we bought it. Basically just routine maintenance (brakes, wheel bearings in front, tires). Its not as tight as a Honda or Toyota, but thats a given so dont expect it to be since youre paying thousands less for a comparable year. Fuel mileage is very good for a van (20-24mpg depending on season).

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  review after 2 years - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By patsy - May 24 - 2:43 pm

  Purchased 2 years ago, now 19,000 Miles. Mostly city driving. 25-28 mpg.with an automatic. Car now carry scars of my driving ability. But I still enjoy driving it. Good quality for the dollar. Gets good mileage. Like the dash layout and large cargo area. Generally pleased with Vibe. Have had problems with the "idle". The engine wants to race after warm up. Had to remove back seat head rest because of blind stop. But all bell and whistle still work. Needs telescoping wheel for more comfort. Cup holders are only for one person at a time. But if I had a choose I would by my 3nd Vibe.

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  Power, Performance, Fun and Romance - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By T/A lover since 74 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The Pontiac Firebird is fun to drive, with a muscular V-6, 16 inch wheels, and four disc anti-lock brakes. This car is meant for serious drivers only. The handling is superb, responsiveness is excellent, and the cornering is great. The car is sexy and I get compliments all the time. I opted for the optional six year/sixty-thousand mile warranty, I plan on keeping this car till death. If youre thinking about it, go for it. This car is well worth the money and insurance.

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  Its going to be a fun summer - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By gmanpopo - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving the T/A and it is alot more fun driving it with the ram air package, that added horse power is great.The only down fall is that all of the plastic on the interior, It could have been designed with alot less. I already have scratches on the interior door panels near the feet.

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  Great Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GPGTP - May 22 - 2:00 am

  My GTP is awesome. I love the supercharger and the mileage. I get 24 mpg combined. Would recommend to anyone.