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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  After two years of shopping... - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By alwaysontheroad - December 21 - 9:00 pm

  Until Torrent came along I was not satisfied with any small suv. They were either sluggish 4-cylinders, too small, had poor gas mileage, or were too plain on the inside (Equinox/CRV). This one had everything I was looking for and more. I commute more than 80 miles per day and I love every minute of the drive. I test drove the base model and steering felt awkward. I purchased the top of the line model and steering is much tighter.

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  A sastified customer - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By KZR - December 20 - 7:00 am

  Bought new in 2000. Still driving to work daily after 67K miles. Excellent engine -- plenty of get up and go for a 4-cylinder, excellent gas mileage. Very pleased with this car overall. Fed crash ratings overall are good.

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  My grand am - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By CBCutiepants - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable on long trips, pleanty of cargo room, pritty good pick-up, but could be better [nothing the aftermarket cant handle].Nice agressive styling.

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  This Is A Must See Vehicle - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Carl - December 19 - 7:43 am

  Performance is very good - no problem accelerating into rush hour traffic on I-95. Panoramic sunroof is closest thing to a convertible w/o the headaches. Minor wind noise at high speed closed, but dealer fixed - no noise and no leaks. Great styling - classy car. We love it! Its the best car weve had.

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  GXP me. - 2009 Pontiac Solstice
  By gxpdavid - December 18 - 1:03 am

  As my car breaks in more and more (15,000 miles.) i like it it more and more. Some of teh switches and cup holders are in slightly wierd places but you get used to it. As for comfort and performance: I love the car. Handles, fast , good fuel economy and it turns heads everywhere I go. My friends all know I can buy a more exspensive car. So they allway ask me why a Pontiac? Its a top notch performer, thats why. Near perfect 50/50 wieght and 260HP add up to lots of fun.

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  Love it! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Tony - December 17 - 6:30 am

  I recently purchased the G8 and so far have nothing but praise! The car is as smooth as silk but when prompted takes of like a cannon, I have owned five mustang GTs including a Cobra and this car would smoke them all! I had my eye on this car when it first came out and do not regret buying it at all. If youre looking for a smooth ride with plenty of power I would suggest you buy this car! You cannot beat the price for what you get!

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  Nice Car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By D Jensen - December 15 - 9:56 pm

  I just bought my Vibe and love it. Was looking for a small fuel efficient car that has lots of room and does ok on highway. But wife uses it around town mostly. She loves it. Cant wait to take it on a longer trip to see how it does. Its not a big car but it feels close to it.

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  Vibe Excitement - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Joe Hood - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Nice Nice car...we should do more cars with Toyota....

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  Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By dpitts6719 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I have taken it to Florida from North Carolina twice since I bought my Vibe and have gotten great gas mileage-- 33/35 mpg highway, Every where I get people wanting to know if it is a minivan a station wagon or an suv. I just tell them its a mini-suv. everyone loves it and most would like to own one. I love the idea of not having to crawl in and out of it like a small car or step up high like an suv. I have hauled a heavy-duty storm door without the back door open. I simply popped the backglass open and it hung out about 2" laying flat. I can seat 3 large people in the back seat without them being crowded. My friends like that. I LOVE MY VIBE

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  I love my Vibe!!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Shammie - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Ive owned hondas for 25 years, but after 9/11, I figured Id buy something more American. This car not only looks great, it is totally functional, comfortable, and practical. And its just the right height for me and my elderly mother to get into - no more climbing up out of a hole!