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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  raynez - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By raynez - April 22 - 3:33 am

  I am 80-yr.old. Ease of entry, head room, cargo space, are just what I needed. The dashboard is easy to read day or night. My family members are all over 6, and they fit well in the front and back seats.

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  My first new car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By kev2kool - April 21 - 2:06 am

  This was the very first time that I purchased a new car. I have only had the car for a week but I love this thing! It even came with free maitainance for a year. Be carefull though it drives fast with no problems. Love the red lights at night and the audio system rocks!

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  Great buy! Lovin the Vibe for 1 1/2 yrs - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Kim A - April 17 - 3:33 pm

  This was my first NEW car purchase and Im VERY PLEASED. My husband & I were originally looking for a small SUV, but when we compared them all (Rav4, Escape, Liberty, CRV, etc...) The Vibes stats were better. Its got a great, unique look - drives great (very smooth), AWESOME on gas mileage (we always get at least 30 mi per gallon, & its an automatic) We have 2 big dogs that love to ride in the back, weve hauled a lot of stuff... I will keep this car until it dies on me. Only quirks have been the front center storage compartment under gear shift pops open, wont stay closed. Right front window starting to make a click when its rolled up, havent had it looked at yet.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By wilbnel - April 17 - 11:45 am

  I bought my 2007 Grand Prix in early 2008 with around 20k miles on it. It now has 205,000 and I just took it in for my first repair - a small transmission leak that causing a slip. $300 later and it runs as good as the day I bought it. This car is a rock-solid, no-issues, dependable automobile. I drive it over 100 miles every single day and it has never let me down. I have the oil changed every 5k-6k miles and it I would drive it across the country tomorrow.

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  Absolutely love this vehicle! - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By kcstudmuffin - April 15 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best purchases Ive ever made. The interior is exceptionally laid out and convenient. The ride is comfortable (my friends say its like riding in a floating barcalounger!). Although Ive had comments that its ugly, I think its fantastic and unusual (to each his own). I feel I got a great value for my money, and this is so much better than the SUV I traded in. I highly recommend it.

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  2002 Collectors Edition Trans Am - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Larry G - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Great car.Fun to drive.Only 500 made for collectors.Great gas milage for all the power.

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  DRIVE EXCITEMENT!!! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By REMTAZ - April 15 - 10:00 am

  GREAT EXPERIENCE! NO PROBLEMS. VERY FUN TO DRIVE.

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  Excellent Car! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Wolfman - April 14 - 8:56 am

  This was quite a find at only 68,000 miles. The car handles great and performs even better!

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  Wonderful touring sedan! - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By GM-MAN - April 12 - 4:40 pm

  What a wonderful car. I am so very pleased with my Bonneville SLE, and have driven on 3 over 500 mile trips in my SLE and just enjoy its great handling (FE2 ride and handling package) and great torque from the 3.8 Series II V6. I never forget I am in a Pontiac. I have put about 8000 miles on mine and really like its driving dynamics. It rides wonderful on the highway and does not comprise on curves. It cuts coners very stable with almost sports car like feedback and performance. Overall it is an impressive vehicle and classic American styling also get some thumbs up. I am very sad to see such a great large sedan be taken out of production! Pontiac bring the Bonneville back, I am waiting!

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  underrated - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By question00 - April 11 - 10:16 am

  the v-8 is fast while still getting great mileage. i average 22 mpg with a good mix of city and hwy driving. as the editors review says, there may be to much torque because of the powerful v-8; however i wouldnt trade down the horsepower. great car. good mix of sports car, fuel economy, and luxury vehicle.