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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  Im Happy - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Happy - August 27 - 10:03 pm

  My 2007 Torrent is the first brand new vehicle I have ever purchased. I was used to driving a Camaro, but wanted something roomier and better in bad weather. I haver been very pleased with my Torrent. I get approx 22 to 23 mpg which I am happy with. I agree with everybody else in saying that the parking break and cup holders should be restructured so they could be used at the same time, and also the location of the cigarette lighter is hard to get to when you are using the cup holders. Everything else is GREAT! I would definitely suggest a Pontiac Torrent to anyone.

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  Great Summer Car! - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By austin - August 27 - 8:53 pm

  This is a wonderful car, my grandmother bought this car in 1997 brand new and although it has had some major problems I still love this car. Fuel pump replaced twice and the plugs and wires have been changed every summer we pull it out of storage since it was about four years old. Car has great acceleration and good feel when shifting this 5-speed. Excellent fuel economy (23/35) when driving like this car was meant to be driven (fast). Some problems have occured at about 60k miles such as the window motors going out and the radio but thats to be expected. This car is very dangerous in the winter on ice as we live in michigan so it is only driven in the summer. Very nice car for the money!

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  Big Green Lemon - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By haugent - August 27 - 4:50 pm

  Bought this used, with clean CarFax and low miles. Put few miles on per year, and keep up with routine maintenance. Thank God I got an extended warranty. Thousands in repairs of all sorts in the 4 year warranty period, including a replaced engine - which lasted 5500 miles before the 3rd engine. Addl items not covered by warranty, like sunroof, gauges, fuel lines, starter, and on. Rusting in odd locations - under fuel fill, window pillar on drivers door. HUD is cool, but invisible on sunny days. Power is inadequate - couldnt outrun anything but a heavy truck.

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  Perfect Performance Sedan 170,000 Miles - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By techman8 - August 26 - 11:16 pm

  Ive owned my G8 GT for 4 years now and its been everything a car guy could want, its very fast, reliable, and easy to maintain. Its Corvette derived high performance power-plant with the 6 speed transmission is a match made in heaven! 0-60 in 5.3 sec. Im more than satisfied with my 16/19 MPG average in the city and 20/24 in the highway while cruising at around 80-90 MPH it feels very stable and well planted. Its awesome around corners with its 50/50 weight distribution. The interior is quiet and comfortable but definitely sports car like. I have had no mechanical issues even though it currently marks a bit over 170k miles on the odometer. Its a shame GM discontinued this car!!!!

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  Excellent car. Try it, you may buy it! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Classical MusicLover - August 26 - 12:56 am

  I was not in the market for this car until my very wise brother-in-law recommended I take one for a test drive. I traded in my Toyota Avalon that day. This car is very quiet. It handles on rails. I needed a car that had a lot more zip than the Toyota and I found it. I have been a long time buyer of imported cars and while many of those who work at the same University I do smile when I say I bought a Pontiac, I have the last laugh!

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  Owned it since new - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By John Wakeen - August 25 - 3:26 pm

  I have owned my 2001 Pontiac GTP 4 door sedan since it was new. It has been a very fun car to drive, and I never grew tired of looking at it. Now one has to step up to a Buick to get the Heads Up display which I use all the time. It had a leaky manifold gasket at 74 K miles which I fixed immediately and so far I have not had the bigger problem with a failed head gasket which some of the GM Dex Cool engines have experienced. I have had to replace some wheel bearings in front, steering gear, and other suspension components. I still drive it to work daily and I have had a mechanic offer to buy it. We drove it in the Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise this summer. It gots lots of smiles.

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  Versatility and Good Looks - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By edmundsfan - August 24 - 11:16 pm

  I bought this van after owning a very sporty red Grand Prix. Im one of "those" who thought Id never own a minivan. The versatility is what still amazes me. We pop out the seats to take it trout fishing, biking, or to pick up a new appliance. We can take the whole family to dinner - 2 car seats and 4 grown ups. Elderly parents have no problem getting into the seats. My work for a nonprofit clothing closet is a breeze with hanging space for a full rack of clothes. The traction control feature keeps me on the road in Michigan winters. Fold the 3rd row seating and a large dog rides very comfortably. Sport suspension makes this van fun to drive. It is easy to maneuver into tight parking spots.

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  Gotta love the power! - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By angels66 - August 24 - 11:06 pm

  I bought this car in October 2004 and I am loving it! The power is unmatched, but it feels stable. Ive gone through several snowfalls and this car is great! The traction control and ABS work great together. I have the special edition package and it just makes the look of the car even better. I wish I had better fuel economy, but Im willing to trade it for the power!

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  Great Car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By walc - August 24 - 5:40 am

  I just bought a 2006 Pontiac G6 GTP Hardtop Convertible with the premium package. I love it! IMO, the GTP is definitely worth the extra $, for more horsepower and features. The hardtop works perfectly and fit and finish are top notch. Pickup, ride and handling are excellent.

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  Theres something about it ? - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By John Logan - August 24 - 5:06 am

  I always was attracted to the "look" of the Vibe and theres still something about it that attracts me. After one year and 23,400 miles I have to say its a good little car. The gas mileage is good, traveling with 2 adults and 2 kids is comfortable. Its nice to see a American car company offering a somewhat affordable common sense little car thats reliable and sporty as well as functional. Even though its a Toyota at heart, which certainly isnt a bad thing ! better looking than Matrix...