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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  LAST CHOICE WAS MY 1ST CHOICE! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By SUNSHINE - June 18 - 2:20 am

  I researched & drove so many different auto & in the end, I bought the 06 Torrent!I had originally put it on the top of my list; but dismissed it prior to seeing one. After looking at so many vehicles, it was the Torrent that made me excited when I saw it & drove it! Mine is silver with black heated leather; sun/moonroof, 6cd changer; and many other features that I love.The 06 Torrent rose to the top of my list above the 100s of autos that I had saw.Ive owned it for 2 mths & love it! I get 20mpg city driving. Its comfy; easy access to everything; so far so good! I did buy an extended warrantee for piece of mind.

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  SV6 Improved - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By SLibera283 - June 17 - 2:13 am

  Better ride styling ,power ,engine. Not crazy about the 17"wheels.They do nothing but add cost to the van. Safety has been greatly improved.They deleted 8 passenger option.Very useful. Center seats do not fold as well as previous models

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  Out of 17 cars owned thye BEST ONE yet! - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By tony - June 16 - 3:10 pm

  My second Vibe! My first one was gave to my father inlaw. He is handicap and over wieghtaking it hard for him to get in and out of a car. This car is perfect for him. Also, this gave me a good reason to buy a new one! Only thing is the enlinks went bad on the car while still under warrenty and the dealer will not fix. This is not a mark against the car but a mark agaist the dealership!

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  If you test drive it you will buy it - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By kelly - June 15 - 10:00 am

  well i was looking for a new car and could not make up my mind what i wanted i looked for two weeks i test drove all kinds of cars and suv. then i seen an Aztec and thought it looked difference i checked it out and the i test drove it. the more i liked it so i bought me a 2003 and i love it. people ask me how i like my Aztec and i tell them go test drive one you will buy it. Its that nice, you are higher off the ground and it drives so nice cross country I have been to California 2 times and I live in Missouri it drove great and I have had no problems with it at all.

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  Last of a Breed - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Jim43 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I ordered my 2002 TransAm in April, the last month orders were accepted. It replaced a 2000 TransAm. T-top, WS6 handeling and performance package ... this car cant be beat for performance vs price. Im really sorry Pontiac discontinued the Firebird/TransAm.

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  needs a lot more driver comforts - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By cobra55 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  center arm rest to low and to far back its more like a foot rest for the back seat passenger

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  Wheres the Silver color - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vibester - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Our 2004 vibe is great. The 2005 pictures are in the Silver/Satellite color, but from what I can find, that color isnt on the 2005. Anyone else found that. They change the front, raise the price, photograph it in silver and then delete silver as a choice?

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  Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Gilbert Fuller - June 15 - 10:00 am

  My Vibe has to be the best investment I have ever made in a vehicle. I cannot say enough about this car. I have not had to take it to the dealership for any repairs or adjustments. It just performs beautifully.

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  Most Reliable of any Car.... - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By The Oak - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I must say, this has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned! My Acura TL was the most fun, but even that had minor problems. I also had a Mercedes which had its share of annoying maintenence issues. Ive done nothing but normal maintenence for this Grand Prix; it has been simply flawless! I cant express how impressed I am by the overall quality of this product!

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  Great Car - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By LovePontiacs! - June 15 - 6:03 am

  This was my first car. I drove it for three years before I decided to get an SUV. There were never any problems other than something with the ABS. Tires wore great after all the miles. Held up great. Every time I cleaned it, it looked NEW! Motor was extremely quiet and dependable. Got tons of looks back then!