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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  It makes difference - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Stanko Brankovic - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I have Aztek AWD already 8 months. So far its been a pleasure driving it and injoing it. My wife did not like it in the begining but now She is the Azteks biggest fan. First snow and drive through a messy Pittsburgh streets was a real test. Vehicle is well designed and built for a harsh winter conditions and so far we made several long trips to Savana (GA), N. Orleans (LA), Toronto (CA) not having any problems. Considering the pricee that we paid,(19600) (with 17 wheels) this car is realy best buy for its class. I strongly recmmend it for people that wnat to make a diference.

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  Ho Hum - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Mark - July 28 - 11:36 pm

  Very average car with poor build quality. GM has really let their products slip over the past few years. Bubbles in the windshield, noisy transmission, lackluster power, poor fuel economy, and unresponsive electronic steering make a could-be good car below average. There are many better options from Dodge, Mazda, and Acura.

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  Iraqi reward - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By CavalryScott - July 28 - 3:06 am

  I saw the reviews before the car was produced. I knew I had to have one. I waited 8 months and it was worth it. It screams at me to drive it. The most fun car Ive ever owned or driven. Car sat for a year in the garage while I went back to Iraq. Now Im making up for lost time. The perfect weekend toy.

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  Awesome - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Cornerstone8605 - July 27 - 8:20 pm

  Hey folks! Talk about an AWESOME car with power! For me being a female I did my homework on this vehicle. I waited until the G8 finally came out. I owned a 97 Grand Prix and held unto for 11 years (which I just sold today, 15 Apr 08) because I DID NOT like the body style of the Grand Prix from 2004 to 2007. Hubby got me the Liquid Red G8, V6 engine, with the comfort package & premium package, no sunroof. For it to be a V6, this car has some power almost like the GT V8, but in my opinion much better gas mileage. So ladies, dont be intimidated in purchasing this for yourself. This is one HECK of a machine. You will have no regrets with this car!

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  Love It!! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By amykrazy - July 27 - 7:56 am

  Overall this is a wonderful convertible. Looks great, lots of power, easy to drive and lots of cool features. The price is right and compared to other hardtop convertibles its the lowest for the stuff you get standard on this car.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Dave - July 26 - 5:33 pm

  The quality of the 2007 Torrent has surprised me. Very quiet with great room and ample performance. No rattles or squeaks! This is an SUV you need to consider before you buy an import.

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  A Great Goat - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Pat - July 26 - 11:46 am

  I bought my 04 goat 6 months ago and it has been a great car. Performance is excellent, Not a mustang around wants any part of it !!! We traveled about 150 miles with a Mercedes running with us from speeds 90 to 110 mph and average 23.4 mpg. yea 23.4 at those speeds I couldnt ask for a car more fun to drive for $35000.00..... Thanks Pontiac

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  2004 GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Steve - July 26 - 3:16 am

  Fun car to drive. Hugs the road well. Excellent exceleration. I had a couple of cosmetic problems but they were taken care of at the dealership. Even though everyone is complaining about the exterior design every one seems to notice the car. The only complaint that I have is that I only got 15K on the original tires even with the traction control enabled all the time.

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  g8isgreat - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By roadrunner - July 24 - 7:00 pm

  Super car for the money. I buy a new car every year and this is the best one Ive had in 15 years. No problems since I took delivery. My average mpg 16.9.

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  ILLUSTRIOUS - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Edna Kane - July 24 - 6:06 am

  I liked this car from the first day I saw it in the showroom at the dealership.I now find extra things to dothat involve driving my G6.Whenever Im driving along, its like "wow,look at me". This car commands an audience. It really makes you feel special to just be driving such a vehicle.The fact that everything can be ajusted to fit your own level of comfort while operating this vehicle is just awesome.