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:

• 

  Great middle of the road car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By kas652 - May 21 - 3:50 pm

  I purchased my 2007 G6 used with 24,000 miles on it. Ive had it for 3 months and am very satisfied with the car. I have no serious complaints to report. It is not a luxury car by any means, but it is a step up from a corolla or sentra, while not costing much (if any) more. Overall, a great car for the price!

• 

  Best thing since sliced bread - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Phil - May 20 - 11:10 pm

  I purchased my G6 only a week ago and it only had 23 miles on it. I now have 515 miles and it seems the more I drive the car, the more power it has, and the better the MPG gets. Im very pleased with the options the car came with for the money. I wanted a new car and didnt want to spend a fortune for one. To make a long story short, for the money, this is the best built, best performing, most comfortable car Ive ever owned. Pontiac you have made me a happy man.....so far. Hopefully I wont need the 5yr 100K powertrain warranty.

• 

  regretful - 2009 Pontiac Torrent
  By regretful - May 20 - 1:53 am

  GM says 16/24 mileage,more like 12/19,thats using cruise control, at approximately 70mph never over. It gets even less at 55 mph!what the!? Let up on the gas and it comes to a stop, I mean motor runs but I mean the power just dogs, its like all power stops going to the drive train? I guess it saves on brakes. It has a horrible turning ratio, didnt notice it on test drive, you need to plan ahead to park. The CD player takes forever to load. If Id known the gas mileage was going to be this bad, I wouldve bought a truck or a SUV with 4x4.

• 

  Average Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By juan_david - May 19 - 11:13 pm

  Expensive repairs... ABS, Steering rack, rear tail lights, seat belt buckle.

• 

  What a feeling - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Chuck - May 19 - 6:13 am

  Well I must admit my wife was right! She picked out the Vibe for my next work car. We bought a Auto Sport with Sun and Sound also included was the power package. This car is awesome as 4" of snow wasnt even a challenge. As a previous owner of a 03 Elantra GT one couldnt even start to compare the difference. I encourage everyone to have a open mind and give the Vibe a try! My only dislike is I wanted Victory Red! not Salsa

• 

  Not bad 4 the price - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Prairie Bob - May 18 - 11:43 pm

  had 119,000 when I bought it. Has minor issues with window clips, weather lights wont shut off. Minor coolant leak that doesnt worsen. Had overheating probs and check engine issues all eventually traced to clogged caty convertor. Runs like new now. Nice to drive, easy on gas, plenty of zip. Until the caty went berserk was fairly trouble free. Makes a nice first car for a student. Im 511 265 and can easily get in and out. tight fit for 3 in the back and trunk holds a three bowling ball bag plus set of golf clubs and a couple gym bags. On fishing trips my rear seat stows extra gear. Will pull my 17 boat w/ trans cooler and still gets decent mileage but struggles a little up steep hills.

• 

  Vibe vs. Outback - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Larry - May 18 - 5:13 pm

  I can most accurately compare this car to the 01 Subaru Outback wagon I traded in. I traded because of the Generals various incentives, a variety of research (including Edmunds), proven Toyota drivetrain reliability vs. a growing concern about websites featuring major head gasket issues in 98-02 2.5 liter engines on Soobs, and having a car with a good trade-in value. The Subaru was quieter, was a tad more stable in winds, and seemed to have a bit more room. Other than that, the Vibe is probably more reliable, has better mileage (both are AWD), butt-level seating (good for bad backs and visibility), great Moon and Tunes stereo, and equal power because the Vibe has a "smarter" tranny.

• 

  Perfect for a weekend for 2 - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Carl - May 18 - 12:40 pm

  My wife and I where looking for a little mid-life crisis fun - we are both in our early 50s. I had previously owned a 1974 Fiat Spider in my youth, so we looked at used re-conditioned Spiders - while from a nostalgia stand point it seemed fun, it wasnt practical - too many modern bells and whistles missing. We came across the Solstice on at a used sports car dealer with a good reputation - in really well kept shape and low mileage for a 2008 (30k) and attractive price. Very happy with it - we didnt need top end performance , but it is sporty, turns heads and a fun weekend play toy. Stowage for gear isnt the greatest, but we can get what we need in it for an extended weekend get-away - a small duffle bag, camera and a couple of lens. Well worth the price we paid, decent gas mileage and alot of fun.

• 

  Good Car... But it its not for everyone! - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By gm4life - May 17 - 4:46 pm

  Lets see the Bonneville SLE is indeed one fine road car, if fact the other day I was rolling on the freeway and all of a sudden my SLE was up way past the 65mph I thought I was going, it was like 80! This car is smooth. As far as being some OHC motor from a Avalon or TL its not, but the Bonneville is good at being different and is never afraid to show its American roots. The interior room with the seats all the way back can be tight but if adjusted a little the back seat can be a pleasent place to pass time. The 3800 Series II OHV V6 give the SLE more than enough grunt to pass and even blow people off the line. (handy in rush how traffic)The interior is different but still sharp looking.

• 

  Its sharp! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Dez - May 15 - 5:26 am

  This is my first new car, although this car is technically a used vehicle. I bought it with 12,500 miles on the odometer. Overall GM has done a good job with this vehicle. For the price I couldnt have gotten a better more stylish 07 midsize vehicle. $15,000 altogether and I have the V6, 17in alloys, and lip spoiler. Im only 20yrs so I feel the design does a good job of apealing to a younger generation. Although I love my car a few things can be improved. Im not a big fan of the hydraulic assisted steering, not sporty at all, not even as good as the 07 Carmy and thats not perfect either. GM cheaped out on the interior a little but thats nothing new. Ride quility is good though.