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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  What a great!!!!! Little car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By jerry - October 28 - 5:50 pm

  what a great little car. I love the seats that sit up like your riding in an SUV, very comfortable on the back. The acceleration is surprising for the size of the engine. Lots of great standard features. I like the low tire warning indicator, the external temperature indicator, the built-in- dash AC jack, rear window wiper, defroster, and great gas mileage. Also, it has great head room, and great leg room in the back seat. One of my main reason for buying is that it has a toyota motor, and toyota transmission as well as being built at the toyota assembly plant. Wow..Wow..Wow...if you are looking for great gas mileage, and a fun to drive, peppy, and comfortable care. This care has it!

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  Sunfire Lover - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Sunfire Lover - October 28 - 11:46 am

  Love the car. The dealership was the worst part. Extremely RUDE People working there including the owner. I havent have to replace anything other than the brakes the entire time that I have owned the car!

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  Never Again - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By KenB - October 28 - 10:36 am

  This car was trash almost from the start. Brakes always noisy. Replaced 4 alternators. Drivers window regulator replaced. Water pump replaced twice. Front wheel bearings replaced. Now the intake gasket is leaking. This car and my family will soon part company. I will never buy a Pontiac again. I will think very hard about buying ANY GM product.

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  Handling a Montana - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By Claire - October 28 - 8:36 am

  We bought our formerly leased, loaded Montana 6 years ago from a dealer. We got an excellent deal on it and soon discovered it was from a bad odor. After cleaning it several times, we still havent enjoyed the new car smell, but we have gotten a sweet deal! It has been paid for for 2 years now and until this week, I have only needed regular oil changes, new tires and windshield wipers. Yesterday I spent $600 to replace the rear brake cylinders and the front bushings. The boys are grown and I could sell and get a convertible I have dreamed of for years, but I will drive this Beauty until she cant go anymore.

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  I Love My GTO? - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Chi Chi - October 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I just love the power and handling. The interior is very comfortable. I get looks every time I go out. I have seen people almost get in an accident while looking at my car. I love my GTO.

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  Surprisingly amazing! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Surprised - October 25 - 3:00 am

  I got the Pontiac G6 as a company car. I wasnt expecting much but was surprisingly amazed. The vehicle is quieter than most cars Ive driven, including my personally owned vehicle, an Acura. It is fast and spunky ... just the way I like to drive. I havent noticed fuel economy, mostly because the company pays for the gas. Im interested to see how this baby performs after she gets a few miles under her belt! Being the research hog that I am, I looked up the cost of the vehicle and the ratings. I wasnt surprised by the great consumer ratings the vehicle received but I was surprised at the low sticker price. An absolute steal.

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  Another satisfied customer! - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Happy buyer! - October 24 - 6:06 am

  This is my first Pontiac. I just got this car and am very satisfied with my purchase. My family fits well in it. My husband is 6’3”, son is 6’2” and I’m 5’6”. We all fit with no problems. Stylish looks. Head turner. Many compliments. Drives well. Has get-up- and-go. I got it with power everything. Bought it used with 22k miles. Was a rental. No problems whatsoever to bring up.

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  04 GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By 24gto04 - October 24 - 1:33 am

  I bought this car with 20 miles on it and have loved it ever since. Decent fuel mileage for the power. Comfortable and affordable, I paid under 23k for it, technically used but new. I didnt realize all the wheel hop everyones talking about. CAGS is annoying and there is slightly too much body roll, but what do you expect for the ride you get. Brakes could be improved as well as the sound system. Overall very easy car to drive and Im sure glad I got the 6 speed. Love the styling, and I just laugh at the people who say it looks like a cavalier b/c they dont have any taste. Overall a great recommedation and car for the money.

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  Great choice - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Rob R - October 22 - 7:16 pm

  I had the Equinox LS for the past four years and had no real complaints. I know Ive only owned the Torrent for a few weeks and its new, however the ride, handling, and style is superior over the Equinox. I would have gone for the new Vue however the cost to lease is unreal. I agree 100% with a lot of the other writers on the quirks based on my experience with the Equinox, but the Torrent is such a better upgrade.

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  2002 Aztek - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By cgmoose - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Great fun car to drive great in snow and ice.