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:

• 

  A great combination - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By psp711 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I hadnt owned a Pontiac in years, but had some wonderful GM products in the past. This sporty, roomy car offers me the best of all worlds. The quiet of a hard top. The joy and sportiness of a convertible. The comfort and space of a luxurious automobile. And ECONOMY! I honestly get 20-22 mpg driving around town in stop and go driving. And on the highway I can count on 32 mpg. This is as good as many mini cars--and Im surrounded by all this luxury and convenience. This car has been a joy to drive, has plenty of power and people often stop me to ask me what kind of car it is--especially when the top is down. Great car, have had no problems and economical too.

• 

  Love This Vehicle! - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Whitsinn - May 27 - 12:00 pm

  Absolutely love the Pontiac Torrent. We were looking to get out of our minivan, and this little SUV was a great choice. Love the style. We have 3 kids and there is plenty of room in the back seat. Lots of leg room. Handles well. Very stylish!

• 

  My 2nd Pontiac Grand Prix - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By shawnmichaels123 - May 27 - 8:13 am

  I am a long time Pontiac fan. While considering the new G8, I also researched other cars that Pontiac had to offer. Once I found out about all the standard equipment that the 2008 Grand Prix, I never looked back. It has everything you need at a MSRP of $22,210. Right now is a great time to consider this automobile. When I purchased my new Grand Prix on 8-8- 2008, Pontiac offered a great cash rebate or fair financing. Also, this is the last year of the Grand Prix. Dealerships will definitely work with you on your final purchase price. Thank you

• 

  Great Car! - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By smartalex61 - May 26 - 12:33 pm

  My grandmother gave me this car back in 2007 with only 47,000 miles on it, and with this being my first car I really didnt know what to think of it. After having it for 3 years it really grew on me, and it was fun to drive every day. I think the interior is a bit cheap feeling and the seats arent that comfortable, but it looks great. Not to mention that the exterior styling is BEAUTIFUL. Also Ive never had any problems with this car besides the normal maintenance (breaks, oil changes, etc.). Unfortunately it was recently totaled in an accident, however if they still made them I would buy another in a heartbeat!

• 

  I love my GTO! - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Michael Nichols - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my GTO and its Performance. The interior is well done and I like the red suede and red leather mixed in with black leather. The red stiching mixed with black leather on the stering wheel and shift nob are great details. It also does not matter what gear you are in using the six speed manual, all you have to do is give it some gas and you have fairly instant get up and go. The handling takes a bit to get use to but settles in and corners very well. My prior car is a 2000 Honda Civic Si.

• 

  "10" - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By dmnspd - May 26 - 7:40 am

  awesome drive the car is incredible good low end tourqe better middle band high-end could be alittle better but its real nice shifts are a little teethy shorter throw shifter would have been nice but all and all its just AWESOME to drive a trill a second!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  fun fun fun - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By supercharged - May 26 - 3:46 am

  This car was great and fun to drive. It was one of the most comfortable cars to drive and had a lot of power.

• 

  Not plastic man - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By dave - May 25 - 9:20 pm

  recvd car as a rental. It it a very fun to drive car, seats are ok. Driving for long distance is uncomfortable due to too much hard plastic around doors. this car is proof of why American car companies have difficulty competing. After Buying Toyota for my past 2 vehicles. I am not conviced by this to buy anything else. The build Quality is just not there. Car Feels to "cheap".

• 

  Loved it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Martha Crawford - May 24 - 5:00 pm

  I loved my new Vibe! Great gas mileage, fun to drive, and a very versatile vehicle. Spacious interior. It would have been great for camping and biking this year. I walked away from a 40 mph front end collision with nothing more than a sore ankle (probably from jamming the breaks) and a slightly stiff neck the next day. Unfortunately, the battery leaked during the collision and the insurance adjustor totaled it out. On to find another Vibe... This car was great!

• 

  Why - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Razz - May 24 - 1:43 pm

  I dont know why I bought this car. The V6 was plenty good. Tested the Charger, Mustang V6 & GT, Accord, Civic, Sonata and been in many others during my search over the last year. The BMW sure is nice but I think my friend will be disappointed when he sees the G8 GT for half the price. If you keep under 65 you get remarkable 25-27 MPG. It eats gas just idling. 15 is no problem in the city. First impressions: besides the tough look and motor is the front interior,and excellent seats. Warmers work great and no need for extra lumbar support. Handles good and is very fast. Reminds me of the Catalina I had with the special 400 plus motor that was ordered from the factory.