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:

• 

  Buy and it will die - 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
  By dklofta - June 19 - 10:00 am

  "Stinks" is the rating. Nothing but problems and no support from Pontiac. Added adjusters to front wheels to get aligned, 1st year. Problems with the paint sticking on the hood, year 3. Replaced air shock, 2nd year. Tires went 14,000 miles. Rotors went, year 2. I need a new engine! Letters on the internet indicate the car has issues with coolant leaking into the oil. BOOM -- No engine! Extended warranty covered $0! Bubbling paint was not rust related. Engine had too many miles (94,000)! Tires, rooters, air shock excluded. Condensation in exterior lights is normal?

• 

  sunfires have lots of problems - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ggirl - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought mine two years ago and I have had many problems like alternator,battery radio, a grove was dug in my roator by my break pads, they are not made very sturdy.

• 

  All Around Performer - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By illuminate1 - June 18 - 3:10 pm

  This car excels at most of the things that most drivers expect out of a $30k car. The cleverness, utility and layout of the interior lead to an overall pleasant driving experience...And dont get me started on the 3.8 supercharged V6...truly a guilty pleasure. That, in conjunction with the TAP-SHIFT paddles on the steering wheel can have a tendecy to give one an "Andretti" complex. It can also serve less sporting tastes with a serene, yet communicative driving experience when called upon. Although some may find the Comp-G suspension a little harsh, the ride is well controlled and confidence inspiring, and the car as a whole is rock solid stable at high speeds...or so Ive heard, heh,heh.

• 

  LAST CHOICE WAS MY 1ST CHOICE! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By SUNSHINE - June 18 - 2:20 am

  I researched & drove so many different auto & in the end, I bought the 06 Torrent!I had originally put it on the top of my list; but dismissed it prior to seeing one. After looking at so many vehicles, it was the Torrent that made me excited when I saw it & drove it! Mine is silver with black heated leather; sun/moonroof, 6cd changer; and many other features that I love.The 06 Torrent rose to the top of my list above the 100s of autos that I had saw.Ive owned it for 2 mths & love it! I get 20mpg city driving. Its comfy; easy access to everything; so far so good! I did buy an extended warrantee for piece of mind.

• 

  Minivan Madness - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By Cheryl - June 17 - 9:40 am

  I have owned this vehicle for 2 years and had the head gasket go at 39,000 miles. Heat always feels like its on when its not. Backlit sometimes stays off. Headlights dim slightly on and off when driving at times. Would not recommend this van to anyone, I would not buy one again. Beware before you buy. Rattles a lot when driving and bad over bumps.

• 

  SV6 Improved - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By SLibera283 - June 17 - 2:13 am

  Better ride styling ,power ,engine. Not crazy about the 17"wheels.They do nothing but add cost to the van. Safety has been greatly improved.They deleted 8 passenger option.Very useful. Center seats do not fold as well as previous models

• 

  2005 Montana SV6 - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By dlink - June 16 - 10:10 pm

  Purchased new at dealer in Fall 2004. Bad electricals from the start (flickering head lights & dash lights) as well as annoying wind noise at 60 mph+. Dealer has no clue as to fixes. Electrical wiring short occurred at 3.5 years and 106,000 miles involving main electrical circuit. Dealer charges $2,500 to fix!! This has not been a good vehicle given the fact that the van is worth about $6,000. GM deserves what they get in the world of cars; they are losing market share for a reason. Others make better cares and treat their customers slightly better! I will never buy from this dealer or GM again!

• 

  Out of 17 cars owned thye BEST ONE yet! - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By tony - June 16 - 3:10 pm

  My second Vibe! My first one was gave to my father inlaw. He is handicap and over wieghtaking it hard for him to get in and out of a car. This car is perfect for him. Also, this gave me a good reason to buy a new one! Only thing is the enlinks went bad on the car while still under warrenty and the dealer will not fix. This is not a mark against the car but a mark agaist the dealership!

• 

  If you test drive it you will buy it - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By kelly - June 15 - 10:00 am

  well i was looking for a new car and could not make up my mind what i wanted i looked for two weeks i test drove all kinds of cars and suv. then i seen an Aztec and thought it looked difference i checked it out and the i test drove it. the more i liked it so i bought me a 2003 and i love it. people ask me how i like my Aztec and i tell them go test drive one you will buy it. Its that nice, you are higher off the ground and it drives so nice cross country I have been to California 2 times and I live in Missouri it drove great and I have had no problems with it at all.

• 

  Last of a Breed - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Jim43 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I ordered my 2002 TransAm in April, the last month orders were accepted. It replaced a 2000 TransAm. T-top, WS6 handeling and performance package ... this car cant be beat for performance vs price. Im really sorry Pontiac discontinued the Firebird/TransAm.