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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  Great for the money - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By wacdmc - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for $20K after rebates. So far, 14,000 miles in 6 months and it hasnt skipped a beat. Fuel mileage is good and varies with driving habits. Power is more than sufficient and it cruises well on the highway. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend this car.

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  LOVE my Montana SV6 - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By brenda - April 20 - 2:26 am

  I am so glad that I went with this minivan compared to others. It looks more like an SUV and I get so many complements on the inside and outside. I would recommend this van to anyone who wants an SUV with out the high insurance and the high price of an SUV.

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  Grand Am SE2 - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ppotte - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I am really happy with this car. It has the 6 cylinder engine, and with a fairly light car, it has plenty of pickup and power. It is nice to drive. I like the traction control, it makes me feel quite safe in the rain. Overall, I like the car. I have had a couple of cooling systems problems, which I am told are expected due to the very high temperatures in Phoenix. Otherwise, everything else works just fine.

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  Lots of fun with My G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Glinda - April 14 - 7:50 pm

  This is the first time i have ever purchased a vehicle and, was very impressed with my purchase. I have seen the commercials and was instantly impressed. When i first sat in the car for the test drive and stepped on the gas i thought to myself " i have to have this car. The roomy bucket seats and the nice and smooth ride left me speechless and comfort should be defined as Pontiac g6.

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  Love It! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By TX Owner - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 3 years and have not tired of it yet! I make excuses to drive this car - it is so much fun. 3 Tickets to go with it though! I am disappointed in the new car design for 2003 - much smaller and doesnt look as sporty. I love the wide-track design of my car and the pep that it has.

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  Good Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Anthony - April 14 - 9:20 am

  Since we bought the car it has never been back for any type of warranty work or any other repairs. Workmanship is excellent. We just change the oil, refuel the car and drive it. Handling is good and it drives well. We like the style, both interior and exterior, very functional. Good car.

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  montana - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By mrsmac - April 12 - 9:36 pm

  I like the van okay but we keep having problems with the electric door not opening correctly over the past 18 months. We have had air conditiong problems and replaced the brakes and wheel cylinders already. This van has been in the shop many times since our purchase over aggrivating things, am I ever glad we bought an extended warranty.

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  Solid Car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By gatekeeper - April 12 - 10:03 am

  Great car, good gas mileage, lots of fun, few things on the dash and in the driver side door squeeked but I had the door fixed and the dash noise comes and goes but its not bad at all. It is very comfy and fun to drive.

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  So Much Fun - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Laura - April 12 - 8:53 am

  I love my Torrent. I have had it for over a year now. With its sporty look and get up and go, it is so much fun to drive. My major reason for buying this vehicle was for its looks and the price for all the features you get.

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  Here is how I see my car - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By my soul - April 11 - 4:10 am

  OH MY GOD. In 2002 I was devastated when Pontiac stopped making the Trans Am, but HELLLLOOOO Solstice. Sure it doesnt have the muscle power of the TA but so what. There is not a better way to feel as one with your car and the road then this sporty little roadster. Im hooked.