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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  The Drivers Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By skicrash13 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Im a mid 20s guy that helped start my own business. I needed a car that was functional in the cargo department, but wanted a car that I could have fun with. The first time I drove the GTP with the Competition package, I fell in love with the car. The car hugs the turns with out much roll and is pretty quick with the supercharger. Definately a FUN car to drive.

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  Torrent kept us safe - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By azalea25 - January 30 - 2:56 pm

  After much research for a safe but affordable SUV, we purchased a Torrent in August. Unfortunately, after only a month of ownership, a teenage driver rear-ended us and pushed us into a school bus. Thank God no one was hurt, but the Torrent was totaled. I credit the Torrent for keeping my son and me safe inside even though the outside was badly mangled. I shudder to think what would have happened had we been in a different vehicle.

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  Really an OK car for the money. - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By Bub - January 30 - 6:46 am

  I bought this car new because my mom was stuck with a GM credit.. otherwise would have bought a Sienna. However, the Montana was $5K cheaper (although now its payback time - no resale). It has really been surprisingly dependable - little stuff (fuel pump under warranty, power window switch, currently at 75K the fuel gauge and cruise control are out) but it has been overall quite dependable. Average gas mileage (17-24), loads of power, and really handles well now that I have switched to 235/60-15 tires - youve simply got to do that. Turns it from wallowing pig to confidence inspiring sport-minivan. Air Conditioning is marginal - you might want to get the dual AC. Seats - barely OK.

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  T/A Muscle - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Orly - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Car is Very Exicting to Drive , torque is right there at 1,500 Rpm. Goes over very smooth over bumps and very tight in turns, what a ride. Trunk is a little tight, but with the fold down rear seat you have some space inside.

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  gt - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By homie - January 29 - 10:00 am

  its a good car for the price

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  Great Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By turtlboy - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I just sold my 1999 GA SE and bought a 2002 GA GT. I was very happy with my 1999 model, so happy that I decided to buy another one! I went for the GT model this time, wow! Go for the GT, it doesnt cost much more and well worth it. I love the bigger engine, the tighter suspension, the Goodyear Eagles, and the monsooon stereo!

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  My 2005 Pontiac Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sondra Coble - January 29 - 2:10 am

  I love my 2005 Pontiac Vibe. It has lots of get up and go when I need it like coming from a exit ramp onto a highway. It handles really well and I just love driving it. I have 8 grandchildren and it is especially nice when I have small grandkids in the back. It has the child safety locks as well as window locks. I have piece of mind knowing they can not open a window or door while Im driving down the road. It is also very spacious and roomy in the back seat. I was amazed when I finally rode back there. Im 53 years old and its one of the best investments I have ever made.

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  Great vehicle - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By justinsissy1 - January 28 - 10:16 pm

  This is absolutely the funnest car i have ever owned. i just bought the car for $2700. It has 122,000 miles and is very good condition for the price i paid. Took it to the drag strip and run 15.3 1/4 mile and the car is BONE STOCK. absolutely nothing done to it but a tune up.(just plugs and wires, and oil change). I absolutely love this car. Very very good power to price ratio. I did have to put a right, rear wheel bearing in but i think that is just because the last owner run it a little hard.

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  Few problems overall... - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jason - January 28 - 1:43 am

  I have had this car almost 3 years now, bought it with 60,000 miles. I did replace the Intake manifold gaskets due to coolant leaking into the oil, but this is a known problem with this car that will only get worse if not fixed. It wasnt cheap but I knew this going in, and got a good deal because of this. Other than that I have had no serious problems. Just a little problem with the hazard switch that ended up being recalled by GM and fixed for free anyways. Someone busted my passenger side mirror, but it was surprisingly cheap and easy to fix myself. I have been happy with this car.

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  Grand Prix GT Sedan - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tcapman - January 27 - 10:16 pm

  Bought this car with 34k miles and currently have 122k miles. Overall has been a great car. Had to replace 1 fuel injector and the fan controller around 80k miles. Replaced both front wheel bearings (did myself) around 110k miles. The engine and tranny have been flawless other than the 1 injector. The car has good interior and trunk space and love the looks. Finally starting to get a few squeaks here and there, but then again it has been through 10 Iowa winters and summers.