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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  Front Drive Muscle Car??? - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BiggDee - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I acquired my 2000 GTP in Oct. 2003, and I was impressed at first. However, this soon changed whenever I had the oppotunity to drive real muscle cars. The Ford Mustang SVT, Mach I, F-150 Lighting, Chevrolet Corvette, all flat out blow the GTP away as far as performance goes. If your pocketbbok is limited then this maybe the car for you. However, if you want true performance, save your money and buy a real performance car.

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  love this car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BurkeinVA - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new in 97 and after 7 years I have had only 1 problem (transmission). It handles well and seats passengers comfortably. My biggest complaint would be the service I received on it at the dealer, they couldnt seem to get it right the first time. Despite my issues with the service department this car has been a dream, Im sure going to miss it when I get a new car.

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  Another Transmission - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Suza41 - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car new -- loved it, till 08/24/04. Transmission died in local dealers service lane. And I do mean died. Only 31,500 miles. While working on the car service mechanic discovered deteriorated Wheel bearing, more money. Sure am glad I bought that extended warrenty everyone told me was a waste of money. Bought this car because of the handling and interior size, I am a short woman, but like to drive a mid-size car.

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  The way to go - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jeremy - June 27 - 2:50 am

  I love this car... if you know how to drive and use a stick I can cruise past BMWs or Lexuss like they were standing still. People complain of body roll but if youre smart and dont take an inside lane youre fine... besides when you roll up in alloys and tints you dont need an $80,000 car to get the girls

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  A decent car - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By SAMANTHA - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very reliable car although there have been a few minor problems, I have had to change the front brakes and replace a belt, my emergency blinkers dont work my automatic locks no longer work either,and one of my fog lights is missing other than that I drive the car a lot and it had been very good i hardly ever have to put oil in it and it is excellent on gas mileage.

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  Good job - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By JAEB - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Montana and were very happy. Its the family car driven by my wife, and it works perfectly for our needs. No reliability problems and a good feel of quality throughout. Not so happy about the depreciation, but ours is leased with a favorable residual so thats no problem for us. Dealer OK, but we really like the car

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  cheap muscle - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By George1 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Ram air last of dieing breed. Best preformance car less than 30K. Next best car starts at >$50k. Almost 1 yr old20k miles and no problems

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  Love it! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By jimaztek123 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my Aztek every time I go to the local home improvement store. One of the main reasons I bought it is the low, wide cargo space. Can fit 4x8 sheets flat! Its certainly the best value in its class. Yes the back end is ugly. Guess thats why theyre not flying off the lots. No homeowner should be without one though! Its also inexpensive enough that I dont sweat banging it up a bit.

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  Galexy Silver - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By thundercat - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I was at the dealership getting a headlight replacement for my 96 Grand Prix, when I saw it. The sky reflected against its Galexy Silver finish. I peared out the corner of my eye at its glossy black tires in contrast to cold & very smooth polished alloy wheels. "What a sexy looking sedan." I thought to myself. Test drove it and never got that pitiful headlight replaced. Even though, I only had one year left on the loan, I just had to tell thundercat 96 good-bye. Ride is excellent for freeway traveling and seats all passengers comfortablely on extended road trips. Minimal jarring felt from imperfections in the road, if any. Smooth cushy ride.

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  Dont buy - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Peter - June 17 - 11:33 pm

  When I first got this car I thought it was great but then I had to replace my gasket intake, check engine light sensor, fuel sensor, oil sensor, front bearings (2x), Turn signal fuse (2x), my LCD of my cd player went out, speakers went out, Lights go out frequently, starter, been through 3 batteries, Brake system repairs, cooling system repairs, and hazard warning switch. What else can I say? I will never buy a GM car.. looking forward to pruchasing a japanese car.