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:

• 

  Very good vehicle overall - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Scott Allen - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car has been very good thus far. The engine is strong and will move the car well when pushed. The steering and suspension are tight, although the car will float at times over major undulations in the pavement. The only downside to having a motor with this much torque is that it does have a degree of torque steer. That and a few squeeks and rattles (that only appear on rough pavement) are the only real issues that I have with the car. Other than that, this car has been very good.

• 

  Most bang for the Buck! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tjherber2 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I shopped this vehicle and compared against the Nissian products and prices. It was an easy decision to pick the GP when GM is offering great incentives. Rebate, GM card points, dealer discount. When all said and done I saved 29.6% off MSRP. The GP isnt as refined as the Altima but at less then 18K this car offers the most "bang for the buck!" This is a small price to pay to sacrifice refinement which is over rated any way.

• 

  Unique, Reliable,Affordable - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By NEBTEK2002 - October 25 - 6:10 pm

  My wife and I loved the concept car and wanted the production model from Day 1. We test drove a 2001 GT,loved that one but resisted it until we could travel 30 mi. to see this "basic" 2002 with fewer miles and a lower pricetag. With Azteks, basic doesnt mean stripped. We dont have ONstar, dual A/C controls, power seats; but we do have most everything else. We used to be Chrysler minivan owners. This one is has a tighter body than any of the 3 Chrysler products weve owned. It rides better than the standard Caravan, handles better, and the transmission has none of the Chrysler "hunting" tendencies on long upgrades. Other than replacing a ruined tire, no repairs at all thus far.

• 

  The Black Bandit - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By 85th PS - October 25 - 9:46 am

  Have had my solstice for one year as of yesterday. A blast to drive and a very fun car. A great hit with girls. Seems to be a chick magnet. Get stopped wherever I am at and ask about the car. It is unit 000085 and love it. Would never sell it.

• 

  The swiss army knife of SUVs - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Yellow Aztek owner - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive tried a little of everything in my Aztek... the AWD is really slick, and really keeps the car moving in the snow. The camping package now includes a sun canopy, and the aztek handles great on the curvey roads. The console/cooler is great because i can use it everyday for work. The styling with the 17" wheels is now outstanding, and its fun to have other aztek drivers honk and wave at you. There is plenty of room to swallow luggage, and the sliding cargo tray makes other SUV owners jealous. If you get Onstar you can call your friends on the road and tell them how much fun youre having! My Aztek has felt very solid over bumpy roads.

• 

  sunfireSE01 - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By beknj - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Have had this car for 13 months now- bought it new and have 21,000+ miles on it. enjoy the "sun and sound" package (CD, sunroof) and the stereo sounds great. ABS and air conditioning were standard while traction control was standard with 2.2L 4-speed auto (have it also). For the money, this coupe delivers a handsome and reliable vehicle to those who want functionability without a $20k price tag.

• 

  Awesome Rod - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By William1 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the last year this beast will ever be made. Speed over to a dealership and get one. Dont waste your hard earned money on a Mustang. I am currently leasing a 2001 Convertible. Dont drive it anymore after purchasing the Trans. This is my second and believe me, the V8 makes all the difference.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2003 Pontiac Montana
  By MAMU - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Montana with 7000 miles on it and now have 254,000. Consistently get 24-25 MPG. Put new heads on at 200K;seals at 100K but nothing else major.Been a great vehicle for the price. Hope to make it last another 2 years. 300K possible?

• 

  Liked the first, bought the second - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BLB - October 25 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I liked our 1998 Grand Prix XE so much, we purchased a 2002 Grand Prix GT. Now we both drive Pontiacs and both cars are fun to drive. Of course, the GT is more fun with the extra power, and options that come standard. Nicest looking 4-doors on the market.

• 

  Not Half Bad - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GM man - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I was forced to buy this car as the result of a divorce. Other than that bad taste fact the car has performed very well. Purchased new in 2004 and now has 97K on it. Have replaced battery, brakes, tires, front wheel bearing and the turn signal switch. Not to shabby if you ask me. Have had a couple of interior pieces break in the last year but its cosmetic and easy to replace. My son has inherited the car now and loves it. Do your scheduled maintenance and most cars will serve you well. I wont buy new again because I hate taking the hit when I want to change cars. Buying used you have to be careful and have a mechanic you trust check it before you buy it. Maintenance records great.