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:

• 

  Comfortable, Sporty andFun - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Diane - February 12 - 12:16 am

  I spent months trying to decide what car to buy. I wanted something sporty but comfortable enough to accomodate children and the big shopping sprees. I find this to be a very easy car to drive with wonderful visibility and great power on the road. My car came with ON Star and I had an unfortunate situation in which I had to use it and I will never be with out it again. I am happy with my decision everytime I get in my car.

• 

  Plugged Heater Core - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Robin - February 11 - 6:30 pm

  Ive loved my Torrent. It drives great and looks great. But, Ive had it almost exactly 2 years and the heater stopped working. Per the dealership, Ive got a plugged heater core wich is $400-500 to fix. They also have another Torrent in the shop right now with the same problem. This seems a bit odd to me that 2006 Torrents would start having this problem. Wished it had a 5 year/100,000 warranty. I dont think the 3 year/36,000 covers long enough.

• 

  Lovin my G-5 - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By Heatherw - February 11 - 12:53 pm

  I bought my car about a month ago in June. I am always finding a way to drive my car, or I am always telling my friends and family I will drive! I love getting up in morning to go to work so I can just drive my car! I am also loving the gas mileage!

• 

  A "FAN" for GrandPrix... - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By photoguy - February 10 - 9:33 pm

  3 weeks & 1500 miles of ownership so far & totally satisfied! Looks great on the outside & inside (ivory White) (camel interior)! Nice "stock" sound system & very nice ergonomic & (comfort) features makes this car fun to drive, pleasure to own, cant wait to drive it every day ! Refined powertrain is peppy too! Handling & other features are better than consumer reports "says" they are, (. By the way !). One has to drive this automobile to appreciate it (thank you gm!)

• 

  Back to the Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mraz77 - February 10 - 11:20 am

  I originally had a 2003 Vibe and got almost 5 good years out of it before trading it in for a G6. When searching for a second car this summer I tried to avoid looking at another Vibe, wanting to try something new, but I couldnt help it and realized that the 2009 Vibe is definitely that something new I was looking for. Once driving a GT I realized it had everything my 2003 lacked, especially power. Driving a lot of highway miles the difference in the upgrade to the 2.4L auto 5-speed is quite noticeable. I love the feel and comfort, along with the safety. I am definitely glad I invested in a Vibe once again.

• 

  G6 GT, its a great car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Dan - February 9 - 7:06 pm

  Ive had my G6 since January and its got almost 20k miles on it. I have had my fair share of problems but for the most part its been great. The major problem is the car doesnt start right most of the time and when you hit 5000+ RPMs the engine screams, literally. Everything else was just small stuff that either got fixed at the dealership or just went away on its own. They need different tires or something, i went to the dealership and they told me the tires need to be replaced within 10k miles, somethings up with that. Anyways the car is a blast to drive, its got every option but the bigger sunroof. Its go really crappy gas milage i found out, im lucky if i get 20mpg.

• 

  I Love my GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By moczy - February 9 - 8:30 am

  I bought my GTO with 18,000 miles on it. Took it to the 1/4 mile track in Ennis, TX. Ran 14s stock. Shouldve been better, but I guess my reactions are a little slower now that Im over 40. Ive had it up to 145 mph, knowing there was plenty more, but almost missed my exit. Looking at getting an 06.

• 

  Mid life crisis - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Mid life crisis - February 9 - 2:40 am

  Bought a 2009 g8 gxp. Live in Houston n couldnt find any where. Found on eBay. Hot white with red n black interior. 6 speed. Wife asked if was going through mid life crisis. Fast loud with Corsa exhaust n very fun to drive. I really like stereo n love 6 speed n 2nd or 3rd gear. Very big car. Handles like a go-cart. Love no one else has. I have seem one silver gt. That is it. Love car. Very fast. I always have people ask what car is. No one has yet to try n race me. They know.

• 

  my second pontiac - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bevrobs - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I have been very happy with my 19987 Grand Am SE. It still has get-up-and- go after 112,000 miles! I did have issues with the power windows - had to replace both power window motors. Otherwise, shes been great! I plan to buy another Grand Am, 2004 SE1. Happy driving!

• 

  Firehawk - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By jhawk - February 9 - 2:00 am

  The Firehawk edition offers excellent performance. The car accelerates extremely well, and the handling is good with the modified suspension. I also like the look of the custom hood. The sound system is excellent for a factory system. My only complaint is that Ive had several major repairs done under warranty, which make me question build quality.