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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  Traded It In - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Traded It - January 25 - 2:16 am

  This car got me thru college but once I graduated from school, I left this car behind. The engine was ridiculously loud, had trouble starting it, the air only worked on full blast, and the exterior paint chips and dents with a strong wind. If you are looking for a cheap car just to get around in then go for it. Otherwise spend your money on something more reliable.

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  I must have a lemon - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Disappointed - January 24 - 12:13 pm

  Have owned GM vechicles for 25 years, so I bought a new SV6 in Jan 06. I started having problems within one week of purchase. Have had it for 17 months. So far has had new alternator, ignition switch, front hub, new radio, sliding door locks, many new wires, rear door handle broke on first cold day, cup holder replaced, OnStar antennae fixed, many electrical adjustments, too numerous to remember. Still only 50,000 kms and troubles still happening- a real lemon. Had difficulty finding 17 inch winter tires when purchased.

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  MY Grand Prix - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By warlock710 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I would just like to say that my grand prix has to be the best car I have ever had.Also I would like to express how much fun that it is to drive,so I say to you if you are thinking of getting a grand prix gt or not I say go for it you wont be sorry.I LOVE IT 100% its the best.

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  WS-6 Ram AIr - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By Lard - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Truely the most bang-for-your-buck performance car youll find...especially the WS-6 Ram Air! This car has it all; power, style, personality, and heritage. There is NOTHING like getting behind the wheel of a 4th generation Trans Am! This car is not for those who dont want to get noticed, nor the timid. I was surprised to find out it even gets pretty good gas mileage....considering the 5.7 liter V8! I get 19 MPG city. Not the best in wet/snowy/icy conditions so watch the back end. Buy one while you can still find one.

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  Good "Fun" Car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dmon - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Overall a very fun car to drive, I have a few problems with the suspension "popping" when turning or going over bumps. Uppon taking it to the dealership I was informed that it was just body "creaks", and nothing could be done to repair problem. It was sad to be told that I spent $22,000 on a car that creaks. Engine continually revs when cold, even for 20 min or more untill it reaches 200 degrees, seariously cuts mpg.

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  love my car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By misfitz - January 23 - 11:06 am

  This sites reviews have really helped us find the right vehicle for us to purchase next, so I thought I would weigh in on the car we already have. I love driving the G6, its a lot of fun and handles great. Great acceleration, turning radius, handling. The interior has way more room than it looks! Weve had several guys over 6 tall ride in the backseat with plenty of room to spare. Had it almost 5 years and reliabilitys been great. Even with several cross-country trips, it still drives great.

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  2005 Montana Ford & Mercuray Previous - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By Francis E Walter - January 22 - 9:40 pm

  Comfortable riding, Drivers captains chair is adjustable (electrical), I am handicapped and entering and exiting from any seating area is excellent. Front and side air bags provides excellent safety with light to extremely fast opening depending on type accident. Excellent cargo space. interior lighting for front and rear passengers excellent. Rear heat and air plus headset jacks for passengers. Rear heat and air controled from the drivers area and the rear passenger area. Factory fog lighs excellent assistance in bad weather as well as just night driving. Rear windshield wiper and front wipers poor design for snow and ice area of residence. Freeze and hard to thaw. Controls on steering wheel.

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  09 Go - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Al - January 21 - 11:13 pm

  I have had this car for over a year now and have enjoy great performance at 25 MPG. Looks small but is large inside. love the self shift feature and the Monsson sound system is great. Stock tires are great in snow and rain. I have had no problems thus far- this car is basically a Toyota Matrix as it is built in same assembly plant.

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  Is this really a Pontiac ? - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Andrew - January 21 - 7:10 am

  I still cant believe this is a Pontiac - I guess GM finally got it right. The quality is almost BMW, the performance is better than the 5 series, and the cost is amazing for a new V8. I got a "deal" via the GM employee pricing, but wouldve been nice if the dealer negotiated - they wouldnt budge a dollar, insisting that GM wont let them. Regardless, Im so far very happy w/ my purchase - I just cant get use to peoples reactions when they its a Pontiac! lol

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  I enjoy my ride - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Keith - January 21 - 4:06 am

  Back cargo on the torrent we test drove had cargo cover/table. Very nice feature. The Torrent we drove off the lot in did not have the same feature. Sad.