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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  Very competent not so cute AWD - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Brad - October 11 - 11:16 pm

  I purchased this car used with under 40K miles from a Ford dealer on e-bay. My trip home averaged 27 mpg. I often drive the car to Northern Vermont, a six hour trip feeling refreshed and confident that the AWD will perform in snow as expected. With side airbags, ABS, fog lights, truly comfortable heated seats and an average mpg consistently in the low to mid twenties and a price below $12,000, this car offers good value. It is easy to find in parking lots bcause of its size and rarity. If the car had a more appealing exterior, I would probably own TWO.

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  2006 Montana - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Martin - October 11 - 1:50 am

  Had this van only a short time but it used with only 11K on it. Had driven a 96 Dodge Grand Caravan for the past 6 years and the Montana is a nice ride! Feels beefier and is feels roomier inside. We opted away from stow-and-go seating of the other newer vans because although they do fold away nicely- they arent really comfortable for long trips. The Montana back seats are sturdy and comfortable and we love the cargo area very functional with the tray installed and the built-in air pump is handy. So far this gets my recommendation!

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  Nice one from Pontiac - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Tony - October 10 - 8:36 pm

  I was very suprised when I took the Torrent for a test drive. On the test drive, I was totally convinced that this vehicle was for me. I totally agree with the one review about it being the poor mans BMW. It feels like a very expensive vehicle, but it doesnt have the price tag of one. I am proud of my Pontiac Torrent!!!

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  Great Family Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Joeytdietz - October 10 - 1:23 pm

  We have had this car for 3 1/2 years. We have kept pretty good care of it with oil changes every 3000 miles. Transmission fluid tends to run dark, not sure if this is a common problem with Vibes. No major repairs. We did have a computer replaced recently (at 82,000) after the check engine light came on. That cost us $600. Glad it wasnt a transmission problem because they can run about $3000 in this car. The car has lots of room for our family of four and being that it is a 4 cylinder it gets great gas mileage (32 mpg freeway) for a car its size.

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  I love my TORRENT! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By jkmint18 - October 10 - 2:36 am

  I purchased this vehicle from a family friend who runs the hummer dealership, he said even though Pontiac is out of bus, their cars are still reliable. relatively low miles when purchased, and ive had no problems with this vehicle. Just turned 18, my first car, paying for it myself. want to eventually buy a torrent GXP and bump up to a 263 hp engine. I LOVE MY TORRENT.

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  GTO rocks - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By dmglobal - October 8 - 8:20 pm

  The 2005 Pontiac GTO is quite possibly the best built car ever offered by Pontiac--and a worthy successor to the GTO name. Its styling is understated yet aggressive, the fit and finish impeccable, and the performance shames sportscars twice the price. This stealth fighter packs a 400- horsepower 6-litre V8 (the Corvette LS2 married to a Tremec 6-speed)that rockets it from zero to sixty MPH in four and a half seconds. A thoroughly satisfying drive that handles and brakes as well as any domestic and many European sports cars. It leaves Ferraris, BMWs, Mustangs and Porsche Boxsters standing still. The best part is surprising exotic drivers who dont know what it is. The new GTO rocks!

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  Fun little car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Mark - October 8 - 7:56 pm

  I have had it going on 4 years now. Only thing replaced has been the battery. No problems except with some clunk noise in the front suspension. Either has gone away or dont notice it anymore.

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  Awesome - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By hjames - October 8 - 11:23 am

  I have number 663 and just picked it up on Monday. The car is one of a kind it reminds me a little of my e30 m3. Very redefined in every letter, and speaks to the driver during acceleration. This car will make a statement and Im glad I have one. I can drive my g8 with the likes of BMW and Lexus. I can also run the boys on the weekend if I like. The answer for any mid life crisis.

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  Its a hand grenade! - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By OLDMANBOB - October 8 - 9:43 am

  It was fun to drive but its a rattle trap piece of junk. What hasnt been replaced or fixed? You name it. The rear end bearings have been done twice and third gear just disappeared. Doors sag, locks jam, wiper motor went, have replaced all rotors the fronts twice, calipers replaced, cat is rattling, sway bar links replaced, as it gets older everything is loosening up exponentially (spelling on that one?). the motor is starting to knock a bit in cold weather (sounds like a rod) and I use Synthetic Oil only. Looks nice and goes fast but wasnt made for the long haul. If your looking at one over 100K run RUN!

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  Great new car - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By CG - October 7 - 5:06 pm

  Had the car for a month, average 24 mpg driving in mix conditions. Very happy with it. Handles great. Seating is very comfortable especially compared to other 2 seater convertibles. Monsoon sound rocks. Power is plenty for my type of driving. Raising/lowering the top is easy and takes about 30 seconds. I have been able to carry groceries, just not Costco shopping.