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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  Very Pleased with the Montana - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By BEEBOZ - February 13 - 2:00 am

  First minivan and I was quite surprised at how well it has done. Power from the 3400 engine is outstanding. Seats are comfortable and easy to remove. Gas mileage is exceptional (19/24). Great family truckster.

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  nice! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By trunt ozares - February 13 - 2:00 am

  my first car and i love it. Great power. The engine could have been a little more technologicaly advanced.

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  junk van - 2003 Pontiac Montana
  By DRat - February 13 - 2:00 am

  At 36,700 miles had to replace the manifold intake gasket. Had to fight with GM to get them to pay for the 1,000 dollar repair. At 37,400 had to replace a head gasket. GM automatically paid for this expensive repair. I was hoping to pay it off and drive it for many years but I think I might have to trade it in on a toyota or honda. DONT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE I MADE. DO NOT BUY A MONTANA MINI-VAN.

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  After 6 months it still seems a good choice - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Terry - February 12 - 10:30 am

  Got a red one in Dec 2006. Looked at the Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd which is what I had before but wanted something a little less to go along with my new retired lifestyle. Looked at others but nothing clicked until I drove the Torrent. Its towing cap. (3500 lb.) is more than adequate for my use and the back opens up to be fairly flat and roomy. It is fairly quick but no flash -- but then my other car is a Bonneville SSEi (turbo). It handles well and corners well -- it feels agile. My wife does not think the seats are that comfortable -- I think they are OK but could be better. I think it will serve its purpose well.

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  Love my car - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Cheryl - February 11 - 10:33 pm

  I bought my Pontiac Sunfire in 2003 brand new and I am still happy. The only repairs were minor with a gas cap and wire harness. The Sunfire is no longer manufactured. With high gas prices my car is perfect.

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  Endless repairs... - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By sarah - February 11 - 5:06 am

  We got this car for next to nothing and that was good because we have spent, on average, $380 a month in repairs over the past 2 years. brake pads, fuel leaks, wires going, brakes going, converter going, start plugs, you name it. Side mirrors fall off (Ive learned to order them online and glue them on) Fuel gauge inaccurate. Am buying new (used) car and not an American make.

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  once again - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By h2osgto - February 10 - 10:13 am

  i have had over 400 cars numerous performance cars the 2004 GTO is one of the finer ones 60s performance,handles great,STOPS! styling grows on you get with the times A LOT NICER CAR THAN I EXPECTED

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  Sigh, at least the car LOOKS nice. - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By ashleyxmarie - February 9 - 3:35 am

  Only good thing is the styling and power.Bought it as a "GM certified pre-owned"vehicle going through a 101-point inspection. LIES. Purchased it with 33,000 miles on it. It nwo has 68,000. Since purchasing the car several things have occurred: Valve stems cracked within three weeks of purchase & had to get the car towed because of the flat tire. GM paid for the towing. Alternator went out in one year. Spoiler (YES, the SPOILER) became loose and came off and they didnt cover it. GM customer service a joke! The car randomly leaks in the back when going into a high pressured car wash. Black cloth seats get mysterious irremovable water stains? Sucks in the snow/ rain. Traction control is a joke

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  Ronnie Perry - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ronnie - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in Jan. 2003. It had 22,000 miles on it and now it has 25,000 miles on it. Its dark navy blue. It runs great, and gets 26 miles per gallon on the hwy. The cars performance is awsome.

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  Minor problems.. - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bond7 - February 7 - 6:30 pm

  i bought this car after i flipped my Saturn. Right after we bought it (from a private seller mind you) the passenger seat stopped sliding forward/backwards (no big deal though), then the drivers side power window motor went out (no big deal), replaced brakes and December of 06 replaced all four tires.. now (04/08) replaced 3 wheel bearings, front brakes, rotor, and belt in the motor.. also, the exhaust was starting to fall off so got that welded back on.. I know it sounds like Im complaining, but Im actually satisfied that the car is 12 years old and hasnt had Major motor problems.. Im only the second owner of the car but I like to drive fast/hard so that could account for some wear/tear!