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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  Never again!! - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tallwen - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I started to have problems with this car from the very begining. We have replaced the altranator 3 times, water pump twice, had a new head gasket put in, and several other small items. Every year it is something else. They look great but they have many problems. (like coolant mysterously leaking) I will never buy a pontiac again.

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  This is why Pontiac has died. - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By MDM in MD - July 13 - 2:16 pm

  Im the original owner of my Grand Am GT. Bought it, and am still paying for it since October 2003. Was a great ride and reliable for the better of 4 years. Now six years out, the car is falling apart. Pads and rotors seem to be replaced often.Surprising since I dont race the car, and it is used as a daily commuter with 114,000 miles on it. Replaced ignition switch, emergency brake (broke after replacement by dealer, they had never seen that before), head gasket, and now putting off drivetrain and suspension repair. Tell myself everyday, "Why did I ever buy this car?" GM vehicles seem to have become the money pit of car ownership in my experience. I say buy foreign for better quality!

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  Fun to drive! Not fun to maintain! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Car Junkie 2010 - June 28 - 8:03 am

  This car is very fun to drive and is great if youre looking for some fun, but I hope you have money to stick into it. The power windows are junk. Had to replace muffler, needed new brake pads, blinkers wig out on me. Many little things that come with age. With all that being said, very fun to drive.

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  I cant win! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By Dave Szigety - June 26 - 9:20 am

  If this car were only reliable, it would be a dream. Problem is, every couple months something breaks and its never anything cheap! Two manifold gaskets in 3 years, new A/C condenser last year is leaking again already, the C/D radio fried itself and now the the hydraulic lifts on the rear hatch have gone with no warning! I have always treated this car right (maintenance, oil changes, etc.) and following the wisdom of the Car Guys on NPR, Ive always driven it like my mother-in-law was sitting beside me. This is my third Pontiac in a row and each has been worse. Id still be driving my 92 Grand Prix if it hadnt been totalled! Goodbye Pontiac, goodby GM...period end!

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  Typical GM experience. - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Kanchou - June 22 - 11:36 pm

  While the interior stuff is nicely located, the seats arent good for entering and leaving the vehicle. Trunk space is cramped compared to others. Engine response is good when traction control is off. When turned on, there is a noticeable help with rain/ice slippage. Several components around the engine required awkward maintenance; Various sensors, valves, a lead pipe from the AC. . . but the engine itself, as well as transmission were strong. This Ive come to find typical in GM engines.

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  The Problems Ive Had with any Pontiac - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By George Kruk - June 14 - 6:26 am

  Ive had my car in the shop now 6 times to fix the front suspension. There is a huge clunking noise whenever I go over bumps. The entire front suspension has been replaced (1 control arm, both struts and all the linkage) and the problem is still there. Did I mention that I only have 30K miles on the car. I miss my 2004 Grand Prix GTP, hands down a better car. As soon as the suspension is fixed I am getting rid of this car.

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  Worst Car Ever Owned - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JRALS1 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I own this piece of junk. I bought it in 9/2000 with only 47000 miles on it. It now has 65000 two years later and I have put well over 2 grand into it. The tranny went out, the shifter cable snapped, replaced the clutch(since the tranny was out), brakes twice, alternator, and all of the basic stuff. I dont beat on my cars too badly, it just has major problems, I wouldnt recoommend this car to anyone!!

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  What a car. HA!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By D88 - May 26 - 9:13 pm

  Well Ive almost been in so many wrecks because my drivers side window switch is not working properly it will not roll up, when im driving on the interstate fighting with the window that can be very dangerous. My molding fell off within the first month I had the car. My starter hangs and dies, but when my husband took it to the dealership it started just fine im so sick of all the other stuff breaking on it but they did not give me enough room on here! The question, would I buy another Pontiac g6? hell no!

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  Decent - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Im Awesome - May 21 - 1:23 pm

  The car hasnt given too many problems. Weve put 100,000 miles on in just 7 years, and for an American car, Id say its pretty decent. Weve had had some electrical problems and fuel problems.

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  Not Happy!!! - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By rebels77 - May 19 - 5:00 pm

  had the car 2 1/2 years and had more than enough problems.1: aircon. had to be fixed.2:wheel bearing in the front was bad. 3: rear window regulator broke.4:front pass. window works only on once in awhile. 5:intake manifold is leaking has to be replaced.6: power steering pump is leaking.7:dash lights are burning out. Cant wait to buy my new Dodge Charger!!. This is coming from a person who has driven Gm Cars for 30 years, Very disappointed!!! This car has only 132,000 km which is 82,500 miles