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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  Love it--had problems - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By shana - August 28 - 1:50 pm

  I love my car. Looks good-sporty-but I have named her Christine. A lot of little problems from sensors that would not allow me to put gas in my car (really!) to a freaked out blower motor that would not turn off. (twice) This summer vacationing at the beach, I was caught in a torrential rainstorm. Noticed a horrible wet smell the next couple of days. Yesterday took Christine to get her washed and water came through the dome lights. From the gearshift. And into the floorboard. Warranty gone! What do I do other than be thankful for the drought in my state.

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  Cant Say Im Thrilled - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Susan - August 27 - 4:00 am

  As my first SUV, I loved it at first. Then hit the winter and I felt like I had no car around me. Slid everywhere and even did one 360 - fortunately, no injuries and no damage. Put weight in back, but wheel bearings could take it. Its a beautiful car, but I just dont feel safe. And a year ago I was able to get up to 23 mpg - now lucky if I get 19. Whats up?

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  A real sweet ride - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By vespagl - August 26 - 9:53 am

  This car is all about fun and styling. It handles wonderfully on the twisties and is a real head turner. It is certainly not a practical everyday vehicle, but in my case it is my weekend toy. I have had Miatas, and this car is so much more satisfying to own and drive. (Probably because it looks so darned special, as opposed to the Miatas somewhat mundane styling). I wanted a vehicle that closely gives the feel of those classic 1960s British sports cars (light, nimble, modest power plant), and the Solstice delivers in spades.

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  car has been very good over all - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By merrill - August 26 - 2:00 am

  this car has been very reliable. the minor problems have all been related to cheap plastic parts used on the interor. The windows let water floew in when driving in the rain. The trunk lets water drain in when opened wet. The car has given me good service and I believe it will into the future.

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  I drive a lot... - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By Rolling Rock - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Seems to be buggy. The dealer cant figure out whats wrong. Horn honks periodicaly on its own, Car battery is dead, once jumped its fine. The interior is poor quality. Didnt offer leather in 8 seating option. Pontiac exterior is black, interior is gray and is too light in color to keep clean. They should offer charcoal interior.

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  Toyota Quality Coupled With Pontiac Cool - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By bruce bellin - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Mustang got me through "male menopause." Vibe has the sporty looks and is as much fun to drive with far better quality & practicality. Was going for Vibe Gt until saw in manual it requires premium fuel -for an economy car? Six foor two and is plenty comfortable. Narrow rear wheel wells allow alot to be carried flat. With snow tires,fine in snow. 2004 guages in white & orange better than 2003s all orange ones. I give it a solid recommendation.

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  BAD - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By dudeman15926 - August 25 - 2:34 pm

  Owned this car for about 2 years. Since I had it i had nothing but problems. I bought it with 93000 Miles. Although, for a 4 cylinder, this is a fast car :P but i had all sorts of problems with it. Heater Core, Thermostat, Power steering, window regulator broke, and a few others. This was only in the course of 2 years. The car wouldnt start unless i held down the gas and started it. My brother also had a 2001? grand am and also had SO many issues with it. This is not a good car. 2/2 grand ams sucked. dont get one.

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brent - August 24 - 9:53 pm

  Fun car to drive and still turns heads four years later. Excellent power and handling for such a large car. Exceptionally reliable. In 70,000 miles, have only changed front brakes and a set of tires (oh - forgot about the water pump). Still gets 30 mpg on the road with a driver, three adult passengers and luggage.

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  Driving Excitement for me as well....... - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By VooDooRay - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the best overall car I have ever owned. Ive had quite a few, including older 75 & 89 Corvettes.

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  Driving excitement.... NOT!!!!!! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jay1187 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  There are 2 things that are the most important to me when buying a car. Number 1 is the engine and number 2 is the transmission. The 4 speed automatic is excellent. It has clean crisp shifts and any throttle position. Up and downshifts are perfect. I have a serious problem with the 3.8L. How can GM use a huge displacement engine like the 3.8 but only get 195 horsepower? I have 95 Nissan Maximas outperforming me! The Maxima has a 3.0L V6 with 190 horsepower and it still outperforms my 3.8L. The 3800 series II V6 has 51.3 horsepower per liter while the 95 Maxima has 63.3 H.P.P.L. The 2002 Max has a 3.5L with 255HP! Thats almost 80 HPPL!