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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  strong runner - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By bigpop - September 9 - 11:33 pm

  We have been happy with our Pontiac Montana. My wife is the primary driver and drives mostly around town carrying our three children to and fro. We have taken long trips (CA to TX) in it and enjoyed the ride, highway gas mileage, TV screen and VHS player. We bought an inverter and hookup the PS2 for long journeys. Beyond oil changes, we have replaced the tires (crappy Generals), the front brakes, and the battery. We would buy another Pontiac or GM van in the future. Smooth shifting transmission, good low-end torque, lots of toys inside, looks good.

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  Totally sweet, I love it. - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Greg Pin - September 8 - 3:23 am

  I only have one complaint with this car, the dead pedal in the car (the foot pad on the left for your left foot). I find it makes my knee sore after driving a couple hours. I have to constantly adjust my left leg. Maybe it is the angle the dead pedal puts your foot and leg in. Not sure but I do know it gives my left knee discomfort. I am working on creating a solution. Other that that the seating is very comfortable and room is very good. I feel safe in this car and that is a key feature for all buyers out their. Safety first, if you feel safe it must be good.

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  GXP Has Great Power - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By n costabilo - September 5 - 6:53 am

  This review on edmunds does not do the GXP model justice. It is fun to drive and is faster than the 300c/Hemi Charger. Driven a few 300s w/ and w/o Hemi and have not been impressed with performance and handling. The GXP has a lot to offer nad is a joy to drive.

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  Dare to be different! - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By LORI - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This car rocks! I am so happy I bought it, I couldn;t have picked a better auto! If you care about what others say or keeping up with the Jones, this is not the car for you. You will not get a lot of compliments on its looks, but when you have to load it up with stuff and carry things around, its outstanding carrying capacity comes through. Besides, its great when you come down the road and see another Aztec (rare, though it has happened), smile at the driver and know that you just met someone daring and original like yourself!

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  Great Value For The Money - 2003 Pontiac Montana
  By keithss1 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Replaced 1994 Lumina APV with this vehicle. I love it. Has 800 miles on it and get 25-26 on the highway and 21-22 combined. Has the Montanavision and is great for trips. My van has seating for 8 and hold them comfortably and still has plenty of cargo room with all seats occupied. This vehicle is loaded. Would buy again.

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  What a Car!!!! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By GTOgirl - September 2 - 6:50 pm

  This is an unbelievable machine. It never ceases to amaze me with its power. The drive is just plain awesome. The 6-speed manual is a must. Just a few practicality cons, only because I use it for an everyday vehicle (which by the way I highly recommend). Access to the back seat is pretty close to impossible, in the rain the car is all over the place (which adds to the fun but takes away safety), and the trunk barely has room for groceries. But let me tell you Id much rather have that engine than trunk space. Its such a monster. Better snatch em up while you can. Unless the decide to re-release at a later date, the 2006 is the last model.

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  Good fo rmoney, but - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Petroff - August 31 - 7:23 pm

  I have it used - 35,000. Right after 5000 miles i got engine light ON. It was error from gas tank sensor. Then i begin to see my stop light is ON all the time. When i got 73,000 miles my transmission messed up - hard shifting. All of this problems GM dealer cannot to fix! They are dont know how!

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  Thunder from Down-Under - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Bill H - August 31 - 4:56 pm

  Mines grey metallic with Sunroof and Premium Pkg options; 3 mos. old and approaching 3K mi. Here briefly (because it will repeat what many have already stated)are the pluses: great car for the $$s; excellent warranties; great straight-line or twisty roadsperformance; 87 grade gas with good mileage (hey! Its a V8!) if you properly manage your right foot; nice seating front & back; couple strangers saying Nice looking car. My great deal included dealer adding the Sport Pkgs bright pedals,swapping the GTs dull 18" wheels w/summer only tires with the bright, best looking ones w/all season tires off a base G8 and a compact spare.

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  Montana Vans are worth the money - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By Frncie1905 - August 31 - 4:33 pm

  This has been a reliable van. We have not had any trouble with it mechanically or with things breaking off such as knobs, etc. We are in our van almost as much as our house. We are a family of six involved in soccer, baseball, school activities, etc. We have put a lot of miles on this vehicle and it is in great shape.

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  Smart choice - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Fredy - August 31 - 11:06 am

  The sport design is great, is comfortable, powerfull, potent, great machine for its price. It has all you need on the road.