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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  Excellent Fun Vehicle - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By David Craig - March 15 - 9:36 pm

  This car handles like a dream - love to take it on curvy roads. The power is awesome and has great fuel economy when driving normally. Get lots of compliments on the exterior still (2006). Like that there are very few of these on the road and it has outrun anything I have raced against. The interior is very roomy and comfy. Love the dash and lighting design.

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  WS6 Ram Air - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Ryan - March 15 - 7:23 pm

  This was the best Trans Am built to date. Too bad it only lasted two more years. It rides great fro a sports car, is comfortable on long trips, and performs close to the level of the more expensive Corvettes of the time. I bought this car used and the only repair I had to do was replacing a headlight motor. Amazing cars!

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  2007 Torrent - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Mark - March 15 - 4:13 am

  Seating comfort was the biggest factor in my choosing the Torrent, but it is fun to drive and Ive been impressed by the fuel economy. I like the exterior styling better than the Jeep or Mariner or even the Torrents twin the Chevy Equinox. The front grille looks like the twin-kindey of a BMW X3, and I like that.

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By cregets - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive got a 2000 WS6 Trans Am. Nothing but fun in this car. The LS1 responds well to mods and it is a killer fast car to begin with. Gas is good for a sports car, and it will get looks from everyone who hears it coming!! I dont think you could get a better bang for the buck.

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  Great Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By G Munney - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive

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  Excellent - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Coqui - March 15 - 2:00 am

  The car is a great car. It has a very smooth ride like that of a Cadillac. It has good fuel economy as well.

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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By bobandsherry - March 14 - 10:23 pm

  Wife wanted a convertible, moving from Infiniti G35 coupe. She wanted hard top so that really limited selection. No, the G6 isnt a G35, but it also costs about 30-35% less. That said, the G6 is still plenty car to get person from point A to point B with plenty of pick-up and go. In Midwest, being able to drive in snow is even more a necessity than dropping the top in summer, G6 handles GREAT in snow with stock tires. G6 is sporty, functional and fun to drive - cant wait for summer. No problems.

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  2004 Pontiac Sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By pepsigirl - March 14 - 1:46 pm

  I love this car, I have loved it since I test drove it. I have been getting 32-36 MPG, and NEVER have any problems. I work in a position that requires me to take call at all hours of the day and night, I need a 4 wheel drive now since the snowplows go nite- nite at 8 pm. Cd player, clean, no rust, lots of power, even on the steepest hills. Forest green, (this car is sharp to look at and fun to drive).

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  2001 Pontiac Grand AM SE1 - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By pab - March 14 - 2:23 am

  Major repair history: *New front brake pads & new BF Goodrich Touring T/A tires @ 58,728 mi. *New fuel filter, belt, & PCV valve @ 77,070 *Replace hazard warning switch (GM Bulletin #03043) @ 86,276 *New front brake pads and rotors & new lower intake gasket set @ 91,659 *6-cyl tune-up, new Platinum Plugs, & new ignition wires @ 91,890 *Install new Interstate battery @ 94,257 *Remove and replace passenger-side mirror @ 96,354 *Ignition diagnosis, fuel system service, & replace blower resistor motor @ 104,686 *Replace fuel pressure regulator & fuel filer @ 109,308 *Replace electric window motor @ 114,177 *Replace multi-function switch @ 114,213 *Flush engine coolant @ 116,069 mi.

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  intake problems - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By robb - March 12 - 1:36 pm

  the vehicle has been a great car. the only problem is the intake manifold. issues of cracks, i had the problem at 54k miles and pontiac did help out. i was a second owner and they stood behind the product i was happy for that.