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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  Great car replaced blazer Ok dealer - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By stech - August 10 - 10:00 am

  After 3 chevy blazers and terible gas millage and expensive repairs I switched to the Vibe GT. Still able to pull my jet ski, haul 4 bikes in the hitch and still get close to 30 mpg even at 80 mph. Does loose a bit of speed up the hills down south, but a quick downshift to 5th and kept up with friends in there vans and suvs. Only difference is it was under $20.00 to fill my tank and we all went around 300 miles to a tank of gas.

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  Compared with my old 96 GAGT - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mlinde - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Noticeable performance increase over my 96 GAGT (which had a 3.1). Holds a straight line considerably better at cruising speed with crosswind. Better braking due to all around disk brakes. Hugs corners with less leaning than my 96. Monsoon sound definately better than my 96.

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  Very reliable and great gas mileage - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Max - August 9 - 5:13 pm

  All Ive replaced are tires, the water pump and belt @112,000 miles, did a tuneup & I change oil every 4000 mi. It has 137,000 miles & Ive had it since 72,000. Im 61 200 lbs & sit pretty comfortably. It takes off fast and cuts around tight curves like a gt should. I plan on keeping this car until it dies since I av. 300-350 miles per week going to work. Its paid for, so why not. It started squeaking last month & I think it is either the wheel bearing or strut. Im still surprised that I can gun that lil red devil and make my head snap into the seat. Its a 5 speed with no performance add-ons, not even K&N. Maybe I should do that and upgrade the chip :D *Best car Ive ever had and Im 34.

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  GXP is Awesome - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Dana - August 8 - 7:50 am

  I have had my GXP for about 3 weeks and it turns heads everywhere I go! I Love this car the ride is smooth and the performance of the V8 is awesome. This is my 3rd new grand prix in 7 years I must say the Grand Prix has been a very dependable car and I have never had any problems with any of them.

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  118K/2.5 years What a lucky pick - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Kenny G - August 6 - 5:36 am

  As you can see by the miles, I work from my car. While I wish I had a Cadillac for comfort, I use a pillow. I only average 30/31 simply because I spend so much time idling on the phone. So if my miles are any part of reality, I would imagine that engine hours wise has produced an additional 30% of use by simply idling. The main reason why it idles so much is because of the one BIG flaw the car has - the headlights. While I appreciate the safety involved with them, when the car is running with lights off and turn car off to "accessory position", the lights remain on. So its easy for the battery to die. At 118K I would by another one. I think I tell you about that at 240K

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  TOPSHELFGTP-This thing goes!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By antsman - August 5 - 11:10 pm

  almost a year since ive purchased it and its still great fun to drive. car runs like a demon. i never thought id purchase an american car, but this thing is tops! great looking car even standing still, hot wheels, and a relatively functional interior to boot. trunk is huge and monsoon system rocks. how a car this good ever got past the generals bean counters is beyond me. but i had to have that engine......and there it is.

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  A Corvette Sedan? - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By youngturk - August 5 - 11:10 am

  Ive had a number of Corvettes, and traded my 04 Vette for an 07 GXP because I wanted something a bit less "in your face" because of my work, but something that would still be a performer. I found it in this GXP, and at $20k less. It does 0-60 within .6-sec of the Corvette, and handling is terrific. The guys in the auto press who whine about torque steer are off base when it comes to everyday use of this car. Yeah, torque steer is there if you look for it when you push this vehicle to its limit, but its not a significant factor, and definitely not a problem. This is a great, fun vehicle thats exceptionally well-designed and well- put-together at a fantastic value.

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  Love My Aztek!! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By CreativScreename - August 4 - 8:23 pm

  I bought my 01 (first year model) Aztek GT w/ all the fixins almost one year ago. I bought the vehicle for a long backroad trip around the US w/ my dog. It was perfect. Never gave me one bit of trouble on my 8,000 mile trip. Lots of room for large pets. I love the camping package and the car as a whole is roomy and uncomplicated. SO fun to drive!! Ive only taken the car in once and that was simply to change the headlights. The only downfall is that you have to remove multiple objects under the hood to install new ones. It is something of a gas guzzler, as most SUVs are.

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  Love this Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Karen - August 4 - 7:03 pm

  When its not raining - the top is down on this car. The only complaint I have is the condensation around the A/C vents. It has gotten so bad, it has shorted the hazard flashers. My concern is it will short the great monsoon stereo system. Quick to response & fun to drive. In town gas mileage around 23 mpg.

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  An Excellent Choice - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By S Martin - August 4 - 5:40 am

  Ive owned this car for nearly 9 years and Im so happy with it that Im buying another GP and giving this one to my new 16 year-old driver. After 124k miles, nearly all of the electronics are original and fully function. No problems with window motors, window switches, windshield wiper motors, nor are there any leaky window or sunroof seals. No odd noises and no problems with the power steering. Original transmission still shifts well and the leather interior has held up wonderfully (looks almost new). No fluid leaks either and the engine is nearly as strong as it was the day I bought it. I still average almost 25 mpg (though Ill admit this is partly due to my non-aggressive driving)