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 crashing! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By blackjack - August 22 - 11:36 am

  I missed a stop sign, hopped over some water,went downward to the landing of a grass field, hit some little trees and still was able to drive it home. I never crashed before by the landing was like a Cushion. I love my Torrent!

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  Not perfect, but very good! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By sailorbeavis - August 21 - 7:35 pm

  Bought one of these cars off-season last year, fully loaded with the Monsoon stereo, heated leather and low mileage on the 3.9L upgraded V6. This is my mothers "fun car," replacing a workhorse S10 pickup. We test drove all sorts of cars, and were looking at a Miata when I found this at a local dealership. She fell in love with it at first sight and after driving it, had to have it. This thing moves like a scalded cat and the touring suspension soaks up the bumps great, even with the 18" wheels. The transmission is smooth and you can "row" the automatic if you want. We got it as a CPO with extended warranty, to hedge against any mechanical or electrical gremlins.

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  Bonneville - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By djfarren - August 21 - 8:36 am

  This was our second Bonneville. The 99 was a big improvement over the 91 which we kept 8 years. We spent very little on it for repairs. We did maintain it as recommended. The ride is a bit stiff, but it has good handling and control in evasive maneuvering. It has good road feel and takes curves and corners extremely well. The seats are very comfortable. We had the optional 60/40 split bench seat and were the only ones of our friends who could take two other couples out to dinner in the same car. We averaged about 25mpg highway (65mph) with the overdrive (auto) transmission. Not shifting into OD would lower gas mileage considerably. We averaged around 20mpg around town.

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  The best crossover vehicle Ive owned - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Walter Conrad - August 19 - 3:06 am

  This will be the third crossover vehicle I have owned the other 2 being Subaru Outbacks a 1997 and a 2002. The Pontiac has it all over them. More power, more room, better styling, better fuel economy all with a lower price tag. The interior on the Pontiac Torrent is very roomy, comfortable and well laid out. Cargo space is huge and versitile because of the sliding rear seat. Fit and finish is outstanding both inside and out. Power from the standard 3.4L V6 is impressive and the 5 speed automatic transmission is smooth shifting and the rest of the drivetrain is also smooth and quiet. Handling, braking and ride quality are top notch as good as I have experienced in vehicles costing much more.

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  worst mistake ever! - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By esh83 - August 19 - 1:51 am

  Ive had problems with this car from the start. @15,000 miles steering shaft replaced 4 times and whole steering assembly replaced @15,000 airbag sensor in passenger seat replaced twice @29,000 miles engine dropped for rear main seal leak @60,000 miles right front tire pressure monitoring system stopped working -Traction control light and ABS kick on whenever i make a tight turn, dealer couldnt find a problem- had this problem since 35,000 miles -Transmission light on now at 63,000 miles for no reason. -Multiple lights out in dash..heated seat light out, heat control arrows out, shifter light out. it seems like i always have some kind of engine or service light on :(

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  06GrandPrixGT - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Irish - August 17 - 10:36 pm

  I drove a 97 GTP for 8 years and loved it so I was reluctant about the new style but when the 06 came out with more power and options in a GT I traded up. This car can fly. Ive driven the Magnum RT and the Grand Prix is faster off the line. Smooth ride, corners well. 90 degree doors in the rear are nice for kids getting in and out. I would recommend buying one without a sunroof as it adds much needed headroom. Leg room in the rear is a little tight but seats are more comfortable than the 04/05 versions.

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  G6 GTP Sedan-Great Value - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Richard Myles - August 17 - 12:46 pm

  I had a 2004 Mercedes C320 and even though it was rock solid and handled the road well at high speeds. It was overpriced and a piece of garbage with all sorts of mechanical problems. Total waste of money. I leased an Infinity G 35 Coupe and loved the car. It was fast, beautiful, and fun to drive. The reason why I got rid of it because it was not ingress and egress friendly for babies. G 6 GTP has almost identical performance 0-60 6.2 seconds compared to G35 6.1 seconds. The G 6 GTP Sedan is beautiful inside and out and offers outstanding performance (Faster than the 2004 mustang gt with the 260 horse). I know beacuse I beat them all the time. G6 GTP really changed my views of American cars.

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  Good-Bad and the Buggy - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jcteacher - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Okay car, HOWEVER, theres Too many window problems! Pontiac customer service problems. I recommend staying away from GM cars based on the window electric problems. ALL three automatic window motors-BROKE, fourth is going downhill! BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH GOING out and only 2 speeds left! Pontiac does not take responsibility for its defects. Dont drive long distances, seats are hard and it makes a sore butt. . L0L. . I will NEVER buy a Pontiac again. Shame on this company! I AM BUYING A HONDA!

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  First van - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By lucyp - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the first time Ive owned a van and I love it. The handling and performance is much better than the other brands I tested. The Chrysler version worked too hard to shift and was not comfortable even though it had more features. It is so much easier to get in and out of than a low car. Visibility is improved because of the higher profile, especially for night time driving. I am concerned about the handling in winter driving as this one is not equipped with the traction control.

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  Boowannas Black Aztec - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By boowanna - August 17 - 2:43 am

  Great vehicle!