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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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By suttonyeah - January 30 - 3:33 pm

  I enjoy getting into my car after driving an SUV for the past 4 years. The comfort and sporty style keeps it fun. And my teenage daughter even thinks it is cool.

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  SGOOD - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By stick - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Gobs of power but a bit of a plain-jane. A perfect sleeper. Near perfection in areas of fit-form & function. Give it a try.

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  Fun and sporty - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Sloley - January 29 - 11:36 pm

  I have had this car for almost a week and I really enjoy driving it. Its really great on gas. I still have not been to the gas station since I bought the car. I commute from Maryland to DC everyday, so far with 4 trips Im just below half tank.

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  Competent value - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Marco - January 29 - 11:03 pm

  Bought the sedan as an everyday driver. Power with base engine is good. Overall competent handling, power and braking combination. Solid feel to build. No other car offered more value (200 hp, auto, power everything) after rebates.

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  Wanna Race? - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By D - Nasty - January 29 - 9:26 pm

  Ive had my G5 for about 8 months now and I really like it. The power is there when you want it, and when you need it. Its real fun to take a sharp turn with, or fit in tight squeezes while switching lanes. The gas is very good, especially when going highway. I drive it every single day and every time I fill up my gas tank someone always comments on how nice my car is. White G5 GT with Custom 18" Black Racing Rims, with 40 meat kumho tires and 20% window tint all the way around.

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  Never Again - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Disappointted - January 29 - 2:36 pm

  Ive had more problems with this car in the last two years than any other vehicle Ive owned.It shakes when I try to stop, it makes clunking noises when i turn, it continues to crank after already crunk, cuts off, water in the head light, pins in the sunroof keeps slipping out, brakes issues, and many more issues.I will not ever buy another Pontiac.Very poor quality vechile. Some issues not covered under warranty even though so many are having the same issue. Great customer right.. NOT.

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  amazing - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Brad - January 29 - 2:20 pm

  It is an amazing vehicle to own, its stylish, decent speed, great fuel economy, good trunk space, good for off-road. I know that because when i owned the car i preferred to go down the dirt roads. the only problem with the car is that the headlights are not very bright

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  Little but Unique - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Dan Stiel - January 29 - 12:20 pm

  I have a Lava red mono tone, preferred package, It is great on gas, but can be a little more sportier and comfortable for the driver.

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  New Buyer - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By B. Puthoff - January 28 - 1:40 am

  I just purchased my Torrent 5 days ago. I have had prior Pontiac vehicles, and so far, so good. I do notice more wind noise with the sunroof. I dont know if its the pop-up wind deflector or the roof rails that I hear the wind noise from. I also agree that the steering feels "loose" and slow to respond. But Im also used to a Grand Prix GT ! Well, heres hoping that GM is in the market with the oversees competitors.

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  Nice car ,great for travel - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By FWD Automatic trans - January 27 - 3:16 pm

  Ive had the Vibe for one year, great fuel mileage, comfortable to drive even on longs trips, lots of space for a small wagan. All in all a very good car, Had no problems with car.