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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  Could Have Been Better - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mel - March 11 - 8:06 am

  This is my 3rd body style of the Grand Prix. Im most disappointed with the ride. My last two have run to 125,000 miles and have had to nothing but replace the struts on the 99 model after 100,000 miles. Prior to replacing the struts, the car rode like an OLD Dodge pickup --- Every bump was felt. The 04 was purchased with 1,100 miles and rides like an OLD Dodge Pickup. I feel every bump. A dealership has aligned, balanced, etc. & still rides like a truck. Very happy with the 95 & the 99; Severely Disappointed with the 04!!!

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  Review 2008 Vibe - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By dross - March 10 - 1:03 pm

  I was attracted to this car for its potential for versatility and gas mileage. I have owned it for a little over a month, and have been very happy with it so far. It has a fair amount of pep, but will never be mistaken for a six cylinder. To me this is a fair trade-off for the great gas mileage. My average mileage has been 26 MPG with heavy city driving. The steering is responsive on dry pavement and the car is very predictable driving in the snow. This car is a great car to run around town with your kids or take a trip

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  Great Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Scott - March 9 - 3:16 pm

  Great car for the money. Fun to drive, great on gas, and a sharp looking little car. I was out the door for just over $18K, with the navigation system and 6 disc CD player.

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  New Owner - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Theresa - March 8 - 11:13 am

  So far, I love it. My only real complaint is that there are a couple of nasty blind spots I need to get used to. Otherwise, one of the nicest riding, most comfortable vehicles Ive ever been in. I got the Sun and Sound package and really like the upgraded stereo. I love the auto volume control feature on the stereo that adjusts the volume up at freeway speeds and down at stops. I also like the gas tank on the passenger side. It makes it easier to find an empty pump since everyone else has theirs on the driver side.

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  Birthday Present - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Happy Dad - March 7 - 9:00 pm

  I bought this for my daughter for her birthday. She recently got her license and has adapted very well to the car. Ive driven a lot of different cars and trucks and have a luxury sports convertible. While it doesnt handle like that car, it does handle very well and has exceptional power so it moves quickly onto highways. The car is comfortable to drive with good visiblility. The car has all wheel drive but rides very well.

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  Finally! - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Steve - March 7 - 2:26 pm

  Ive been in love with this car months before the first 06 ever hit the road. It was the day before I was to pick up a pre-owned 2008 G6 GT I had just purchased when I was told I just received a pretty substantial pay raise. That was it, it was finally my time!! 4 days later I was driving home my Brazen colored Solstice. I love this car. This car is sexy as hell and IMO blows the Sky away in the looks department. Its a blast to drive and never fails to turn heads. My only regret is I purchased it with only a couple of months of driving days left before it gets put up for the winter. Thats ok - between employee pricing and end of season blowout they knocked $5k off the MSRP - what a steal!

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  I will Miss this Car when its gone :-( - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Alikat - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I will never own another car that is quite like my grand am. It was my second car and not once has it given me any real trouble. I just had to replace the battery after almost 4 years owning it and who knows if it had been replaced before me. I got it after my first car, a cavalier, decided to die on me. Now that was a lemon!!! Everything went wrong with that car. This car has been awesome and I must say where I got if from (Nucar Pontiac) will be getting a repeat customer for sure. This car has been through alot with me and I will always cherish it for as long as I live.

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  Duke of Bonneville - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Toastmaster - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving a 2004 SSEi for 10 months now. The car is awesome for highway crusing. Gobs of power once it gets up and going. The SSEi suspension is pretty nice on more demanding roads, but you do have to remember this is a LARGE car and it doesnt handle like a sports car. The tires howl when you push it hard, but it is well behaved and easy to drive. Acceleration is powerful, but not quick. The leather interior is very quiet and comfortable. Adult rear seat passengers rave about the ride and room in the back seat. If price is no object, you can get better, but at this price point, GM has a really sweet performance minded luxo-cruiser.

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  Car does not last but cost - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By I drove 10 cars - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have purchased this CERTIFIED Grand AM SE2 V6 from local dealer 11/02, today is 8/03, I needed to fix breaks, rotors, battery, lights, alternator, temperature sensor and wires, struss, signal switches, break lights and other little things. Each time I got an oil change, it cost me more than 500 or more. The performance of this car is only average even though it has a "V6" engine. It eats up the gas like there is no tommorrow and things are falling apart while you trying to accellerate. Dont depend on your break it does not stop on a dime. Go for a toyota!

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  Hi - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By CoolAIArtist - March 7 - 8:23 am

  well I think I got such a wonderful deal at 6,000 dollars for a 01 Bird The only thing I have a problem with is when it rains and thats all. I like the 31 hwy mpg cause Im daily on the Highway anyway. I have been offered way above what its worth and always have people staring because the car is a head turner. Pontiac Red and T-tops it is by far one of my fav cars the only thing above it is the Dodge Viper.