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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  Alright car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By farmboy - December 30 - 10:16 am

  This is the car I had from sophomore year in high school through college and only now looking to replace. I bought it at about 115K miles and it now has 223K miles. It has the 3800 V6. I had to replace the intake like this engine always has to have done with it. Recently starting at about 210K Im getting the problem with the transmission as stated on the reliability on here and rust on the underside is starting to get bad. Things that went bad: cruise, AC, blower, pwr steering, sensors, wiper fluid pump, ABS, etc. Otherwise, it has stood up to all the abuse I put it through and kept going. Its a fun ride and has gone a long ways. But to much has gone wrong for me to want to buy another.

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  Nice Car, but..Buy The EXtended Warranty - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By SelmaSmith - December 29 - 7:33 pm

  Very comfortable car, 19MPG city, 30MPG highway. I loved my G6 for comfort and style. But, at 8,000 miles the bumpy ride got much worse, rotors needed resurfaced, steering problems. (Many blog comments on these problems.) But, if you must buy this car - before you buy, drive this car on bumpy roads. Whatever you do, you must buy the extended warranty from the dealer. Ask about steering problems, riding problems, rotor problems. Car rides bumpy, close to the ground like a sports car. Takes turns great..like a sports car. You decide.

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  What the.......with pontiac - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By gagtr00 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This car was great for the first 3 years. I bought mine brand new with 159 miles on it. At 33000 miles it started to have problems. It all started with the intake gaskets, then the #6 fuel injector, then the radiator flow being blocked and the thermostat sticking at 37000. Right after the warranty??? I have spent $1000 in the last month on repairs to include the drivers door window, but that was repaired for free. Thank god for GM Goodwrench Service Plus Dealers and it was a Chevy dealer at that. I agree with WhyMe. Great car, then it starts to fall apart even if you baby it like I did. Time for me to go back to Ford........

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  Awesone Car - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ammy hendrickson - December 26 - 12:00 am

  My husband bought me this car and I love it. It looks like it cost more than it did. Corners very well and the sound system is the best.

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  Average Luxury Car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Jessica - December 25 - 8:13 pm

  Ive had my 4 cylinder G6 2007 for about a month. The first problem was it has warped rotors. My car was a lease with only 20,000 miles on it so I dont understand why it has warped rotors. The mechanic says that it could easily happen by slamming on your brakes while going through a deep puddle of water at high speeds. Yeah sounds simple but if thats the case that sounds like an accident that was not reported. Next, either I like to drive too fast or the car is slow at kicking in speed. I previously had an 2003 Alero with 121,000 miles and it drives very similarly to that. Not good or my Alero was in excellent condition (and it was)But for an 07 I expect more. Overall the car is great!

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  We Drive Excitment - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Drive Excitment! - December 25 - 12:03 pm

  I bought this car because I have always loved Pontiac syle. Its a two door and looks mean. It has very good power from a v6 200hp, 240 supercharged but not worth the extra $$$. Reilability of these engines are suppose to be unsurpassed. Handling is very good and you can take curves and stuff faster than normal cars. As for some of this reviews below, these cars DO NOT have a timing belt! This is the old timing chain, pushrod, dependable motor that has been around forever! (since the 70s) As for the bad... Its not common to have a steering itermediate shaft go out... Bad GM design. *dealerships tend to try and replace the Rack and Pinion to cure this sound* beware its usually the shaft!

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  the review - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By joe cinotto - December 20 - 2:00 am

  this is a very quality vehicle if your wanting something that has some speed for its class but is still comfortable to drive

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  Firebirds and Camaro Live FOREVER! - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By JoshSSMaro00 - December 18 - 11:06 am

  The Firebirds looks are Killer! I own a 2000 Camaro SS and the looks are a bit different, but same everything! The car is a BLAST to drive! It is now cheaper for younger buyers, the aftermarket is unbelieveable.. There are millions of Brands and things you can do for cheap also! (GM) My dad has a Z06 and i will say the vette is bitchen but i love my camaro looks.. But i want his engine and tranny!

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  1995 Pontiac Grand Am 4 Dr. GT Sedan - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jess - December 17 - 5:00 pm

  Bought as my first car. It was ok for the first year. Then, things started going wrong. The first thing was my headlight switch broke. That was $130. Then the headlights went out. Another $100. Then the brakes needed replaced. So there went another $80. The windshield ALWAYS leaks when it rains and my floor always looks like a lake. The transmission started slipping. Everything leaks (i.e. transmission fluid, oil). It overheats when i am idle. Now it needs a new booster for the brakes. And i always had problems with the ABS warning light. I will never have another!

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  2007 G6 3.5L sport package - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Bob - December 16 - 6:46 pm

  original owner, intermediat steering shaft,brakes and now in shop for intake gasket leaking oil. Its all covered but would be Pist if I had to pay out of pocket. Dealer set me up with a rental car and less than 1 day to fix each time. I like the car and handles good with good power. The 6 speeds are way over rated I have 4sp A/T and have logged 32MPG loaded down on our trip to Canada with A/C cranking (72MPH). All vehicles have issue just look them up. I work for import car company and they also have issues some worse some better. MPG on the imports are about the same give/take. With demand for MPG 8 speeds,dual clutch and more CVT transmisisons. Little improvement, heavy and big $$$$