The record marked a change from the upbeat pop rock and hard rock of the group's previous albums, representing a more aggressive and experimental sound.[6]Billboard Magazine said that while Panorama retained The Cars' minimalist approach from their debut album, it sounded sufficiently different to avoid having the group sound like a caricature of itself.[7] It was not as commercially successful as The Cars' previous or subsequent albums (until 1987's Door to Door). Though it lacked any enduring hit singles, it did hit No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart and has been certified platinum by the RIAA.[8]
As a single off the album, the song "Touch and Go" peaked at No. 37 on the Billboard Hot 100.