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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  It is what it is - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By enduran - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Has been a decent vehicle for our family. My Grandmother owned one that was plowed into a tree at about 30+ mph and I liked how the vehicle withstood the crash so we bought one. My wife loves it and I have had to make quite a few repairs lately because she doesnt want to let it go. If your Montana is overheating, without getting oil in your antifreeze, and antifeeze is being pushed out of your holding tank its the head gasket. I learned that the hard/expensive way. Currently has 151,000 miles hope it gives me plenty more.

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  Perfect First Car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Chad - September 23 - 7:16 pm

  I got this car a few years ago as my first car. I was originally shopping for Accords, but they were out of my price range and I was recommended the Grand Prix because the 3800 V6 is supposedly "bulletproof." In the 5 years Ive owned the car it has lived up to the reputation. It has had a few small issues(key gets stuck in the ignition occasionally and LED backlight on radio went out), some of which I caused(warping the brakes 3 times oops!), but it has been an excellent car! It has good looks, enough power to get out of its own way, and it has been reliable. Its a "sleeper" in the sense you can save a ton of money over a Japanese car since they depreciate a lot, but are quite reliable

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  Love My Aztek - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By whiteaztek - September 22 - 4:03 am

  I love this vehicle. I use to have a ford explorer and now I know what a real car is like. The ONLY problem I see with this car is the spoiler on the back. Extreme blind spot. However you do get use to it. I have recently had problem with rattling while applying my brakes especially down hill. Took it in and fixed for free. I have not tried out the camping package yet however hopefully next year. I think Pontiac should change their commercial. I would of never of thought to buy this car. The commercial makes it look so small and only concentrate of the cooler between the front seat. Show this car off it is hugh on the inside. I put 2 twin boxsprings & 2 mattresses in the back end

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  Problem overflow container - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Degy - September 20 - 10:20 pm

  This is the second time took car back for service because overflow container leaks anti freeze. Not the best set up because container has a seam in the middle. When the car heats up antifreeze expands and leaks at the seam.

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  03 sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By 03sunfun - September 20 - 2:00 am

  the best car ive ever bought, fun to drive!

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  fun in the snow - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By wybigone - September 20 - 2:00 am

  so far its been a great vehical! Liable, and handles snow and slick roads very wwell. Not sure whats up with the a/c. Seems like it could get little cooler

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  The Perfect Vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By JaeMaeJar - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The Pontiac Vibe is a great vehicle for anyone. It has enough room for a family to travel in it together and it is also small enough so if your driving by yourself you dont feel as though your driving a boat. It is the perfect vehicle falling between a car and a SUV. It is wonderful for the college student having to drive back and forth to school. A definite have for anyone.

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  New Owner-Ohio - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By KWD - September 20 - 2:00 am

  To Date---First 1,000 miles Dealer delivered on promise date Clean vehicle Instructed on basic operation Fit and finish very good; No noticed issues with two car washes

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  A Torrent of Engine Problems - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Krafty Aunt - September 19 - 10:00 pm

  SUV was under 4mos old, less than 5,000 miles and started leaking!! Dealership determined it was a porous, defective engine block!! New engine installed, but this is not what I expect from a Pontiac. Nor does it give me confidence on continued driving. My previous Grand Prix GTP hit 156,000 miles without a hitch... will I get this from the Torrent?

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  ITS A SPORTSCAR NOT A LUXURY FAMILY CAR - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By hurricane43 - September 19 - 12:31 pm

  This is a sportscar made for fun not a luxuary car designed for ultimate comfort and convenience. If you want to really get out and enjoy driving a fun car and turn heads this is the car to have. It is reminicent of the 53 corvette with the front end design. It is a blast to drive and has performed very well in the 2 years my wife has had it. I bought it for her approx. 2 years ago and it had 18,000 miles on it and now has 36,000 miles and the only service has been oil changes and replaced tail light bulb(warranty covered that) and replaced a plastic clip on the top that enabled it to close all the way. We both love this car and enjoy getting out with the top down and hitting the road.