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:

• 

  Im in love - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Joey - October 22 - 1:13 pm

  I just brought this baby home and Im smitten. I test drove several SUVs over Labor Day weekend (the 2008s were priced to move). I didnt even know that Pontiac had a crossover (I was familiar with the Equinox, which is the same vehicle). I was about to pull the Trigger on a Santa Fe, which actually had a nicer interior with more storage, but once I test drove the Pontiac, I was sold. The 3.4 L pulls that rig right up to speed with no problem, and the handling was tight like a sports sedan. Compared to the Santa Fe and the Escape, the Torrent won on performance alone (and good looks). Also, I averaged 26 MPG on the 120 mile freeway drive home. Not bad for a big vehicle like this.

• 

  Best thing out there!!!! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By LVMYAZTK - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my Aztek!! A cool looking midsize SUV with all the features of a luxury SUV. This is the best thing out there, in my opinion. I cant believe it is not more popular. It is comfortable, sporty, practical and FUN! I love driving it!

• 

  Back in a GTP - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cudaboy2 - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I was in a roll over accident in my previous 2000 GTP and survived with only a bruised arm. It gets my thumbs up on safety. I expect to have the same trouble-free reliability as my previous 2000 GTP. Love the new OnStar option. I am completely satisfied with this car. Cant wait for the new 2004s to come out, though I might switch to the GTO.

• 

  I love this car - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Bobby - October 22 - 1:10 am

  This car was previously my mothers car, but when I turned 16 I took over the ownership of the car. At first I did not like the look and feel of the car but it grows on you. I have made several modifications to the car (grille inserts, cold air intake, decals). I plan to convert the car to rear wheel drive, put the LS9 engine in, and put in a 6 speed manual transmission. I also want to customize the interior as well. I get great gas mileage (average 28 in the summer). I had to replace the water pump and intake manifold gasket each once but Ive had no problems now for about 20000 miles. Everything breaks eventually, just spend a little extra money and time to take care of the car. I wash mine 1 per week.

• 

  My G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Chitown Driver - October 21 - 7:53 pm

  This car is exactly what I was looking for after Oldsmobile went out of existence. I also looked at the Nissan Altima, but there was no comparison. The G6 had it beat by miles in style, comfort, and features.

• 

  2005 GTO 6 speed - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Car Crazy Dude - October 21 - 7:10 am

  Awesome car, always eager to drive it! Needs nothing else added to it from purchase. Love the IRS and the 400 hp 400 ft-lb torque!! Price to value is definitely unbeatable, Go GM.

• 

  Satisfied with Sunfire - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By satisfiedwithsunfire - October 20 - 9:16 pm

  I purchased my Sunfire 09/2000 and it has been a very dependable car. Im extremely pleased with it. I took it on a long trip and couldnt have been happier. The gas mileage is great, the ride is good for that price range. The interior could use a little more quality, but the outside is attractive. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for dependability with a little sporty look. My car is paid for and I have no intentions of getting rid of it. Ill probably keep it till it dies. Its my baby.

• 

  I love this car! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By jla - October 19 - 11:00 pm

  As a former Grand Am owner, I have been looking at the G6 for quite some time. When I found a good deal, I jumped at the chance. This car is great. I drove it to my home town, which is 90 miles away, and it was both comfortable and fun to drive. When I first got it, I kept trying to think of places to go so I could keep driving instead of coming right home from work. My last Pontiac lasted me 13 years and Im sure this one will last a long time as well. Im a true "Pontiac believer".

• 

  Style & Comfort - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Halfpint - October 19 - 10:00 am

  My vibe was very helpful in my move to my new home. The foldable rear seats were a plus. The interior while sporty is also very easy to care for(just ask my nephew and the millions of things he has spilled). The gas mileage is also a HUGE money saver!! Im often complimented on its style. I find it sporty as well as comfortable. If youre looking for comfort as well as style this is the car youre looking for!!!

• 

  fast and fun for a family car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kcoffman - October 19 - 10:00 am

  We just bought our 004 Grand Prix GT2 but so far -- loving it!!!!!!!! Fast and nimble and oh so fun! A little disappointed in the information read- out screen (not enough info listed) and not enough cubbies or cup holders but still an awesome interior. We tried it out as a rental and really enjoyed it then we went out and bought the upgrade.