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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  BUY THIS CAR! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Eric - November 3 - 2:36 am

  Amazing vehicle. It inspires envy everywhere it goes. Its acceleration is impressive, to a point (about 85 km/ h). On the highway its a typically gutless 4 cylinder, but it IS a roadster after all. Loving this car is easy, just drop the top on a warm summer evening and youll understand. One more point! Dont let ANYONE tell you that you cant put groceries or anything else in the trunk. YOU CAN! Besides, if youre worried about fitting cargo in a car like this, go buy a mini van old man.

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  Absolutely Love This Car, Thanks Edmunds - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Chip Bayko - November 2 - 10:43 pm

  This is the second car I purchased in the last 2 years following everything I learned from Edmunds. Edmunds and their information e.g consumer reviews are an invaluable aid and extremely accurate! I could not be more pleased. I love this car. I have the high end, with Leather and Moon Roof. The car is exceptionally comfortable; handles well; build quality is excellent. A pleasure to drive. Roomy, but deceivingly smaller in appearance. I have now compared it to all the major competitors in the parking lots around town; and its right up there with a 4 Runner, Pilot, Murano and Grand Jeep.

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  05 Sunfire - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By chesterr - November 2 - 7:53 pm

  It has been good solid car at a low price. Only problem I had is wiring was not installed right at factory. Engine doesnt burn oil after 73 k. Should go 200k easy. I use synthetic at least once a year

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  My pontia saved my life. - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ferrellb - November 2 - 3:59 pm

  Yesterday I had a sever wreck. I totaled my pontiac going into a ditch. The car is the only thing that took a hit. I was able to get out of my pontiac with just a seat belt burn and a broken nail. I had no hospital bill as I am completely fine. I spun around in the ditch and came back on the road. This car is very safe and reliable car. My pontiac is destroyed and looks like those horrible accidents you see on the news where people were killed. My pontiac took all the beating for me and saved my life. If you are thinking about getting a first car for anyone, I recommend the pontiac its very safe and reliable.

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  I love my G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Scott - November 1 - 3:43 am

  I really enjoy my G6. I have had many great trips in my car. I love the roomy backseat (and my kids love it too.) I have even turned a few people on to the car. My grandfather is wanting to buy one as soon as he sells his current car. A true MUST HAVE!!

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  Fantastic Goat - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Jim Pesta - October 29 - 10:36 pm

  My 2004 GTO is by far the most refined, comfortable and fun to drive vehicle I have ever owned. It easily surpasses the performance of both the 96 Mustang GT and 98 Camaro Z28 I have owned previously. I do not miss the scary feeling of the rear ends of these cars trying to "kick out" every time a slight road imperfection would be encountered when cornering. The GTOs independent rear suspension (which, along with its motor, it shares with the 2004 Corvette) is a huge improvement over the live axle setup of many other muscle cars, including the 05 Mustang. While the new Mustang may have more flavor in the styling department due to its retro look, I have really come to appreciate the GTO.

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  Long-run ownership experience positive - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By veblenesque - October 29 - 2:30 pm

  I bought the Aztek because I had GMcard dollars I needed to use, it had big incentives, and I wanted a wagon. The Aztek has far exceeded my expectations. After 43k miles, not a single problem. I get 26 mpg on the freeway, the car rides like a Buick (this is great for freeway, bad for enthusiasts), it has over 100 cubic feet of storage (more than any wagon - check), and the exterior design is actually looking better as it ages. Interior design is a little cheesy, but incredibly functional and versatile. Engine and handling are lazy, but smooth and competent. My wife is in love with this car, and it has been an unmatched value. Azteks made after the first years are surprisingly reliable

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  Have had one month and 3rd review - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - October 28 - 10:26 am

  It has been a month since I bought my G8 GT. I thought right after I bought it, "Gas prices are going out of site, what did I do?" The answer after thinking about it and a month with the G8, I dont need steak every night, hot chili and hot dogs are just fine. The fun of driving a real car that has great performance, is more fun at age 61 than a Japanese car that gets 30+ mpg. The fact that what ever situation I get in I can get out of. Can a Honda Civic that is stock accelerate out of a situation? Hell no. Or stop as fast as the G8. There is more to a car than gas mileage. Ability to handle any situation with power brakes or acceleration can save your life.

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  Best GM car I ever owned - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jon - October 25 - 5:53 pm

  Love this car, bought it new and have 70k miles. I live in the country with dirt and rocky roads. Has decent ground clearance for a care that is pretty sporty. For a performance car it gets between 24 and 26 MPG depending on how heavy my foot is. Torque steer is a little much when you put your foot into it(I know this is a problem with front wheel drive cars). Have had very few problems.

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  MY G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By JUDI PAYTON - October 24 - 7:36 pm

  I love the styling of this vehicle. It has good crisp lines and the color i bought, stealth gray, is easy to keep clean and looking great. Driving in the colorado mountains has been a delight with this vehicle. It climbs right up the mountain for me. Being a short legged person, i especially like the controls that bring the brake and gas pedal up to me rather than having to sit on top of the steering wheel to drive. Overall, i am very pleased with the vehicle.