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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  Starting to show age - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By NY Dude is cool - July 4 - 10:00 am

  My GP is great but its starting to show its age. Sterring wheel controls stopped working and i needed new rear struts a few months ago, power window switch went as well fortuantly it wasnt the motor. The engine is still running great. And this is car is very structually sound, a few years ago a large tree limb fell on the car, and the car was driveable no broken glass or lights, door trunk and hood could open and close. Gas milage wasnt that good until I upgraded to a K & N air filer gas miliage went from 18-19 around town to 21-22n and highway went from 23-24 to 28-29.

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  Mini Hotrod - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Drew Shelenski - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my baby at the end of January. A beautiful 2 dr 5spd 2.2L coupe for $4900 However my car is no longer what it was, I put eibach springs on it, new struts/shocks, cd player, speakers, alarm, 17"white sokudo rims, IAT sensor, blue lights, red light up pedals, red shift knob, And white dash interior. This car is a chick magnet and was dirt cheap for the style it has. overall my car is worth $7,200 now and was worth every penny. I wish I had a GT but newer models only come in auto.

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  Gets my vote - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ghogho - July 3 - 7:43 pm

  This is my first pontiac. I just got it recently and i really enjoy it. It has 44,000 miles on it, it drives very smooth. good on gas, roomy interior, great sound system, lots of trunk space. Overall Great Car for the price.

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  Grand prix 2008 6-banger - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mondo - July 2 - 1:03 pm

  This car is very fun, I think people driving next to you dont expect this car to perform as it does (it is a sedan). Ive owned many nice cars and todays economy has forced me to buy under 20,000. For the money this car is perfect for average sized people, small families can benefit greatly. I cant believe the gas mileage! It rides like a silent hotrod if you will, but cost very minimal to operate. Say what you want about the fancy technology inside, get extended warranty. The power train warranty is piece of mind enough. Would recommend this car to anybody!

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  overall-solid car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By csmith6107 - July 1 - 7:43 am

  So I purchased my 2004 Pontiac Grand Am for $700 from my mothers friend (previously I thought Pontiacs were terrible). I use it as a daily driver to get to school, work, hangout with friends, etc. The only complaint I have is the clicking sound that it makes. It sounds like the turn signal, but is more sporadic and very annoying. I have had it for about a year now and I love how it drives. It handles pretty well in the snow and can pick up pretty quick if needed. I find myself checking it out every time I park. Im coming up on 200,000 miles and am going to part ways with it soon due to the expense of a timing belt, definitely considering buying another one though!!!

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  Changed my life - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Ray - June 30 - 9:36 pm

  This car is great, and for the price unbeatable. The ls1 and tremac 6 speed combo is a great combination. Wonderful power and sounds mean when you put the pedal down. But, it also has the ability to be quite when leaving the neighborhood at 6 am. This is not a car for the Eco conscious or one looking for the cheapest route from point A to B. This is a car where you will enjoy the commute. Right now, I am measuring the car in smiles per gallon, and believe me, that number is quite large.

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  A true sports car (its the torque not hp - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By renesis - June 30 - 5:36 am

  Bang for the dollar, best under 30k,A true sports car is RWD and with 400tq, you can kill 90% of the cars out there stock. I tell you why I bought this and not anything else. Also considered EVO/STI-good AWD but unless you live in snow, modify and then you ll get power. 350Z - very low tq and slow at topend , not comfortable Cobra-Fast car , about the same as GTO but interior is worse than a corolla. M3-best handling, but I am not going to the circuit, I want something comfortable and fast as a daily driver. Also the LS2 is very reliable stock and If you want 550Hp coming outof this beast ,slap a 5k supercharger. Love the whine. seats more comfortable than a C class mercedes,

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  High Mileage Vibe GT - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By boblather - June 29 - 11:10 pm

  With just over 80,000 miles on my 2003 Vibe GT, and flawless reliablity I can recommend this vehicle without reservation. The Vibe truly comes to life at high RPMs, and its lower RPM response is better than protrayed by the automotive press. I have been pleased with its frugality, obtaining consistently greater than 30 MPG, and never less than 28 MPG even with hard driving. It truly is a versatile people mover, able to hold a family of five and requisite luggage. The AC outlet is great, although no longer available. As for its looks, its grows on you over time. This car is truly has been a pleasure to own.

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  2008 Pontiac Solstice - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Guitargal - June 29 - 6:36 am

  Honestly - I love this little car! I drove a 4-runner for 10 yrs - loved it! Traded for a 08 Cadillac CTS - felt like a grandma. didnt handle like I thought a $40+K car should. My little Solstice is perfect for downtown driving/parking. It handles well - I dont have a turbo - so have to wind the gears - but Im cool w/that - and it doesnt seem to mind either. I scratch the tires - every time I get a chance! LOL

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  Excellent G6 - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By ThomasM - June 28 - 3:33 pm

  i recently got my g6 after I turned 16, and its been awesome to drive. The engine is peppy and quick. Im 61 with long legs, and was skeptical about getting a coupe, but this car is very comfortable in the front and back. Extremely stylish exterior, i get compliments all the time. Just a few problems. Gas mileage kinda sucks, (18 mpg city). If you drive push the gas hard just one your whole tank of gas is gone. Often the air conditioning smells of coolant..? Also, back tires spin out very easily. Besides that, the car is awesome. Suspension is smooth and allows very quick and sharp turns easily.-- Beautiful Car