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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  I love it - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Care2bjs2 - January 27 - 6:43 pm

  Was at the dealership with a friend and was talked into test driving an 06 GTO I really wasnt planning on purchasing one but wow!!!!2 hours later I was home with a brand spanking new Brazen Orange GTO This car is awesome, much faster than the 05 Mustang I just sold, its hard to believe its only 100 hp more because it seriously feels like twice the power and the interior is way better So far the car has been perfect in every way

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  Great hard top convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Tim - January 26 - 5:33 pm

  Ive loved the Lexus SC but felt $65,000 out of my price range for what I wanted. Security and wondering if and when someone would cut a hole in the top was my hold back on a convertible and having it for winter. Just happened to see a G6 in a parking lot and checked it out on line and found a car for $31000 that did just what I needed. It really needs a place to lock items in when parked and one touch button top operation would be great. Liked the electric blue but found it was only available in 06 and put out the blue gold which I dont care for color wise. Odd they made the prototype electric blue and cancel the color for 07. I love the car anyway.

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  Great first car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By kim2013 - January 26 - 3:26 pm

  I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am SE, 4 door, 4 cylinder automatic. This is/was my first car that I bought back in april 2009 I believe. This has been a reliable car for me. Mostly daily driving - school, work, etc. Mostly a town driver, then drove about 25 miles away daily for college. The only serious problem I had was a misfire and a new coil pack fixed that. Routine oil changes, brake pads and tires have been all this car has needed. I drove this car from Wisconsin to Tennesee and back at about 130,000 miles and it did wonderful. I get 24-26 mpg city and probably 30-32 highway. All in all, no big complaints. I do think the car is kind of ugly on the outside but oh well :)

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  love it - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Frenchyis home - January 24 - 7:26 am

  I totally enjoy driving this car. I had no problem making the change from a car. The torrent gives you a very secure ride, and handles like a dream

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  7/8-Scale Corvette - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By jdII - January 23 - 6:56 pm

  Ridiculous good looks attract a crowd everywhere I go. Flip off the traction control and make Corvette-like tire smoke. Enduraflex panels make parking lots non-scary. The Eco-Tech Turbo motor is impressive and pulls hard at virtually all RPMs. Very neutral handling posture especially at the limits, impressive brakes. In the final analysis, think of this car as a 7/8-scale Corvette. Its sexy, overt, a little louder and ready to eat GT Mustangs at the next stoplight. Despite the bravado, it is civil enough my wife can drive it and enjoy the cars appeal. Would like to see a few more exterior visual cues to differentiate the GXP from the normally aspirated model.

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  Awesome looking BMW 7 series clone - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Air Force Dave - January 22 - 3:53 pm

  After tiring of driving my wifes CR-V to work, I needed something a little more sportier when the weather didnt cooperate with my motorcycling. We needed four doors and we didnt want to break the bank. I stumbled upon this Pontiac, and what luck! The only con I see to this G8 is the cup holders in the front. They sit too far back. There are no cup holders in rear of the cabin which is inconvenient. And a lack of a navigation system is disappointing. However, that all melts away when you smash down the accelerator. All in all, Im very pleased with our purchase and hope that we spent $25K on a great product.

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  why buy a lemon? - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By montanajoke - January 22 - 3:00 pm

  I would not give anyone a plug nickle for one of these albatros of a "truck" Funny, they clasify this as a truck, and nothing is farther from the truth.GM should be ashamed for offering such a poor excuse for a minivan, and I am not surprised there is a lawsuit regarding the lower intake gasket. If they had any sack they would pony up and refund everyone $1000, which would be about 8 out of 10 owners, and they knew of the problem for years. The resale value is laughable. I have had 3 intake gaskets done and is leaking again. I would not advise my worst enemy to buy this boat anchor. Not too mention the small but numerous problems that have plauged our van from day one.

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  Great Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By HH - January 22 - 11:23 am

  Great performance, styling, handling. Love the heated seats, dash and gauges, bucket seats. Rides like a much bigger car. Whats not to like? Downside is that resale value isnt very good.

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  1 Year and still love it - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - January 22 - 10:36 am

  I have had my G8 GT, it will be 1 year on the May 23rd. The mileage has gone from 15 to 18 mpg in daily commute and and I do not spare the horses. I am just glad that with Pontiac going away I am luck enough to have the last and probably the most awesome car Pontiac ever built. I have heard rumors that GM may bring a Police version of the G8 to the US as a Chevy. The Holden Commador is the #1 police car in Australia.

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  GTO Review - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By gtolvr - January 21 - 10:16 pm

  Interior is wrapped in enough leather to confuse you into thinking youre in a luxury vehicle not a muscle car. Performance and handling are superb. This is one of the best vehicles pontiac has every put out.