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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  Grand Prix GT Coupe - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By antihero70 - November 18 - 10:36 am

  This car has been amazing since the date of purchase. Currently at 200,000 Km. Ive only owned rear wheel drive vehicles before so going into a front wheel drive was going to require an adjustment but this car feels like it is RWD with power on tap and it never lets me down. Only repair issue was the front end snapped ($2000 repair job from GM) but thats been it for 6 years of ownership. Not like the average GM vehicle, brakes actually last for a long time, no head gasket issues, transmission doesnt kick, interior plastic parts havent snapped off yet!! Another great thing is the amount of aftermarket parts for this car (projector headlights, body skirts, spoilers...)

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  My Cherry GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By AL - November 17 - 11:16 pm

  My family has always liked the Pontiac brand. The 303 hp V-8 in the GXP has a sound that reminds me of the 50s and it is great experience to drive. Not as fast as my 1984 Trans-am and not as great as my 2000 Bonneville SSEI, but for the money spent it has it all. I would recommend this car as a family grocery getter for a sports car guy.

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  Off Warranty? Youre in trouble! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By JMay - November 17 - 2:46 am

  *Id like to note that I am a cautious driver & drove it softly* Came with a 3yr/36,000mi warranty off the lot, bought it with only 10,000 miles on it and at first no problems at all. Great car until I hit 39,000 (conveniently just off warranty) at which point my transmission, airbags, and CD player stopped working, bad timing belt & AC belt. EVERYTHING squeaks inside and out from braking to shocks, even the interior. Cig-lighter/outlets never worked in the first place & were not fixable because of a fuse or something. Oh, and not to mention the transmission isnt even checkable because the dip stick is UNDER THE CAR!!! BAD engine design (though pretty).

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  From Mother to Daughter - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By D Martinez - November 16 - 10:13 am

  When I purchased my red Grand Am GT in 2001 I was looking for a sporty car my teenage children could borrow and not feel like they were driving an "old- lady" car. I didnt really expect to enjoy driving it so much myself! I quickly found it was fun to drive, easy to park and made me smile when I saw it in the parking lot! It was reliable and served me well! Recently my daughter was looking for a good used car and I decided to sell her the Grand Am. She was excited to purchase a great looking car! I was sad to say goodbye to the only sports car Ill probably ever own - and Im really glad to know its still in the family! I highly recommended it for a fun, reliable and sporty ride!

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  Like Mine - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Cak - November 16 - 9:40 am

  I bought my G6 used last summer and have had no problems. Sure I had to just put new rotors and brake pads in but no big deal, my husband is a fire fighter and going to calls it was going to happen.

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  Just good sense and plain fun - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By 2nd childhood - November 16 - 7:33 am

  I have had my cometition yellow G5 for over 3 months now, and this car really rocks. When I drive like a gentleman, with cruise control set to 57 mph, I get better then 43 MPG! I have a few packages with the car, #1 being the sunroof which includes an upgraded sound system (bass reflex port in trunk) and XM radio included for a full year. Just a wonderful experience for a guy who will never buy an import. GM got its act together quite well with this car. More trunk space then expected plus pass through to interior cabin was handy. The 16 inch tire/mag wheel combo helps hold the road.

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  Ram Air review - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By K James - November 16 - 2:00 am

  This is quite simply the best car I have ever owned. A rare combination of unmatched performance and reliability with pure automotive passion thrown in. I did not have even one repair completed on the vehicle since its purchase. My Bone stock 6 speed WS6 ram air has run 12.91 @ 108.82 mph in the 1/4 at Desoto speedway outside Tampa,Fl. The LS1 simply rocks and takes on all pretenders. Like all succesfull cars that evoke passion, the Trans-am remains true to its mission of performance on all fronts, from exterior/interior design, drivetrain and suspension. Take the T-tops off and enjoy one of the all time best muscle cars.

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  Montana better than Odessy!!!!! - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By jpreif - November 16 - 2:00 am

  We actualy lease a Montana in 2000 and have sinced purchase a Honda Odessy. In conparing the two, we find the Montana a better car. One it easier and more confortable to drive. We like the looks better. We got much better gas mileage in the Montana. My next van will not be a Odessy.

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  End of an Era - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Jeepmanchuck - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I had looked into purchasing a Trans Am in the fall of 2002. However, at the inflated prices they were asking, I couldnt fit this purchase into my budget. In February 2003, a local Pontiac dealer still had a WS6 convertible 6-speed left on the lot that they were practically giving away. Needless to say, it soon found a home in my garage. No regrets whatsoever on this purchase. Incredible car in all aspects. This car brings back fond memories of the 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner 383 4-speed I owned in my youth. Except it is faster, more comfortable, handles 100 times better, and gets 20-22 mpg. What more needs to be said?

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  the review - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By stephms7 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  the gto has an exhilerating drive the speed and handling of the car is great and is fun to drive it is affordable and comfortable and has a v8