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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  cool car! - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By t strand - July 8 - 2:00 am

  this suv is exceptional in comfort and function, a enjoyable experience on any road

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  ? on transfer case & transmission - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By Brenda Shumate - July 8 - 2:00 am

  New Car-heard a faint hum in engine when accelerating after having the van for 7 months,dealership found no reason for it. Within 1 year of owning the van, something broke in the transfer case which affected the transmission (could have been the hum we were hearing) Dealership replaced both. 7 months later, the same thing happened while driving, a popin engine area, then noise when leaving off the accelerator of some-thing broken in the transfer case. We currently are waiting for GM to replace the transfer case and transmission a second time.

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  ~Fun Starter Car!~ - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GrandAm_CMD - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Took some time adjusting to driving this car at first, but it drives great now. Makes a wonderful starter car. The seats are very comfortable and help ease my neck and back pain. I receive alot of nice compliments and it fits all sporty, casual and formal events. Very reliable on long road trips. Fun Fun Fun!

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  Everything you could want in a crossover - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Dandy Don - July 5 - 12:33 pm

  We now have over 117,000 miles on our vibe and the only thing we have had to repair aside from normal maintenance is that the drivers side window came out of its track and I had to pay $40 to have them quickly go in and set it back up. I replaced the plugs at about 110,000 miles and they looked kinda dirty...amazing isnt it!? I use it for weekly hot dog cookouts at my work for 200 people buying 15 cases of pop, 50 packs of Hotdogs, 50 buns, cookies, chips etc. which all fit nicely inside while I average 30 MPG + combined hwy/cty. Good stereo (get the moon and tune pkg. with the sunroof and 6 speakers w/250 watts)and an amazing amount of room inside in something only the length of a Corrola.

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  needs improvement - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By rocky - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I like the way the car looks and the price is right but i worry about it lasting in the long run. The check engine light has been on about 4 times since i bought it 6 monthes ago.

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  Have loved it since it was new...til now - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By pontiacgirl_78 - July 2 - 10:59 am

  I bought this car brand new in 05. I love driving it, it looks great, and its still got get up and go at 98,000 miles BUT....It needs intake gasket #3 (1st one at 23, 000 miles.) The front end is shot...the bearing, the $400 a piece struts, the steering and the axle thingy. All sorts of warning lights keep coming on too. I think sorry to say its time to trade it in. Ive also had problems with the drivers window falling down into the door twice and the back door hasnt opened in about 3 years. It has never left me on the side of the road, but now its not even safe to drive. Ive loved her and took care of her since the day I got her, but at 98k thats too much to be going wrong.

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  Love my Montana! - 2003 Pontiac Montana
  By Montana - July 1 - 10:53 am

  I really enjoy driving our Montana. I can take the grandmas with us with ease as the auto sliding doors and captain seats are great for them. The grandkids really enjoy the DVD player! The all around use of our Montana has been a good experience. I only wish that the space between the drivers seats and the middle row captain seats was larger. Also, on the driver and front passenger seats could use 2 arm rests instead of the door extension. It is just not in the right place for long trip comfort. We had those on our other van and really enjoyed them.

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  Get2workwithoutgoinbroke - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Commutn4alivin - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Grand Am three years on 110102. Have had no engine or elec problems.Door panel peeled back due to sun damage,( Live in 100 degree summer weather), and was replaced no/chg under warantee, have not had a problem since replacement.Car has 49,300 miles on it and still kicks for a V4,no rattles or squeeks. Do not care for the seat releases for letting passengers out of back seat area, they stick too much,hard for older kids and adults to get in and out of, broke off both front seat belt holders from pulling on them ..suggest 4 door instead of coupe for back seat rider use.

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  Big fun - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By fred - June 30 - 8:53 pm

  I have owned many 60s and 70s muscle cars over the years, and bought 2 5.0 Mustangs new and this car is by far the fastest in stock trim. With only 1000 miles on the 06 GTO I went to the drag strip. It went 13.40s at 103.70 in the quarter mile, completely showroom stock. It gets almost 20 mpg avg and I drive 95 miles round trip to work daily. 7500 miles and not a problem.

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  Still grinning - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By gearhead15 - June 27 - 4:26 pm

  I drove a friends Cadillac CTS-V and immediately decided that I had to have something that was close. I couldnt afford the Cadillac but with incentives and deals the GTO gives me 95% of the performance for 50% of the price. The GTO has excellent comfort and interior style to go with the power and performance. The exterior styling is on the generic side but at least it isnt ticket bait. I grin every time I drive it.