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:

• 

  Happy in all areas but one.... - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Marianne - November 20 - 8:36 am

  This is a great car for the money, with all the features I wanted (and then some). The only complaint I have is that I find the gas mileage to be very poor. I do mostly city driving, and I am averaging 16-17 mpg. I previously had a Toyota, which did so much better in that area, but this is certainly a much sportier car. Not really sure why such bad gas mileage.

• 

  Great car! - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Andy - November 15 - 3:20 am

  Ive had my G5 GT for almost a year and a half and love it. It is always a head turner, and hardly anyone else has one. The only problems Ive had is a broken sunroof switch, replaced under warranty, and a glitch in the keyless entry that others have noted. This was my first new car, and I couldnt be happier.

• 

  Been a great car for me - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By wilkermom - November 15 - 2:16 am

  I have had a great experience with this car. I was especially happy when I moved from to a state where it snows and my car handled incredibly well in the snow. I lived on a very steep hill and my neighbors could not get up the hill in the snow but my Pontiac went right up the hill. This car looks nice,I like how it looks sporty. Handles well,gets good gas mileage. I always thought it was pretty roomy until a car seat would not really fit well in the back seat. Stroller also takes up the entire trunk. I have only had to repair the fuel pump and that was at 125,000 miles. All other work on the car has been just routine maintenance. My only complaint would be that its little noisy inside

• 

  an ergonomic nightmare! - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By sbrenning - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The brakes still squeak after having two complete brake jobs! Front end still vibrates when slowing down after having new tires installed! My biggest complaint is the interior design. The glove box is way too far under the dashboard to be of any use, which also makes the trunk release worthless. Head rests are also worthless. You have to lean your head way back just to make contact with them. I doubt if they would even provide support in a rear collision. Console arm rest is too high. Front seat backs keep coming apart if my children push their feet on them because they are only held in place by some kind of track system that clips together.

• 

  Grand Prix lover - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By gregw - November 13 - 5:16 pm

  Our fourth Grand Prix. Comfortable ride with decent acceleration. Very stylish. Reliable transportation. stable with ABS and traction control.

• 

  My 2 Cents - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By chris~~ - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used in 97, still have it without any problems, just minor things. Only change oil, tires, 1 tune up and minor work on transmission, small leak. Gets good gas mileage and descently quick when you hit the gas and it sounds good, throaty when RPMs are up. It gets peoples attention especially girls when driving around with T-Tops off.

• 

  Some problems with Comp G - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By psu_rules - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I was initally very pleased with my car but since purchase it has developed a problem with steering with grinding and clicking and GM does know the problem exists but does not know how to fix it. Power is excellent but could use more head room at 61. Love the way it looks but frustrated with my problem.

• 

  No not a blown engine for $5,000.00 ! - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By CHW - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Not recommended! The looks, ride and comfort are excellent, but it leaves alot to be desired from a reliability standpoint. The engine went out at 56,000 miles. It has already had a starter replaced. I usually get 150,000 from V8 rear wheel drive cars before any repairs.

• 

  Find of a lifetime - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Zabo - November 9 - 8:30 pm

  Found my bird neglected but with extremely low mileage at a Ford dealership for a good price. While I was more of a Camaro guy myself this car made me a convert right quick. For a 10 year old F-Body this car does show its age in some places, but still looks, feels, and arguably quite relevant in todays day and age. Granted the mileage isnt even a shadow compared to newer cars but you have to ask "Self, why did I buy it?" However, I will say that if you want more than stock; be prepared to turn this car from stocker to rocker as in its stock form this car is already stretching its limits. But since when did anyone buy a muscle car and keep it stock?

• 

  Well it has the bells and whistles! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Patman - November 9 - 8:40 am

  My wife and I were out to purchase a new (used) car and we had found one we liked but my wife would not let me purchase it. She said it didnt have enough bells and whistles to make me happy. So we continued to look and I am glad we did, this car is not only functional for my family (4 of us) it is a kick to drive! It has power that wont quit, I am the envy of all my students at school!