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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  A great small SUV! - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By gm4life - July 7 - 6:40 am

  I have been looking for a small SUV since 2005. I have looked on and off but in 2006 when I saw the Torrent I knew I had to have one. I test drove the Rav and CRV and the Torrent left the best impression on me. It had the feel of a sporty Pontiac. The Torrent has decent giddy-up not as much as my 2005 Bonneville SLE but still enough. The back-seat slides forward and back to adjust for cargo room or leg room. I have been very happy with its balance of function and performance. In a crowded segment the Torrent stands out, and frankly there is not a better small SUV out there for the money. I am enjoying this little thing a lot and it is perfect for a family the likes to travel.

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  FUN (LITTLE) CAR - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By james c - July 6 - 10:06 am

  Accelerates / Handles nicely - only beef - wish it rode a little bit more quietly. Has more styling / options available than the Toyota Matrix ... even though they are considered sister vehicles.

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  Everyone should drive this fun car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Joan - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I love my Vibe it has great gas mileage. Its sporty but affordable. I got the fusion color and I love it. The dash is great at night. Very roomy inside. I went from a Suburban to the Vibe and didnt know if I would like being small but I havent noticed it at all Its so much fun to drive.

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  2006 4DR GTP - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By George P - July 5 - 7:20 am

  I traded in my oldsmobile with 236,000 miles and bought the G6 GTP. I love this car. its sporty, has plenty of power and a very nice interior. I have people stop me on the road to ask about it. The panoramic roof is awesome gives the passengers in the rear seat an open roof. The leather bucket seats are sporty with the double colors. The handling of this car is great with the big 18 inch tires. The monsoon radio is loud and crisp which makes listening a good experience.I wish there was 8 days in a week to drive this sports car!

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  Pure JUNK - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By molady - July 5 - 1:20 am

  I bought this car used. I guess that was my first mistake. I have had numerous problems. Fuel leaks, brakes, water outlet valve keeps blowing apart, over-heating, now it has been in the shop for a month, replaced fuel pump and filter ($350) and it still wont start. Now while at the shop something with the security system is locked up. The security light is on and the car will do nothing. Anyone wanna buy it? Real cheap!! Pay it off and its yours!!

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  All Performance - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By All Performance - July 4 - 11:03 pm

  If you pull up to this car at a red light dont be fooled, its gonna blow your doors off. Best performance car you can get for under 35,000. New 6.0 has that extra feel good punch. Fixed the exterior a little in 2005 with ram air hood and true dual exhuast. Great handling. Smooth ride for a coupe with a sport suspension.

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  Whats not to love. - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Raynald R. Labonte - July 4 - 7:46 pm

  This is the most fun car to drive I have had in a long time, and we lease two new cars every 2-1/2 to 3yrs. I traded in a 2004 Grand Prix GTP (it was totaled in a wreck) with the super charger, and this G6 is just as fast exept for the high speed passing. Everyone that sees it say they love it, young and old. I am 62 and I love it. I have seen pitchers of the hard- top converable they are going to make, and when my lease is up on this one I entend to lease a loaded one of them. Everone that sees it just loves it. Everyone that sees the sunroof open asks to see how it looks in the different posisions.

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  Overall great car - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By GXP doc - July 4 - 8:06 am

  I priced other imports and none of them came close to this car,as far as size,performance and value.I drive approx.100 miles a day and this car is just flat out fun to drive!I have been very pleased with my purchase.The dealer treated me better than any of the import dealers I have dealt with.

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  GM Only Driver - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Trish - July 4 - 3:06 am

  I have not driven a better Pontiac in several years. This car has both a classic and sporty look and feel. The blind spots are just alittle difficult to get used to. Overall this is a great value and expect to enjoy the ride for many years

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  Car Needs A Major Recall!!! - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Agitated - July 3 - 4:56 pm

  Purchased brand new! First, my tires did not last anytime-they were "chopped up" to quote the dealer and I had all the scheduled maintenence. The valves had to be replaced and the transmission has not been the same-I expect it to go out anytime! Goofy things inside have gone wrong, the controller for the windows had to be replaced, the strip on the driver side window broke, among other things. The cruise control only works part of the time and the accelerator for it never works. This week my passenger tie rod had to be replaced and universal joint is going out! You pretty much name it, and Ive had problems with this car. I love driving this car, but its a pile of junk! CurrentlyCarShopping