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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  Worst SUV, lots of REPAIRS - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By rocky - January 30 - 2:23 am

  We purchased this vehicle because we wanted a SUV that had better gas mileage than our Envoy. But wish we had just purchased another Envoy!! Have had car in shop numerous times, check engine light repeatly comes on, had front wheel bearings replaced. Now the drivers side heated seat BURNED UP, it even melted my husbands belt!!! I think they(Pontiac) should think about the issue!! Would not buy another TORRENT.

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  great economical car - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By supermom - January 29 - 7:03 am

  I have 155,000 miles on this car and it still runs smooth. My family has used this car for years and now it is being passed down to my son who is off to college in July. We replaced the alternator and have had problems with the window motors. Other than that, excellent car and looks great!

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  Not even 45 days - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By me - January 29 - 2:06 am

  I bought this used car about a month ago and have had nothing but problems. The car have been more in the dealerships presents than mine. Ive had 4 speed senors & fuel injectors put in, a new dash cluster which part of the lighting is burned out, a new radiator not to mention the master switch for the windows doesnt work, nor does the passenger mirror & driver side seat warmer. Hear comes the big one the engine is finished, over. But I love the car, what it stays for if that makes any sense. Otherwise, the car runs very well much power.

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  Test Drive - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By CloudRider9 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Since Im looking around for the best driving,looking and overall performance; I test drove the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire to see how it stacked up to the rest of the cars that I was seriously thinking of buying.

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  Good Vehicle to Own - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Aztek Owner - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Very confortable to ride in. For the price I paid, the product is very decent. I actually enjoy the attentions I get on this vehicle (either negative or positive). This is the first American branded car I own, and so far I am very satisfied.

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  AMAZING CAR!!! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Scarface - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in August and I absolutly love it. It has great power when you need it but gets excellect milage when you are easy on the gas and best of all, it looks AWESOME!! I recommend this car to anyone who wants a decent size car that is quite quick and not as cheap feeling as the smaller compacts.

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  Best Bonniville Yet - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By SSE Lover - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Prior to purchasing my GXP I owned a 88 SSE which has 180,000, with absolutely no major problems. The lead me to the GXP which in my mind is pure perfection. The ride is as smooth as any Lexus if have owned. The pick up the their when needed. As time goes forward, I am looking for the same performance as the SSE.

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  Awesome - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By hack - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I drive 40000 miles a year with work, bought my first gto when they first arrived, didnt have it long before my wife took over, just bought my 2nd just last month. totally awesome. people knock the fuel, but if you want performance, power, and the enjoyment of it, then you cant beat it. its actually quite acceptable on the highway with the 6th gear, in town not so great if you like to play, but its worth it. a few complaints about the sound system, but unless you are looking for maximum, its fine too. just take this care anywhere, and for all the plain styling so many criticize, people just beg to look and ask questions. ill keep it til it drops and then put it back together. love it!

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  Great Anniversary - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By John - January 26 - 3:10 pm

  Love the feel and handling of this wonderful anniversary automobile. Brakes are excellent, the supercharger is steady and powerful, interior is well appointed. I like the heads up display (not at first but it grew on me). Dark Cherry is a beautiful choice for an anniversary edition, performance is steady and true. Needless to say...really like this car.

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  Good car for little cost - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By mjswan - January 26 - 10:50 am

  Bought mine used for a song. Perfect car for commuting 25 miles with mostly LA freeway traffic. Gas mileage is very good if you drive reasonably. In the first year I put on 35,000 miles and hav no complaints about quality or drivability. My wife thinks it looks better than most of the smaller sedans on the road--it doesnt look like everything else out there. Overall a very underrated car.