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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  Brakes, Vibrations, and Steering Column - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Tom Wallace - March 14 - 5:23 am

  This car is the biggest lemon we have ever purchased. From day one, it has had an extreme vibration that no one has been able to get rid off. The car has 44,000+ miles on it. After 2 new sets of Michelin tires, countless tire balances, alignments, badly warped rotors at 43,000 miles, sticking calipers, drivers seat that shifts when taking curves, and 2 fixes to the steering column, we still have bad vibration, brake problems, and a seat that shifts - to the tune of about $3000. Oh yes, also had water coming in from under the car as well as in the trunk. I hate this car! GM will not get another sale from me.

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  2000 Grand Prix - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Josh L - March 12 - 8:23 pm

  Apart from being a sexy looking car, the Grand Prix is a great performer and very fun to drive. As with any Pontiac, though, its interior is plasticky.

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  On/Off Public Roads - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Sandra Dicks - March 12 - 5:33 pm

  Vehicle purchased for AWD capability. We live in cottage country on 2 mile privately maintained gravel road in a snowbelt area. Have put 6000 miles on vehicle since mid August 2006, including a round trip to Florida of about 3000 miles. The Torrent has been a delight to drive and handles well in all weather conditions including snow, slush and ice covered roads through through the mountains. Although not quite as roomy as our previous 2003 Pontiac Montana it comfortably holds all our luggage, golf clubs/pull carts and two Bikes (hitch mounted). Our trim level includes leather, 17 inch wheels and premier Pioneer audio system. Acceleration and handling is good, except for turning radius.

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  AVOID! - 2003 Pontiac Montana
  By Awfabee - March 12 - 12:03 pm

  Bought the AWD because we were moving out to the country. It was a company lease return, impeccably maintained. As soon as the warranty expired, we IMMEDIATELY suffered the infamous GMC intake manifold gasket debaucle. Since then, nothing but problems, mostly with the wheel hubs, bearings, and ABS/AWD sensors. Turns out a vehicle named "MONTANA" with AWD cant handle a bumpy gravel road. Worst vehicle weve ever owned... period.

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  smooth as silk but poor quality control - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By jqua - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has a love it/hate it design. Typical of GM there were 1st yr problems. An ABS Sensor died twice in 18 months. the rear hatch doesnt open using one push of the switch. Several computers failed. A/C compressor failed. All during warranty period but down time was a pain. Wonderful car to drive, handles well, very smooth on the road.

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  My AZTEK2001 - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By BUDD - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the better and safest ride on the road today and mine is front wheel drive only and it is one of the better suv in all of the other one and yes I would buy another one if and when I wear this one out or trade it in on a new one which I hope will not be any time soon.PS this is one hell of a SUV.

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  THE BEST ONLY GETS BETTER (GTO) - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By mike D - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I was the previous owner of a 1967 Pont.GTO and I loved the car. This car I hope will only inhance the immage of the name Pont. GTO. I just hope its as reliable as it looks. The front looks a little like the Pont. Grand Prix. I presently own one, and its a Great Car and fun to drive.

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  gtp - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By magilla - March 11 - 6:53 pm

  handles like a giant go cart, acceleration and braking are right there at your reach, very happy with this car. tony

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  Its OK - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Philnita - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Bonneville is roomy, comfortable and safe. Like everything about except fuel mileage and GM heritage.

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  Yellow Ecotec - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Danm - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I have a new "Flame Yellow" 2.2l Ecotec on my hands and I love it! The sun and sound package with sunroof and better sound system is a must. Putting down the windows and roof and turning up the volume make ths a great car to drive. It also has a peppy enging that picks up quickly. The import fighting world is making many new aftermarket part for the new ecotec, too. So if you dont want a civic or eclipse like EVERYONE else,this is a great car for the money.