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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  Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bobk - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Great power, smoothness, quietness, fit/finish, gas mileage,,,, did I leave anything out? A ton of value for the money. One thing not noted is how well the safety is in the wet. The traction control is truly a marvel. I fly past people. Great job Pontiac!

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  WOW!!! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By whatagreatcountry - July 17 - 5:16 am

  I absolutely love this car. It is amazing, fun to drive, and a great head turner. Anybody that doubts that GM can build a great car has rocks in their head. The most heated discussion in our house each morning is who gets to drive it.

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  Loved this car! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Spirit711 - July 17 - 3:33 am

  I bought this car with 17,000 miles on it as a program car. Its absolutely been the best car Ive ever owned. I have 76,000 on it now and I doubt if Ive put over $1,000 in it, including regular maintenance. Its time to think about buying a new one, but I keep trying to wait until something goes wrong with this car, and it just keeps going and going!

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  My kind of convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By skijcm - July 16 - 1:10 pm

  I test drove several cars before the G6 and none felt as comfortable. The ride with the top up or down is smooth, responsive and fun.

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  Nice suv for the money - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By TT - July 14 - 9:40 pm

  I was shopping for a wagon with good gas mileage and lots of room. I narrowed it down to the Magnum and the Torrent It came down to price and resale value. I picked up the Torrent used with 7200 miles for 16,900 with the standard package which by the way gives lots of options. I liked the styling on the Torrent and enjoyed the peppy response on the throttle. I was also suprised by the quietness of the cabin. Ride is really nice, very smooth and the engine barely makes a murmur. I love the room in the back seat and the cargo area is superior to lots of larger suvs in function all the seats fold down including the front passenger seat for added length. Much nicer than the Vue.

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  True Sleeper! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Phils06 - July 12 - 6:23 pm

  After a test drive I had to have it! Smooth ride very fast and big leather seats! I read a bunch of reviews on how this car is lacking well I have yet to see it that way. I have had my GTO for over 5 months now and still puts a smile on my face every time I turn the key. This is truly a sleeper and rare car on the street. So much power that makes a ford owner jelious!

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  one great car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By driveone - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money. Puts my 2001 Honda Accord EX V6 to shame in performance, fuel economy, quality and reliability.

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  great car overall - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By mashka - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is very easy to drive and it gives you alot of safety due to its size.

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  One Great car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GreggWright - July 11 - 10:00 am

  The car is a wonderful balance of sport and luxury.

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  04 GTP WOW - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jackgit - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery yesterday $200 over Invoice minus 500 dealer cash & 500 holiday cash, 1,000 GM $ 36 mths 404 per mth. I had am 01 GT dealer took back on drive ahead program. GM did an excellent job tight steering alot of power super ride. This is my 5th Grand Prix & the best so far!!