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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  Rides like a SUV - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Ed Derendinger - February 17 - 10:06 am

  I had my Torrent for 3 months and enjoy the room, but for people looking for a SUV/car I dont recommend. Looks and drives like a SUV.

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  Little Issues but still runs..... - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Robert - February 16 - 10:03 pm

  I got this car from my uncle that originally got it from my grandma. I dont know what he did to it but he got tired of tryin to fix the car so he gave it to me. All it needed was a new waterpump. I also put in a new thermostast and got the radiator flushed with it. All i really need to do is get my two front door motors and regulaters replaced and my a/c, but this car drove tho, Spite its little flaws it still drove, and cranked. Now at 104,998 it runs great just got to put in the windows and a/c, and i may need to change the radiator soon too. Cuz it does get a little hot in the summer, but then again i had to change the temperature senor cuz it wasnt reading right so i may not.

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  Love it! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Rodd - February 15 - 4:30 pm

  Bought the car used in 2002 with 33K miles. Other than having to replace the crank position sensor (car would shut off while driving down the road), and ABS issues (which would correct itself after disconnecting the battery for a few minutes)and normal wear and tear items, the car has been fantastic. I have 123,000 miles on it and just love it. It is a great looking car and I still get regular comments on it. Drove it from Michigan to Florida in 2006 (1,800 miles) and average 33 MPG.

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  Exciting to Drive, Passenger Space Small - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By LC768 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  This is an exciting car from the view point of the driver, however, from the passenger view piont the interior space is too small and not as spacious as previous models. Really disappointed in the downsizing of the passenger seating area.

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  good value - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By zzoom1 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I have the SE with option group 1sc. Leather, on-star, dual climate control,front and side air bags and premium sound. Looked around extensively for a family sized sedan and settled for the Bonny as it is priced competitively and doesnt look like everything else on the road.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Ray Lussier - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought at cost plus the 2002 rebate. Got a lot of car for the money. Got the v6 engine and love the way it performs. The controls are well-laid out, and the steering and handling are good. Does not have the build quality that toyota or honda have, but for the money I paid, Im quite happy.

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  What a Car!!!! - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By needs a sunroof - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Its a great car but it would be better if I had gotten a sunroof!

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  Good car for the price - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By 3rd grand am - February 9 - 10:00 pm

  This is my 3rd Grand Am that I have owned. 97, 00, and 04 models. I have been fairly happy with this car except for the wind noise from the window seals that the dealerships didnt seem to want to fix even though I had it in 5 times for the noise. This car is what you would expect from GM. Low grade interior materials.

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  Things you should know - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Vicky - February 8 - 11:26 am

  I have owned two Bonnevilles and 2001 and now and 04. My daughter owns an 04 also and my mom owns the 01. The cluster has stopped working on all three of them. My transmission fell out at 42,000 miles. I have had other problems as well. I paid a lot of money for my car and feel like I was cheated. Other than all of the problems, the car is beautiful and rides nice.

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  Vibe! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By joselago - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Only one problem: Noise detected in HVAC system. Had something to do with the A/C. Replaced free at dealer (took 3 tries to get it right). Free loaner car from dealer. Roomy (Im 65 and fit easily) Overall excellent value.