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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  Love it so far - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By jesangt - January 10 - 6:03 pm

  My G6 is less than a month old with only 500 miles, but I love it so far. Its truly a great value. I think it looks and drives great. Im impressed with the driver information center. Im a little disappointed in the center console. Its roomy, but doesnt have a compartment for coins (minor flaw). Also, I was surprised that the car does not have ABS brakes, although it does have 4 wheel disc brakes. I also assumed that the radio would have the song information (I forget what its called but our 2001 Sunfire radio has it). I wish it had remote keyless entry, but this is something that I will add later and I think is reasonably priced. Im sure adding these would increase price.

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  Torrent Love - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By janson - January 10 - 7:40 am

  Love the size. Bigger then the competition, but not huge, and doesnt feel big while driving. It can actually fit in parking spots, but still has tons of leg room in the rear. Plenty of engine for what it supposed to do, and lots of features to keep the driver informed.

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  My favorite car to drive! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ohoeflein - January 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my most favorite car i have every driven or owned. When this one is old I will buy a new grand prix. Put goodyear aquatreds on this thing it cries out for them , the best tire made!

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  dependable car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mothergoose - January 9 - 2:00 am

  A sporty family car

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  GXP = WOW - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By James - January 8 - 11:56 pm

  I went into to drive and buy a G6 GTP and drove off with a GXP. The hiway mileage is great...My first measured tank got 25 mpg...with a 300 hp V8! It is incredibly quick....be ready for a real jolt when you put the pedal down. I got the employee discount. A lot of people notice and ask quesions about it.

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  Great second car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jtemple5 - January 8 - 10:38 pm

  Bought this car used back in 2008 with around 55k miles on it... just hit 140k and am looking to replace it, but not for anything specific, Im just anticipating a problem since Ive never had one yet. Even winding up nose first in a snow bank on the side of the highway didnt stop it. Aside from minor wear and tear work, weve never had to replace anything major, even with it being our only car for 4+ years, surviving all those New England winters. Excellent car, excellent style, and roomy inside even with its smaller exterior.

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  FB2K02 apr2006 - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By G Robinson - January 7 - 5:10 am

  enjoy ride, sporty looks, and having the T-tops for cool evening after dinner drives. The monsoon equalized hi-fi and CD system works great and I use it with XM radio.

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  Gotta Love it! - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Cheryl - January 6 - 10:43 pm

  I just purchased my 2008 Grand Prix Sedan & I am just loving it! I had a Chrysler Sebring, then a Chevrolet HHR & my favorite is the Grand Prix! Just wish it was summer so I could ride the highway! But I just enjoy driving it back & forth to work. Its comfortable, classy, and has get up & go when you want it to. Plenty of space too. Love the display that lets me know if the tire pressure is low and also the option to have OnStar makes me feel a little better driving in the snow in Michigan. I feel secure. A must drive, must buy and enjoy!

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  RAM AIR - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Drum Dawg - January 6 - 8:33 pm

  I am a car guy who has owned over 30 different cars over the last 20 years. All I can say is WOW! This WS6 TA rules the road. I cant believe Pontiac screwed up the marketing so bad. This is an awesome ride. It is blistering fast and can hold four people. It is the closest thing to flying a jet fighter and can still get 26 MPG. I cant praise its handling enough. Mine ran a 13.10 and it is totally stock and I had never raced before. Pontaic under rated the horse power for sure!

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  After 2 years and 40K, no regrets! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By snowdog_ix - January 6 - 2:48 pm

  Bought this car new from a dealer a couple of years ago. I am 64", and I loved the headroom/interior space in this vehicle. I am a single father and was looking for value, reliability and gas efficiency. After a couple of tanks of gas driving in the city, I realized I was getting 7L/100km. Awesome! I am over 40K now and have only had it into the shop for 2 recalls. It has never let me down. It is not super powerfull on the highway. (slow going up a hill with the kids in the back) But I will trade that for the gas mileage I get any day. On-star in-car phone was interesting for the first year, but I let it expire because I didnt want to pay the fees.