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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  My new Torrent! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Jim Knox - February 17 - 2:33 pm

  After a great ownership experience with a Saturn Vue (which my son now has), the torrent has much more torque, great five speed tranny, leather, luxury features like heated seats, XM radio, six disc cd, and its bigger for more cargo too. The ride is more controlled, quieter and less stressful on the highway - well worth the extra cost. The fit and finish are exemplary, just cant imagine what the buyers of German and Japanese fail too see in this fine GM product (Im a former foreign car only owner). GMs got it now, just hope its not too late for the General.

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  Last of the Grand Prixs - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By peter christoff - February 16 - 8:16 am

  I think it was a big mistake for GM to do away with the Grand Prix. I love mine. I test drove a new G8, and was not impressed at all. The 2008 Grand Prix got a bad rap when they underrated it as just another carry over car that was ready to be put out to pasture,so to speak. I will drive this one with pride, and hope GM brings it back in a few years like the Camaro.

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  Fun & Furious, because Fast is a given! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GXP_Extreme - February 16 - 3:46 am

  This car is awesome! Who would have thought a car in this price range would be better than most cars on the road. I laugh at the people and their expensive luxury cars with 1/3 less horse power and the same mpg. With this car I can drive like a kid and still drive the kids around. This car is THE complete package for a single/family man (Or woman). Thank you GM for a great car!

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  Good buy - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Scotsman - February 16 - 2:56 am

  only downer is I dont like window controls on center console. Otherwise, this is a really good vehicle. I would buy another one

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  Fantastic - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Mike - February 15 - 9:46 am

  Bought this used 05 with appx. 17,000 miles on it, great value for the package. Almost too fast! Have enjoyed every minute. I drive a company vehicle to work, and I can wait to get home to get back to this beast. May not be the best representation of the old goats, but that doesnt mean that it is not a superb muscle car.

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  Race Car Feel - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By MyBlacknWhiteGT - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a few months ago, and I love the way some people can underestamate it. This car keeps up with the best of the best. The 3.4L Ram Air V6 is very fast. This car is very popular so luckly there are many things available to make it faster and custom looking! Buy with confidence.

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  Satisfied Buyer - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By grandamboi - February 14 - 6:14 pm

  I got my car in 2011 knowing it had a blown head with coolant leaking and rust in the water res. I got the car for $400 after talking the seller down 200. With income tax and a friend and myself doing the repairs to the car, we replaced intake manifold, shaved the heads, egr value, brake pads, water res, some tubes, and a few other things for well under 1k and now the car runs like new. I consider it a steal. Later the security bypass went haywire but the car is over 10 years old so I googled it. Was as simple as taking the radio out, cutting the car on, and cutting a wire...problem fixed. My next project is window regs and a/c compressor and mirror then the car will be fully restored.

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  Great Goat - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By JP - February 12 - 8:26 pm

  The 2004 Pontiac GTO was built in Australia by a GM owned company called Holden. The car is well built with a tight body, a decent sport suspension which does make it ride a little rough and includes independant rear suspension. The car is equipped with the LS1 Corvette engine of 350hp which provides the GTO with good power. I chose the manual 6-speed for my transmission option. The interior is leather with bucket seats both front and rear. I have not had any problems with the car since I have owned it and I thoroughly enjoy driving this vehicle.

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  03 Vibe Reflections After Two Years - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By mhosbach - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Leased my Vibe shortly after they became available. The sporty looks and cross-over concept were what attracted me. Interior ergonomics are right on. Drivers seating is perfect. Cargo capacity is surprisingly large. Mileage is excellent, low 30s for my daily commute. Ride, handling, and brakes are great. A disappointment has been the 200 watt stereo. The door speakers rattle. In 30,000 miles, my Vibe has had no mechanical problems. A few minor glitches in the first year were probably "new model" type problems. Buy a Vibe! It has the right mix of cool style, features, and value.

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  Pontiac GTO excitement - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Les - February 11 - 12:03 am

  This car is a blast to drive; it is very fast, handles great, brakes are excellent and its comfortable, with plush bucket seats that support, interior finish thats well appointed. The value for the buck is terrific!!! Im very pleased with the GTO.