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:

• 

  Excellent Buy - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Greg Bonner - April 29 - 12:23 pm

  This is by far the best car that I have ever owned. I do not have one complaint about my G6. I would recommend the G6 to everyone who is looking to get a quality vehicle for a great price!

• 

  A Collectors Item - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Gary Hooper - April 28 - 9:00 pm

  I have one of the last Monaros (Pontiac GTO) to be sold in Australia. I am disappointed that this car will no longer be produced in this country as its build quality and muscle car character make it the equal of many cars costing considerably more. Ill save it for my grandchildren so they can appreciate what it was like to drive a car with more than 2 cylinders!

• 

  Reliable for me - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GM fan - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Had my 95 SE coupe since new. 3.1 l with auto tranny. Unfortunately the 5 speed was unavailable in California. Only things I have had to do were routine maintanence. One battery, one alternator, and one set of tires, and one set of brake pads for 50k is totally within reason. Combined city/hwy mileage has been steadily at 22-24mpg. Had as high as 33 in straight Hwy miles. Reliability has been excellant. Cant see why its resale value is so low. Im saving this thing for my daughter.

• 

  Love This Car - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Carol - April 27 - 11:53 pm

  Love how this handles-what a difference between the Torrent and my Jeep. Lot of room, comfortable and smooth ride. For the price you can not beat it.

• 

  02 NHRA Trans Am - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Buzz - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Man, I hate to see these cars go. 30mpg on the hwy and 312.5rwhp and 338rtq under your right foot. Those are bone stock rear wheel numbers. No wonder these cars propel you through the quarter in mid to low 13s with ease all the while let you park yourself in a nice power leather seat with the a/c on, cds jammin ttops off etc etc etc. Hell, the car is even great in the twisties. BTW, Imn ot a small guy by any means, 62, 285 and fit in her fine. People may not apreciate these cars now ,but they will in the future. I could not ask for more in an automibile. Its a 25k slap in the face to cars priced 3 times as much

• 

  I Love my G6! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Michelle - April 24 - 12:20 pm

  I have had my G6 for almost two years and I love it! I paid for the extended warranty, just in case, and have never had to use it once. Rotate the tires, change the oil...thats it. My only complaint is the terrible wind noise when just the rear windows are down. Its awful! Just never do it and problem solved.

• 

  Amazing even after 165,000 miles! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By rr - April 21 - 6:20 pm

  Did a lot of research when I bought this car in 2004 new and could not have believed at that time that this would have been as amazing as it has been. My daily driver for a long commute for the past 6 yrs and I still love it! We have only replaced tires, oxygen sensor, AND it still has original brakes. The most amazing car - cant say enough good about it. Love how it drives, love the looks, versatility, everything. It has become a good old friend and I shall keep it until it dies (which may be 450,000 miles+) but I seriously cant imagine a better car and I have a luxury SUV but still love this car!

• 

  nice ride! - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GA driver in GA - April 21 - 2:00 am

  only bought the car two weeks ago for $1900 with 98k on it. have had good experiences with pontiacs in the past. previous car was a 90 model w/ 170k on it.pick-up is greaT. HANDLES EXTREMELY WELL. paint is excellent. shifter is kinda funky. 5 speed w/ four cylinder will be a gas saver.150 ponies is good for a GM 4 banger.clunking from drivers side front, probably suspension or cv joints.

• 

  In a class of its own - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Charles Goin - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Some find the design bland, I find the clean lines to be perfect. Not too busy, and very The interior is fantastic and the seats are the best I have ever sat in and yet hold you firmly. The fit and finish of the interior is by far the best I have seen in a GM product. Suspension is tight, and yet on the highway is smooth as silk. Reminds me of a 8 series BMW, but with a better overall ride. With a fully independant rear end with posi-traction grip and handling are well communicated to the wheels. While the suspension may feel German, the sweet sound and powerband is all American V8. The horsepower is right there, with a ton of torque that will put you in your seat.

• 

  2004 GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By symir - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my 2004, GTO. Every time I get into my GTO I am just as excited as the first time I drove it. The car is extremly fun to drive, and the power is awesom. The pick up you feel when you accelerate really puts you back in your seat. I have had my GTO up to 145 mph and it drives just as smooth as it does at 65 mph. Though I do not recomend driving that fast. In my opion I would recommend the GTO to anyone who is looking to buy an affordable sports car that does not sacrifice on power or comfort to keep the price down.