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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  Great lil wagon - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bigdan - May 27 - 4:06 am

  Have had my 05 Vibe for 18 months- great mileage-30/36 (5 speed). Used as a daily work vehicle. Very reliable. Need better seat back support. Love this car.

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  Issues with my Convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By pompanoman - May 26 - 6:33 am

  I bought my G6 GT with the GTP package in May of 07. I love my car but have had few annoying issues with it. First issue, my car started whistling within 8 months of purchase. One entire line of the muffler had to be replace from the engine to the end. I live in Florida, so A/C is a must have. The A/C seems to have a mind on its own and sometimes will not come on, so is the wiper system. I set the wipers on the continuous speed setting and they will go intermittent on me. Last issue, my top wont retract anymore. I bought the car brand new and only have one user, although I love my car, for the price I paid I was expecting more from GM.

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  Excellent bargain. - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By jocho - May 25 - 9:23 pm

  Great car. Gas mileage @ 65mph > 31+, in town, 22.5. Super ride, quiet, comfortable. Sunroof is extra-large. Exception bargain, if youre looking for a superior, comfortable, car that gets great mileage. Picked this one up used, 14,000 miles < $19.5K. List for a new one is over $35K. Thanks for earlier reviews, they helped make decision to buy.

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  "Sporty" family vehicle - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By BSTinman - May 25 - 8:43 pm

  The Torrent has been great so far. I was in fear that the engine would not be enough, but unless your into drag racing your family SUV I dont think youll have much to worry about. A lot of people complain about the steering but I drive 80 miles a day and its not an issue with me...rather pleasant. The comfort level is tremendous. Love it.

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  So Far, So Good... - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By Auntbetty - May 25 - 3:13 pm

  Weve had our Montana for 5 years and it had 60k miles when we bought it. Now it has 175k on it and seems to be doing ok. No major repairs and have avoided the head gasket issue. The intake manifold gaskets had been done before we bought it. Basically just routine maintenance (brakes, wheel bearings in front, tires). Its not as tight as a Honda or Toyota, but thats a given so dont expect it to be since youre paying thousands less for a comparable year. Fuel mileage is very good for a van (20-24mpg depending on season).

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  Great Package - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By CarBob - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Great all around car that is fun, capable, and respectable.

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  Love it - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Rara - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I really do love my Aztec. I think it is a very cool looking vehicle. I love the interior as well. I like the back lower window, making it easier to see small children walking behind the vehicle. There is plenty of space for the kids that I car pool around town. I love that this vehicle is not the same as all the others, I like to stand out and be different! Love it, love it. Great on gas too!! Ra

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  GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Memomcpa - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my GTP. Its just a fun car to drive. It the first time that I ever owned a car that makes me just want to hop in an go for a drive, for no reason.

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  review after 2 years - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By patsy - May 24 - 2:43 pm

  Purchased 2 years ago, now 19,000 Miles. Mostly city driving. 25-28 mpg.with an automatic. Car now carry scars of my driving ability. But I still enjoy driving it. Good quality for the dollar. Gets good mileage. Like the dash layout and large cargo area. Generally pleased with Vibe. Have had problems with the "idle". The engine wants to race after warm up. Had to remove back seat head rest because of blind stop. But all bell and whistle still work. Needs telescoping wheel for more comfort. Cup holders are only for one person at a time. But if I had a choose I would by my 3nd Vibe.

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  Great Value car - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By bilsfire - May 23 - 4:15 am

  Car is def. mechanically sound, solid engine and tranny(standard). Interior build quality is less than par, but for the performance factor, you get what you get. The exterior wasnt thought out 100%, the fact that its front wheel drive and comes stock with a rear spoiler, is counterproductive. As long as maintainance is under control, the vehicle will last as long as you last. Oil changes on any smaeller engine aluminum, or otherwise, with higher rev ranges, should be done every 2000-2500 miles as a rule. Performance again is great, the power to weight ratio is above average for the class of car. Plenty of torque for getting going, not too much(spin tires in snow) good horse power.