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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  Pontiac Love - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Joe - May 30 - 9:56 pm

  Love this car to death. Ive had it just over 3 years now and have not had a single issue with it yet. The only money I have had to put into the car has been for gas, oil and the other liquids.

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  poor quality of a car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By michelle - May 29 - 4:36 am

  I have had this car since Jan. of 04 and it has been nothing but trouble. After 1200 miles the evaporator core started leaking and had no cool air. Now recently with 43,000 miles on it the right wheel bearing is out. For as much money as i paid for it...it would be better quality....boy was i wrong. I have talked to numerous people and they have same complaints. Another thing is the resale value of this car is awful........it has no resale value at all. Anyways good luck to anyone else owning one of these piles.

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  Pontiac G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Al. - May 28 - 6:56 pm

  Im a young male so i needed a car that had speed and comfort and this fit the picture very well. It is very nice interior inside with wood grain and leather, and is comparable to a Cadillacs interior. The gas mileage is great but all depends on how you drive. Its very quiet and the sound system is excellent. plenty of room for me and all my buddies. Never have to worry about pulling my seat up and im 63. Trust me if youre looking for that sporty look sedan then a g6 is for you.

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  What a surprise, I had no idea - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By norita - May 28 - 11:23 am

  That this SUV was out there either until my husband showed it to me online. I had been looking at the Rav4 and the Saturn VUE but when I sat in both vehicles I did not feel exactly as comfortable in them as I did the Pontiac Torrent. I sat in this car and it was like a dream! So roomy, and the rear seat fits 3 comfortably! I had 3 guys over 6 feet tall fit in there with ease. Really, a cool looking vehicle, my kids are in love with it and so am I! Only have 33 miles but easy to drive. Much better on gas than my Dodge Grand Caravan.

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  This is a real piece.... - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By zorba - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Do not buy this car. It is a horrible machine. I think weve replaced everything on the car back the windshield. I would never suggest it to anyone.

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  Different Is Definitely Better !!!! - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Dr O - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I have absolutely no complaints about this vehicle. I live in the Northeast and last winter was a beaut for ice and snow. The Aztek performed like a champ. It never lost traction. I felt very safe in it. The stereo system is A+. Having the "heads up" display on the windshield is in effect another safty feature-- when you have to keep your eyes on the road and not search for the mph,etc.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vulcanrider01 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all. I purchased the Base Vibe with the bells and whistles attached. Have had a lot of compliments on this car. My family only owns GM products and this one by far is the coolest. TONS of room with the foldable seats. Confortable ride with speed when you need it. A+++ I LOVE IT!!!

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  Holds the road like a magnet. - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fixpipes - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy with the quality of the car. The fit and finish is excellent. The handling and horse power provide a thrilling driving experience. I feel very safe and in control with this car, especially in adverse weather. I think you get a lot for your money with this car.

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  600 miles to a full tank of gas - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dcharger - May 27 - 10:58 am

  love the car, got 209,000 miles on it now,,car was great on gas, but now have trans problem, and some motor problem, but after running it and dumping money in it, i still like it,, but like everything, it dont last forever, smooth ride, never cared for GMs, but this was the only good car i think they made, well thats that

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  pontiac vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By r morter - May 27 - 2:20 am

  Excellent comfort, room ride ,quality and 30 mpg on average driving for 15k. A bargain compared to toyota , prius and Honda hybrids.