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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  3.1 = NO FUN - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By HUSKRCRT - September 4 - 2:20 pm

  Hi, I bought my 95 Grand Am back in 97, with 15,000 miles and was very pleased with the style of the car and the gas mileage. I routinely got 34mpg on the highway. The only thing that was bad about the car was the engine. I replaced the head gasket 2 times and after the 3rd I decided it was "3 strikes Youre OUT" and junked it at 150,000 miles in July of 94. The body still looked like new, and everything else was in great mechanical shape. The first time the headgasket went it was under warranty, but #2 cost me $1,000 and I was told #3 was going to be more.

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  Roadster Fun!! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By vwells7957 - September 3 - 5:20 pm

  This is the most fun car I have ever owned or driven. I drove it half way across the country this past summer and just loved it with the top up or down. Fuel economy was up around 29 when I stayed at 55-60 mph. It dropped to around 25-26 when I went 75 thru Oklahoma on the expressway. What as smooth ride! Im keeping this car.

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  Fantastic Fusion - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By David - September 3 - 3:06 pm

  2004 Fusion Vibe. Fusion color receives tons of double takes. Purchased with some anticipation, but could not be happier with my decision. Exterior size was a concern, but there is an abundance of interior space. I love this car. Purchased with 17 inch wheels and rims, but considering chrome rims soon to make the total package just "Pop"!

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  Not a vehicle to buy if you live where it snows - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By magic10fingers - September 3 - 10:55 am

  I purchased my 2006 Vibe in October of 2010 and have had nothing but trouble with it. This car handles horribly in midwest winters. It has newer tires, just no traction on or in snow and rain. I went in a complete circle turning a corner 1 day and I was barely moving because the snow was fresh and could tell the Vibe wasnt handling well. I was having issues with my key not working in the ignition back in November, and just got a letter on February 19 2011 there is a safety recall with my car. I wouldnt have known about the recall because it wasnt discovered until Aug of 2010 and I bought it in October. Letters didnt start going out until January 14th 2011. Shakes on windy days.

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  For Pontiac Lovers - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Dealer - September 2 - 10:50 pm

  As a car salesman having driven many different makes and model of cars, the GXP is by far the most for the money. Fun to drive, exceptional road manners. The professional opinion peddlers completely miss the mark concerning the GXP.

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  Started great but ended badly! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By timmy78 - September 2 - 6:50 am

  I bought my 2006 Pontiac Torrent in 2009 with only 22k miles on it. The first year and a half, the vehicle was the best that Id owned. Drove from Memphis, TN to Gatlingburg in the snow, Hattisburg, MS, Meridian, MS, Jonesboro, AR, and Little Rock, AR with no problems. But during my trip to Little Rock, it seemed like I was having trans problems. When I took it to the trans shop, they said it was a speed sensor. Needless to say, the speed sensor kept messing up. I had it replaced 4 times before getting rid of the vehicle. Now, my ex-fiancees aunt has replaced the trans but the problems persists. And the paint is peeling.

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  Great Midsize car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mrut - September 1 - 1:53 pm

  I bought this car new and it has been fairly trouble free. I havent put plugs in it or done any kind of tuneup and it still runs great. Upgraded the tires when the first set wore out to 245-50-16 Bridgestones and the car really stuck. Only complaint would be that it didnt come in a stick.

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  Fast - Not Furious - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Classy Bird - September 1 - 10:23 am

  Ive owned this car since it was new. Originally I had trouble with the power antenna and one of the headlights not popping up. Four trips to the dealer and the headlight finally was fixed - loose connection to motor. One other problem I had was the gas line regulator valve leaking gas into the engine when it was hot causing hard starting. Ive not had any problems since these. Ive been real happy with the gas mileage. I get 18 mpg in town and 30 mpg on the highway. Thats with a heavy foot. Would have bought the TA except insurance would have been 4 times higher even though I havent had a ticket for 15 years. Also, cost difference was $16 grand - buy another car for that.

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  Great......with qualifications - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Imacarguy - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Seating comfort is great, especially for someone with lumbar problems. Overall flexibility of this vehicle is phenomenol. Its a real shame that GM didnt do a rear-end styling change (smooth it out, improve visibility and overall attractiveness) early-on. I decided on buying a "nearly-new" 02 instead of a 03 due to price/option considerations. Guess Ill be considering a Rendevous in the future ?!!

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  I love my car!! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Stephanie finnell - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Iv pretty much love my car. I have had a few problems but nothing major. I have been having problems withmy tail light always going out but I just go and get it fixed. I had some problems with my chairs. The spring pop through the chair and then i went and had that fixed. other then that i really like my car!! Its awsome on gas!