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 bargain - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Dale - July 27 - 1:13 pm

  I like the vehicle. I traded in a 2004 Vibe GT. I wasnt expecting handling like the Vibe, but the Torrent rides firm, corners well, and has good performance. I get 21 mpg overall but recently took a 600 mile road trip; 5 people and luggage and got 25 mpg. I could not fit 5 in the Vibe. The steering is a little light at low speeds. Id like to see GM put their 3.9 litre in this vehicle

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  Nice car for the price - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By kc hillman - July 26 - 8:03 pm

  Needed a new vehicle to use primarily to run around town that would be economical. Noticed the G5 on Pontiac web site. Sticker on vehicle we purchased was over $22500, but GM knocked off $2500 from the start, plus another $2500. off with incentives. The vehicle is a silver GT model which is well loaded (XM radio, remote start, sunroof, automatic, etc.) It rides nice, handles well on 17" rims and is comfortable. It is small interior wise, but we knew that going in. It seems well-built and the whole family is well pleased with it. It may not have a "pure-bred" pedigree since its basically a Cobalt, but it is much nicer than wed anticipated! We are glad we gave it a look.

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  solstice fever - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By lester - July 24 - 5:16 am

  This car is absolutely incredible. i traded in my bmw z4 for this and i couldnt be happier with the decision. when the turbo kicks in, hold on to your shorts.

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  Love to drive it - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By New Pontiac Lover - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have always been a Honda lover, then I drove the Vibe! My husband convinced me to try and I was sold! Great gas mileage and good looks have peoples heads turning, Neptune Blue is a great color you dont see often. Moons and tunes pkg. ..GREAT.

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  01 Formula Firebird - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By firechkn - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I never have to worry about being stuck behind a slow driver. Push the gas and go. This car gets geat mileage for a V8, I average 380 per tank. The only downfalls are,is its too low for my mom to get in and out of easily and there are blindspots from the A posts. I would rather line this car in plastic when I have kids than get rid of it. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  It was perfect - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Dave Peterson - July 24 - 2:00 am

  The riding was flauless. Ive always grown up in a AMerican made family and the Pontiac GTO has had nothing but improvements from its older models. It can still live up to its standards.

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  Dont purchase - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By LYNDA - July 23 - 10:23 pm

  Car burns 1quart oil every 1000 miles, they say exceptable. Moaning from rear end, they hear but they dont know what is causing the problem. A/c quit and there is a tt bullentin on it . Car shifts horrible, and sometimes doesnt. Rear spoiler blocks vision. Trade in value is the worst! Today 6/8 ny newsday reports 10worst reliable car in the us! Dealer has been unsupportive to fix the vehicle.This is the 5th pontiac i have owned always showing loyalty to pontiac gm, note not anymore!! I will seek a better tradein and a better warranty!

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  Cyn Duh Rella Goes Topless - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By Cyn Duh Rella - July 23 - 7:00 am

  Car is my first American Convertible (I know shame, shame on me). Other than getting used to larger gas consumption.. She purrs deeply as she approaches........Lots of Fun!

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  Great Car - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Jeff - July 22 - 9:26 pm

  I have used this car primarily for work and put between 30,000 to 40,000 miles per year. My 2001 Bonneville currently has 157,000 and still drives like it is new.

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  So much fun to drive! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Tracey - July 22 - 1:56 pm

  This is my first Pontiac and I absolutely love it! I love the looks of this car, the handling and the price. I have a beautiful, bright white exterior with a two-tone black and tan interior and I couldnt have picked a better looking combination. I have never had a 4cyl engine before and it has plenty of pickup and power. The only thing I have noticed is a slight driver side window whistle on the highway. Other than that, this car is prefect. The 4- and 5- star crash ratings make this a great buy!