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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  goods and bads - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By ws6mania - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my WS6, i mean, LOVE IT, its fun to drive and a great looker, i have had more girls check me out since i got this car, however, the fact that i average about a grand every two months in maintanance is just rediculous, im seliing it as soon i get the piston that broke replaced, dont think this car is maintanance free, be sure you can afford it.

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  It doesnt get any more fun - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By William - August 23 - 2:50 am

  Ive owned a V6 camaro, a Z28, and now this Trans Am, and it is by far MUCH faster and has a lot more power than the Z28. Its got plenty of power, yet can be refined enough for city driving. Not to mention this is just a beautiful car. The leather in the car is top notch, my only complaints are with the traction control system. It does work, but its not very effective performance-wise. It decelerates the engine for too long of a time and does not enhance performance, unlike the 350Z that I sell whose traction control system is beyond par. Otherwise, this car has more power than any other car you can buy for this amount of money. Period. And the great looks, dependability, 4.5 out of 5 star

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  wotariot - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By vett4dr - August 23 - 1:16 am

  This is the perfect vehicle to be used for exactly the target of its designers & engineers. A weekend fun car. Not a long distance tourer (trust me, I drove round trip from the Detroit area to Orlando - NOT recommended), not a daily commuter in the Rust Belt.) But for a top down weekend get-away, its GREAT.

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  Surprisingly good - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By gr - August 21 - 6:33 pm

  Outstanding space utilization. Back seat is exceptionally roomy. Flat floor. Great fold down rear seat operation. Folds flat with one hand and misses front seats with room to spare. Relatively light (3800 lbs.) for an SUV with this much room. Tows well with 2500 lb. U haul. Rich exterior appearance (silver with 17 inch wheels). Satisfied with build quality.

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  Love my Torrent - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Linda - August 21 - 1:43 am

  I purchased this Crossover vehicle last February. I have been very happy. It is very fun to drive has a lot of power. Almost as much as my 2000 Grand Am which I loved!! I have only one complaint in design. I am about 58" but when i have to clean snow off the windshield, the way the windshield is kinda of recessed its hard to get the snow off the windshield. I love the self dimming mirrors, I got my car at night and when I was driving home from the dealer I discovered these. Nice stereo system I have the 6 cd changer. I get more compliments on the color of my Torrent, I have the Crystal Lake color. All in all I love my Torrent!!

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  291,000 Miles and still going strong - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jesus Llamas - August 20 - 2:04 am

  Best car Ive ever owned 291,000 miles and still running strong! Still has original tranny and engine! It is a very plain and basic car but with its reliability what else could you ask for Ive only done basic mainetence oil changes, System fluid, brakes, and water pump had to be replaced 50,000 miles ago

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  Fun BMW killer... - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By DevdogHP - August 19 - 11:00 am

  On my test drive I had the pleasure of leaving both a BMW 550 and a WRX on the same stretch of I-95. Wonderful selling point...people say it is the best car for the money, I say it is the perfect car.

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  Awesome Car!!!! - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By FaBulous Sunbaby - August 19 - 2:00 am

  It accellerates great and with little effort. Going fast around a turn is no problem, grips the road well. I bought this car with 42000 miles on it almost 2 years ago, now it has 75000 miles and still running great. I feel very safe in this car and it is perfect for first time drivers and college students.

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  Aztekian For Life - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By Finglehimer - August 19 - 2:00 am

  My Wife and I love it! We have only had it for a week and We are sold, what a great vehicle, sorry to hear about others misfortune. We bought ours with 36,882 miles on it. Fully loaded leather nice sound package, onstar, headsup display and the air compressor, who would have ever thought of that! what an awesome car. oh and for our insurance that was the best. Apparently it is a very safe vehicle, out of the possibility of 40% discount, our Aztec was rated for a 30% discount from State Farm Mutual. Quiet, handled well in a 30-45 mph wind (head on and crossway) and who can argue with 26 MPG!!! VERY VERY SOLD.. and again and again!

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  Transam "turns the ladies heads" - 04 - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By brandnu4u - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a 2000 Black Ram Air Transam with T-tops for approximately one year. It is, by far, the best sports car around for the money (VALUE). Insurance rates are ridiculous, so I am not sure how long I will be able to keep it since I recently received a traffic violation which will send my rates out of the universe!! I will miss this car greatly if and when I have to sell it to another lucky owner. Awesome power, Great look, and fun to drive. More fun than any car I have driven thus far in my life. KC (age 36)