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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  1st month 3000 Kilometers - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Rusty - September 3 - 10:06 am

  Happy with the purchase of my 2008 GXP over all. My wife tells me its good for grocery shopping. It’s comfortable to drive and has a good driving height for visibility. No problems driving in rain. Nice looking vehicle. Lots of room to carry all our stuff.

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  very nice car - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ricktart - September 2 - 1:00 am

  This car is very nice the day after I bought the car I drove it from New Jersey to Florida and it drove great the whole way good power also not a whole lot but its got a lot of pep and will spin tires extremely easy had some problems with the molding under the windshield wipers but the dealer is taking care of that its got a semi sporty interior but a lot of plastic

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  1st Pontiac - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By gunter - September 1 - 8:30 am

  Traded an 04 Tahoe on the car and have been quite pleased to date. The v-6 has plenty of moxie with just the right amount of cool in the styling. The fuel mileage could be closer to 30+ I would think, being it has a 5 speed auto. The rest of the car is still so new to us that we are still figuring out items. At first blush the one thing that sticks out to me is the tilt wheel. Seems it could have been more akin the tilts in pick ups and suv type vehicle. Not much range of motion, especially when one is in egress mode. Getting in and out is a bit challenging. I was also a bit leery about buying a vehicle that had the (odd size) wheels. Heres hoping the tires wear well. Expensive.

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  An Affordable 5 Series Beamer - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Beytmeta - August 31 - 11:40 pm

  The GXP is a serious American sports sedan that is a true competitor with the high priced over designed and excessively engineered German products particularly BMW 5 series. The 08 GXP performance handling, acceleration and braking is sweet and enjoyable without being too riggid or over the top. On road bumps the 08 GXP is a little untamed; instead of a smart, crisp "dip the 08 GXP sort of rolls over certain road bumps. This is not a problem persay. The tires are my only concern. 2 different sizes and no tire rotation and no spare is a real challenge. 08 GXP Smart, sweet, gorgious.

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  Recent Purchase and Happy... - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By Yvonne - August 31 - 12:33 am

  We have found this van to have everything we were looking for. The front and rear heat and air adjustments are great. We are very happy with the comfort of all the adjustments over all.

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  Good but I had a BIG PROBLEM - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By First bonne - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Rides/drives great. Good power & comfortable. At 75000 miles engine threw a rod. Replaced engine and still driving, had no choice since I just purchased it months ago. Still like the drive & ride. Engine developed antifreeze leak. Mechanic said he had seen more like this recently.

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  good - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By propilot - August 30 - 10:00 am

  good handling. good engine and good all around car for anyone. kick ass car

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  DRIVES GREAT WHEN NOT IN THE SHOP! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By singer - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is a mixed bag. When its running, its a great car. But I have had sooo many problems with it. I bot it from Hertz with 28,000 mi. Now has 59,000. Ive had to replace brakes 2 xs (and they still feel weird), 2 altenators, 2 batteries, water pump. The door hinge is broken, the winshield washer tank leaks. There is an oil leak and transmission fluid is leaking. Just traded it in - couldnt take all the time & money in the shop.

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  GRRREATT G8 - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By D. Cooper - August 30 - 12:40 am

  I Love My G8. I was waiting for the Camaro to come out but came across the G8 and fell in love. It looks means and corners great. Everybody asks me what it is or if its a BMW or Mercedes. I love the look of the interior especially the radio. We were driving a 2500 diesel so we chose the V6. But now I want the V8. So who knows I might be upgrading. Mines Black on Black.

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  Worth every penny - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rich - August 29 - 10:13 am

  Needed AWD due to living in Northern New England. Vibe was cheaper than Matrix with better warranty. Paid less than invoice. Needed versatility which Vibe had. People love the way it looks. Good value with Sun and Sound Package, AWD and Convenience package.