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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  Truly a bargain! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Mike Parker - October 11 - 8:06 pm

  The Pontiac GTO is a tremendous value. Where else can yu get 400 hp, nimble handling, nicely trimmed interior with accouterments, and that big-block burble that anyone who owned a 60s big-block knows so well? And get it all for UNDER $30 Grand? Its quick, and its fast. Its under the radar good looking, clean and smooth. It takes a supercar to out- muscle it. Its always fun to dust 100K BMWs and 80K Porsches, Benzes and whatever else comes along. The looks of amazement on their faces are worth way more than the price of this car. GM got the 2006 exactly right, then left it to wither and die on the vine. What A SHAME!

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  Each Day I Like It More - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By sa - October 11 - 1:43 pm

  I didnt really want this car. It was a gift. Now that Ive had it a week, and driven it daily, Ive fallen in love with it. I just want to get in and drive. Its a white G8 GT with all of the options, including 19" summer tires and two toned seats. I love the V8 but dislike the MPG, then again, what does one expect with a V8? The previous review said that there wasnt a trunk release button, there is, in glove compartment.

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  Long Time Toyota Owner/Purchaser - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By BtCaptiva - October 9 - 8:46 pm

  I am truly impressed with this vehicle. Styling is "eye catching" and performance with the 184 HP engine is remarkably strong, handling is much like a sports car feel. Highway is a smooth ride. Instrumentation is easily viewed and accessible. There is plenty of room for driver and passengers. The back seat adusts as well which is unique. As a mid-size it is comparable to other, more expensive makes, as far as hauling capacity. The sound system is wonderful. During hot summer months the A/C cools quickly. I looked at other makes comparable in size priced in the $30,000s that I would normally purchase but for the money I choice this Torrent and have been pleased. Time will tell.

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  Still going strong - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By Tom - October 9 - 12:53 pm

  This is my second Montana, and the first one held up well for 160000 miles. Great cargo capacity, can haul 4x8 wallboard. No mechanical problems, normal maintainance.

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  Better than expected - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By mn2006 - October 9 - 7:36 am

  I saved up a long time to purchase this vehicle. It was well worth the wait. For the money, it is an excellent purchase with loads of power and performance. It is difficult to go into the house once I get home. If you dont own one and are considering it, then hurry to your local dealership and make the deal.

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  A Good Car for the Money - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By G. Chan - October 8 - 9:43 pm

  I bought this car from the original owner when it had 107,xxx miles. The previous owner had taken an excellent care of it. When I bought it, it came with the complete maintenace history of the car. I drive from Pocatello, Idaho to Phoenix, Arizona about 3 times a year, and it gives me no problem. At times, I would just drive 14 hours straight, no problems at all. Until one day, the intake manifold was leaking. My dad, a GM mechanic, told me that the car needed a new re-designed intake. It was very expensive to replace even tho my dad bought me the parts. but overall, the car has been great for the money.

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  Im Broke - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Delrone - October 8 - 6:00 pm

  This car was good until 85k miles. I understand things need to be changed and replaced with a high mileage car like brakes oil filters fluids etc. My costs of repairs have been doubling since my 4th year of ownership. Transmission @120k 3 Master cylinders, brake lines twice, 3 EGR valves, ball joints, Emmisions problems like crazy, carbon build up on the gas pedal, sending unit replaced, electrical grounds rotting off, electrical switches failed early at 40k miles, rusting early 50k miles(once a week washing with a professional detail twice a year)hub assymbly at 83kmiles, wind sheild washer fluid rarely works in cold weather, door seals and locks freeze, thermostat replaced at 130k.

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  Surprising - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Bob - October 8 - 11:43 am

  One of the reasons we bought this car is because of the massive discounts GM offered. I dont understand the current trimlines, really (mine is officially called the "6-cylinder"? okay...) but I think this will all make more sense in 2006 once more models and trims appear. Anyway, this car is pretty amazing. We didnt get ABS, and Im regretting it now, even though the standard tires handle quite well in snow and ice. The dealer had 10 G6s, but none of the base models had ABS or remote start, which was unfortunate. The electric-assist steering is a bit strange at low speeds, sometimes making the wheel light as a feather in the middle of a turn. Otherwise, I have no complaints!

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  Nothing but problems - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By tribal sun - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe the problems Ive had with this car. Ive had both light motors replaced. All lights on the car no matter when you replaced them, have been replaced like weekly. Bad window and antenna motor. Now I have a HUGE Tranny problem that no one seems to know about unless I dish out $1000 up front to take it apart! I would never wish this upon my worst Enemy.....Good luck

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  Dont waste your money - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By xar256 - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This car was great to look at when I first started shopping for cars. Over time, it proved to be a much bigger headache than it was ever worth. In 3 years time the car went through 5 factory sterios, 2 strut mounts, 2 wheel bearings, both wiper motors, and the windshield washer resovoir. Pontiac did little to help the issue. Very poor ratings by several other people I know who HAD these cars including a blown engine at 50000km. Proper maint had been performed on all these vehicals, they are just poorly made, and cant hold a resale value. My 23 year old full size 6 cylinder van gets better milage. STAY AWAY FROM THEM!