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:

• 

  Flys like a butterfly stings like a bee - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Andrea - October 12 - 6:26 pm

  Ride is smooth, reliable performance when you need it, excellent handling awesome on the corners.

• 

  Vs. MIata - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Doc - October 12 - 2:36 am

  As a Miata owner for the last 15 years, I can say this is more car for the money, however there are some quality issues with some of part fitting, although minor and probably hard to notice, I was used to the perfection in the fit of the Miata. The good news is this rides like a much bigger car, and is more fun to drive than the Miata.

• 

  Truly a bargain! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Mike Parker - October 11 - 8:06 pm

  The Pontiac GTO is a tremendous value. Where else can yu get 400 hp, nimble handling, nicely trimmed interior with accouterments, and that big-block burble that anyone who owned a 60s big-block knows so well? And get it all for UNDER $30 Grand? Its quick, and its fast. Its under the radar good looking, clean and smooth. It takes a supercar to out- muscle it. Its always fun to dust 100K BMWs and 80K Porsches, Benzes and whatever else comes along. The looks of amazement on their faces are worth way more than the price of this car. GM got the 2006 exactly right, then left it to wither and die on the vine. What A SHAME!

• 

  Each Day I Like It More - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By sa - October 11 - 1:43 pm

  I didnt really want this car. It was a gift. Now that Ive had it a week, and driven it daily, Ive fallen in love with it. I just want to get in and drive. Its a white G8 GT with all of the options, including 19" summer tires and two toned seats. I love the V8 but dislike the MPG, then again, what does one expect with a V8? The previous review said that there wasnt a trunk release button, there is, in glove compartment.

• 

  Long Time Toyota Owner/Purchaser - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By BtCaptiva - October 9 - 8:46 pm

  I am truly impressed with this vehicle. Styling is "eye catching" and performance with the 184 HP engine is remarkably strong, handling is much like a sports car feel. Highway is a smooth ride. Instrumentation is easily viewed and accessible. There is plenty of room for driver and passengers. The back seat adusts as well which is unique. As a mid-size it is comparable to other, more expensive makes, as far as hauling capacity. The sound system is wonderful. During hot summer months the A/C cools quickly. I looked at other makes comparable in size priced in the $30,000s that I would normally purchase but for the money I choice this Torrent and have been pleased. Time will tell.

• 

  Still going strong - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By Tom - October 9 - 12:53 pm

  This is my second Montana, and the first one held up well for 160000 miles. Great cargo capacity, can haul 4x8 wallboard. No mechanical problems, normal maintainance.

• 

  Better than expected - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By mn2006 - October 9 - 7:36 am

  I saved up a long time to purchase this vehicle. It was well worth the wait. For the money, it is an excellent purchase with loads of power and performance. It is difficult to go into the house once I get home. If you dont own one and are considering it, then hurry to your local dealership and make the deal.

• 

  Surprising - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Bob - October 8 - 11:43 am

  One of the reasons we bought this car is because of the massive discounts GM offered. I dont understand the current trimlines, really (mine is officially called the "6-cylinder"? okay...) but I think this will all make more sense in 2006 once more models and trims appear. Anyway, this car is pretty amazing. We didnt get ABS, and Im regretting it now, even though the standard tires handle quite well in snow and ice. The dealer had 10 G6s, but none of the base models had ABS or remote start, which was unfortunate. The electric-assist steering is a bit strange at low speeds, sometimes making the wheel light as a feather in the middle of a turn. Otherwise, I have no complaints!

• 

  GTP Owners Need This Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 04-GTP - October 8 - 10:00 am

  If you currently have an older GTP you must get the 04! I had a loaded 01 GTP and just stopped in the dealer because I saw the 04 on the lot. All I was interested in was the TAP shift, but once I got up close and personal I could not believe how much the car has improved. The pictures on the web and magazines do not do justice to how well this car looks, put the 01 and 04 side by side and there is no comparison. That is only the tip of the iceburg, you must get in this car! The Competition Group (WS6) is the way to go, only ~$1400 package, to get the full effect. P.S. if you live in NH the "04-GTP" personal plate is taken :)- !

• 

  The Great American Touring Sedan - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By gm4life - October 8 - 1:53 am

  I have had nothing but excellent luck with my 2005 Bonneville SLE. It rides very smoothly but not overly floated like a Buick. The 3800 Series II V6 has excellent off the line pick up. Important for blowing off grannies in there Camrys. The trunk will hold loads of goodies and the steering is direct and gives good feedback. I have had one problem with my steering shaft other than that I have problem free time with this car. I intend to keep it in good shape and drive it forever. Anyone intrested in an excellent car and dosent want a Camry or Impala this is a great family/touring car. My family and I love to take trips in this vehicle. It is the Great American Touring Sedan!