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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  fine little car - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By dick purnell - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Best buy I ever got in a car. Paid about $11,000 and never had a problem with the car. Gets 36 mpg on the highway. easy to drive and handle.

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  Love it - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By E - November 30 - 9:20 am

  I had 3 grand ams in the past and this car is a huge improvement. It has more power better handling and is just fun to drive. Plus, you dont have to get the top of the line stereo to get a great sound system.

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  Decent Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 3800 V6 - November 29 - 11:50 pm

  I bought this car because it was cheap and had the 3800 engine. I have had Bonnevilles and LeSabres and love this motor! Very glad they put it in a sportier car like the GP. Ive had it for two months and Ive had to replace the EGR valve because it kept stalling and an o2 sensor, but this is why I got it cheap! The car rides GREAT, even at 85 MPH and Im sure it could do more but I shouldnt abuse it any harder--it has 145,000 miles! Some worry about 100,000 miles--these cars will run forever. Really. But they do have some issues that arise; make sure you maintain them. One morning I couldnt get it out of park--took the console apart and tied the stupid shifter button down.

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  Incredible and underappreciated - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Charlie - November 28 - 7:00 pm

  Owning this vehicle has been a true joy. Its spacious interior has been very convenient, and folding middle seats function better then any other vehicle in its class for my needs. Its got the spacious function of a mini-van, without having the larger size. I also used the Aztek tent combo with it, and whilst I was moderately unimpressed by the tents ability to keep water out, I really loved the mattress and how perfectly it fit into the back. I took this vehicle on a 3500 mile road trip without a single problem. Love the way it feels to drive - very comfortable. It has good pickup, and sufficient torque for its class. A great experience owning it.

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  Love this car! - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By striker300 - November 28 - 6:16 pm

  My parents bought this car new and when they passed, I kept it as I love this car. Very comfortable interior and heads up display is great! Drive is fun and have had no major issues since day 1.

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  Like mine for now - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Roj - November 27 - 4:06 am

  Vehicle 2006 Pontiac G6 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A) Review 1) I have also had my G6 for almost 3 years and at around 63K I too had the issue where the transmission lips/jerks sometimes when it switches gears. Interesting enough, Ive also had two(2) Grand Ams before this car that had the exact same problem of which would happen randomly.Needless to say i was very very disappointed when it started happening to the G6 especially when the warranty has also just expired. Although they were able to fix the problem ($600.00 later , most of it labor),history has taught me that its just a matter of when it will happen again .

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Forrest - November 27 - 4:03 am

  I maybe shouldnt write about the torrent yet bacause I only have a 100 miles on it but my wife and I really love this car. We came from having a BMW 330I which be both felt was a cramps car after awhile so now having the Torrent we both feel that it has so much room inside and places to store things. We live in CA. not that it gets that cold but the heated seats are really great at times. Power seems to be fine and comfort is great too. One other thing thats great about this car is theres not a million others of these on the road.

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  Will it start?? - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By C.T. - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 Sunfire SE, and w/in the first year it had to have a new battery, and a new starter. In 2002 it had to have the computer reprogrammed due to engine lights coming on, and it had to have the whole steering assembly replaced, this all happened 2 weeks before the warranty was up. I do not trust this car and will never buy one again.

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  best car ever - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Moroccomole - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Its a great car, I love it.

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  Love this vehicle:-} - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RAMS - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Thusfar, the only negative experience I have had are window rattles and the poorly designed trunk webbed gate which rarely holds items in place.