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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  Update! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 3800 V6 - July 28 - 10:46 am

  I wrote a review about 3 years ago when I first got the car. It now has 210,000 miles and seldom has to go in the shop. I usually get 24-26 MPG, but on long trips Ive gotten 34 (really). It has never left me on the side of the road, but I did have to make some costly repairs when I first got it. I might buy an 07 or 08 soon, so I thought Id update my comments!

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  Very fun car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tim Olson - July 28 - 10:13 am

  This car is very fun to drive and gets a lot of attention with the right aftermarket accessories. I wish that they kept the same body style through current years though.

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  Incredible and now rare beauty! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Leviathan - July 28 - 3:23 am

  Just over a week adn 200 miles on my new 2009 G8 GXP in MGM with a A6. From the great 6.2l V* to the remarkable auto 6 speed to the surpsingly good sound system, this car does not disappoint. I will be able to really enjoy the car once I get through the self control testing initial break in period. I must control my right foot!!!

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  2009 Vibe GT Auto - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By 2009 Vibe GT - July 27 - 12:36 am

  I have had my Vibe for a month and I love it. Quiet ride, great fuel economy and fun to drive, surprisingly quick, handles well and great design.

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  Great Car - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By DriveAVibe - July 26 - 6:03 pm

  I great car, for everyday travel or traveling long distances, however driving on gravel shakes you up real nice, and a lot of vibration coming from the dashboard area. However there is a ton of leg room in the front and back as well as several compartments, I have yet to have any problems with it, but it is difficult driving with just a few inches of snow. But as a "soccer mom car" I would highly recommend it!

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  Poor Mans BMW - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Road Trip Warrior - July 26 - 2:33 pm

  Looking for a fun vehicle that is very good on gas economy and has a lot of bells and whistles for the money? The Torrent has a responsive feel and very good handling for a crossover type car. Although the horsepower could be slightly higher to create better response, there is plenty of pickup to nudge your way into highway merges. Extensive leg room and flat floor space makes for better comfort than our previous Envoy in the back seat area. Fully equipped with everything but the navigator, my wife seems to marvel at the remote start and sunroof features which add more enjoyment. Better feel than the Equinox, easy to drive, the Torrent makes for a great alternative to pricier crossovers.

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  good car - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By kingkukla - July 25 - 10:00 am

  runs great,get better gas mieage then advertise 32 city,38 highway,interior laid out nicely and comfortable just a nice all round wagon and runs like a top

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  The 2004 Grand Prix GTP Comp G is #1 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mike A Kay - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2004 Grand Prix GTP CompG for a year now and driving it is more exciting and FUN than when I first got it. Having learned what the car is capable of and putting it through its paces on a daily basis is great. It is a tremendous road car for trips. Spacious and roomy, yet full of pep and fun to drive. The gas milage claims are ACCURATE for the Supercharged engine. I am required to drive a four door sedan for my job, but no one said it had to be boring. The 2004 Grand Prix is fun stylish and exciting to drive. In short, this is a great car value!

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  Joes smokin GT - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JOE LEMING - July 24 - 4:40 pm

  Its nice to be back in a pontiac! I just love everything about this car. Its style, its power, its price!!! I got a 2005 leftover cheap!!!!!!!!!!! And it is a smokin thing of beauty. We should start a pontiac gt club! Mines white-w/tan interior real sharp. Love to all owners... Big joe

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  Water leaks - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Rick D. - July 24 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased a 2006 SV6 AWD. It was a used lease van with 12,500 miles.The dealer prepped it for sale after purchase agreement. I have been a GM owner and mechanic for 30 years.I wanted the AWD version for safety in winter. It handles,brakes and has more comfort than the Astro AWD it replaced.The 3.5liter engine power per weight ratio is too low, but the 3.9 liter has too much torque for the AWD unit! The van had a major flaw that may have been unique to this one or a problem on the assembly line.It had a chronic water leak from the wheelwells and all the seams.The rug was always wet. The dealer had to completely strip out the interior and found multiple leaks from improper sealant at all seams