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:

• 

  Like it so much bought a 2nd one - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Mikey - April 9 - 3:43 pm

  Actually owned its cousin the Chevrolet Equinox for 4 years. I love that car. So much so I added a Torrent to the stable. The Equinox and Torrent are fun to drive and I have had zero problems. A little over 20 in the city and 24-26 on the highway MPG. The moving Rear seat is my favorite feature, but the performance of the engine and transmission is as good as the Mercedes I once owned.

• 

  I Named Him "City Boy" - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ponyboy from NOLA - April 9 - 9:40 am

  I really enjoy this vehicle. If you are looking for a wagon that doesnt look like one, the Vibe is it. Strong engine, responsive handling, and tight braking. Comfortable ride with superb cargo capacity. Gas mileage would be better if I lay off the hammer. The Vibe will age well. No squeaks or rattles, yet. It takes a licking and keeps on going. Toyota quality built in the USA.

• 

  I Named Him "City Boy" - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ponyboy from NOLA - April 9 - 6:20 am

  I really enjoy this vehicle. If you are looking for a wagon that doesnt look like one, the Vibe is it. Strong engine, responsive handling, and tight braking. Comfortable ride with superb cargo capacity. Gas mileage would be better if I lay off the hammer. The Vibe will age well. No squeaks or rattles, yet. It takes a licking and keeps on going. Toyota quality built in the USA.

• 

  Blue GTO - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By bluegto - April 9 - 2:26 am

  This car is by far the best bang for your buck. It has a screaming 400 horse power V8 thats dripping in raw power. It has all the luxuries of a modern sports car with the feel and power of an old school muscle car. This is by far one of the best modern day muscle cars on the market.

• 

  I Love My Ride! - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By CHERI - April 8 - 7:20 pm

  I wasnt sure I wanted to buy such a strange looking car, but gave it a trial run. Boy! Was I surprised. The Aztec drives and rides like a dream: roomy and comfortable, turns on a dime, and carries just about anything for regular daily use. My husband has arthritis of the spine, so he is really impressed with the heated seats. And we love the idea of dual temperature controls. The tent and air mattress (with an air valve built in one of the cubbies) were pleasant surprises, as we are avid campers. I am so glad I didnt let the strange appearance turn me off, besides... Its beginning to grow on me.

• 

  Pontiac For The Poor Man - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By stealthman - April 7 - 9:40 pm

  I looked at, and drove almost every midsize sedan, (around $20,000.00) and the G6 is an unbelievable value! The 4 cylinder 2.4 liter engine has got all the pep and spunk you will need! The car is agile, tight,and quiet! The car has a fantastic ride, sitting on the standard 16" rubber. Seriously folks! You have to look at this car if Value for the "Buck" is important to you! You will save a lot on the sticker price by going with the standard 2.4 liter 4 cylinder but you wont regret it!!

• 

  1st pontiac - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By rj - April 7 - 8:03 pm

  I only have 700 miles but I am pleased with the vehicle. The power is adequate but the mileage should be better. The height is good. the stereo is excellent. The steering feels a little different then I am used to. Overall, I am happy with the car.

• 

  It just keeps on going and going - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By doglover - April 6 - 8:43 pm

  I bought this car in 2004 brand new. I have replaced the brakes twice; thats it. I now have 151,000 and still drive it. I did have problems with the drivers window before the recall. It drives super in the snow; I live in western PA and have never been disappointed with its performance. I wore out the radio controls. I have the "moon and tune" pkg and it rocks; the best sound system that Ive come across. Very reliable and easy to drive.

• 

  Needs more get up and go - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Donna - April 6 - 8:26 pm

  This car is not very fun to drive. I had owned a Pontiac Grand Prix in the past which I loved so I assumed I would love the G6 even with a smaller V6 engine. I was mistaken. Aside from the negative of not being fun to drive, the positives are: 1) Very comfortable leather seats. 2) Decent monsoon stereo system. 3) Good gas mileage for an American car of this size. I have never gotten less than 25.7 miles per gallon even in city driving. So when I am fretting about the driving experience and counting the months until it is paid off, it always make me feel a bit better when I look at how many mpgs I am getting.

• 

  Cant believe I drive this over my 911 - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Eric - April 6 - 3:46 pm

  I needed a second car after buying a 2006 Porsche 911S. GM was giving these Vibes away and all I needed was a basic car with decent space, room for 5, and AWD for trips to Lake Tahoe in the winter. Since I bought the Vibe, Ive put 3800 miles on it, and only 500 on my Porsche. I love this Vibe. It doesnt handle particularly well, it isnt that fast, it doesnt have any luxuries, and it isnt beautiful. But, I find myself drawn to its fun, comfortable, and easy to drive nature. My friends and family make fun of me for showing up in my Vibe while my Porsche sits in the garage, but I cant help from loving this stupid Vibe.