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 a believer now - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By CaliBuckeye - August 24 - 2:26 am

  Ive always wanted a convertible. I grew up in Ohio, and now live in California. I figured there was no better place to finally take the plunge and buy a convertible, but I did not want a ragtop. This was the perfect mix of indulgence and practicality. The back seats are big enough for my Child Seat and booster seat (I have a 6 and 3 yr. old) and they LOVE it! Finally, a convertible that can actually be functional with kids! I got the 3.9 liter GTP and its a blast. Good power and handling, and very fun to drive. I constantly get flattering comments from people when they see it, and most (including myself) have a hard time believing its a Pontiac! I highly recommend this car.

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  Comp G - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Stoner Toad - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Get the comp G it rocks....

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  2000 Grand Prix GT - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mark Bowles - August 23 - 6:36 am

  After 108,000 and five years, I am happy to report my Grand Prix has been very reliable. I am surprised based on Consumer Reports evaluations. This has been a great car!

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  Stay far away from GM cars! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Simply FAB - August 23 - 5:50 am

  I have had this car for 4 years and I had fixed the intake gasket 3 times. I have to do brakes like twice a year. Both side mirrors broke easily. Service vehicle and engine light always on!Signals and power seat broke and there is a cracking noise when I turn the wheel. This car is a nightmare!

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  My wifes car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Marshall - August 21 - 10:43 pm

  We bought this Vibe new in June 04. Its great for getting around town. Mileage is disappointing, but the short drives, automatic, and high silouette come into play there. Quality of construction seems good except for thin exterior paint...what we have come to expect with clear coat finish I suppose.

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  GM should Be ASHAMED - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By jcc - August 20 - 7:06 pm

  I have owned gm cars for over 40 years this is a piece of #### water leaks when it rains hard, dealer unable to find leak, unable to remove key from ignition at any given time, wind leaks it has very cheap interior, drive train is solid however this not an America made vehicle no parts made in USA zero

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  Pontiac Solstice - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Art Schuetze - August 20 - 3:00 am

  Truly a significant vehicle. It is tops in design. I loved the original Corvette, Mustang,T-Bird, and Cougar Convertible design and this is the most significant since then. It is a pleasure to drive. There is no perfect vehicle, but with the styling this one is a knockout. I am 66" and I fit decently in it. I tried the Miata when they first came out and there was no way I could fit in it. I bought the vehicle in Red at no extra cost. I had originally set myu eyes on a basic PT cruiser Conv. in Red, but they dont make it in Red, you have to pay an extra $6000 to get it in the tourning class. Hats off to Bob Lutz and Pontiac for a fabulous and resonably priced Roadster.

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  Pontiacs secret - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Aztek - August 19 - 11:43 pm

  Last fall I had to purchase a new vehicle. The 2004 Aztek was one of my purchasing options. I have never been happier with a vehicle. I believe it is one of Pontiacs best kept secrets that the general public has a tendency to overlook simply because it doesnt fit their ideal mold of a reasonable looking vehicle. When driven conservatively, the Aztek may get 24 mpg. In 170 miles, used 6gls of gas (holds approx 18gls). Driving reasonably under winter driving conditions, this vehicle drives like a tank - my biggest surprise yet! I feel safe transporting my child in this vehicle, and am happy to take other passengers along. This a reasonable SUV for reasonable budgets!

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  Terrific vehicle! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Mike Sunderland - August 19 - 10:26 am

  I was first attracted to the Equinox because of its styling and size. Then I compared it to the Pontiac Torrent. The Torrent won hands down! It has a much bolder and classier appearance than the Equinox just by a few design changes. My Torrent came equiped with all the bells and whistles that most of the Equinox cars did not have. I love every feature of the Torrent! With only a few minor modifications, the Torrent could be as good as it gets at any price. Since Im 62" my main concern was leg room and comfort. The Torrent fit this requirement perfectly. It is also equipped with a very reliable and proven GM power plant. I highly recomment the Pontiac Torrent as your new vehicle.

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  Okay for economic reasons - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Heather - August 18 - 11:53 am

  I bought this car in 2003 when I as a single mother who needed a new car. It was not the best decision I have ever made. The car is very uncomfortable and loud on the road. The gas mileage is great but I will not buy another one. There are better economic choices.