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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  Most fun in years - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By BADBLKBRD - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I dont know what car your editor was driving to give it a 5.5 rating, but it must not be the same car I have. I have a Firebird Trans Am with the WS6 option and it is by far the best performance car I have ever driven for this price range. I have had no problems with the car so far, and being that Im a 60 year old performance enthusiast, it will probably be the last car I will ever buy. I say that because GM saw fit to discontinue a car, that if properly marketed could have been a big seller. I cant afford a Vette and I see no performance cars the calibur of the F- Bodies coming along in GMs future.

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  Unhappy customer - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By yolonda hunter - May 28 - 9:43 am

  I purchased this Aztec not even 3mos. Ago and Im having problems with the brakes, wheel bearings, headlight shift gear ac unit. I was told that the SUV went through to inspection and that everything was working fine thats not true these cars can be a good car if you can repair it yourself because its a costly vehicle to have so I dont recommend this one at all know. Wonder they stopped making them in 2005 because the only thing they offer is space dont buy if you use this vehicle as an every day car please.

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  Decent Car for the $ - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tempest68 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a decent car with good performance, adequate handling, and great looks. Original BF Goodrich tires were marginal in wet conditions, so Goodyear Auqatreads were put on (and do MUCH better). Biggest headache for DIYers is changing the serpentine belt - it required special tool rental and removing an upper motor mount! No belt should be that involved!

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  cool car but....... - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By tom bellew - May 26 - 2:00 am

  have had problems with dome light.... it doesnt want to shut off

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  Montana, Big MO - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By jeep. - May 26 - 2:00 am

  The Montana overall has been a pretty good van. WE have realy enjoyed the great looks & stylish body design. The Koons dealership has been very helpful to me. I would give them an A raiting.

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  Its a good car - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Stezo - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive got a 1999 GT Coupe with all the options. Its running great. I havent had any problems with it at all and I drive it everyday. Its important to do your regular maintenance.

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  Little flaws that drive me crazy! - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By Minivan Mom - May 24 - 10:00 am

  We take our Montana back to the dealership to fix something once every two months. Ive had old junkers that have needed less service! In the first year, it was recalled 5 times - twice for the automatic door, twice for the rear seatbelt and once for the GPS. The little things drive me crazy - broken drink holder,burnt out light in the radio, airbag light that keeps coming on, oil change indicator that wont turn off, module for headsets that comes completely out of the counsel when you remove the headset, broken strap for the rear hatch etc. Ive always owned Toyotas and I think Ill go back after this vehicle.

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  My Vibalicious Vibe! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By freemary - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I am extremely please with my Vibe. It has 23,900 miles on it. The only minuses (so far): When I had the oil changed at 19,000 miles, the technician told me there was a lotof metal in the transmission fluid. He said it was common in new vehicles, but at 19,000 miles, it should have cleared up. I took it to the dealer for the next oil change, so I could mention the potential problem. The transmission fluid again had lots of metal in it. They "strongly suggested" a fluid flush (to the tune of $90). I expressed my concern that a fluid flush is usually recommended at 30,000 miles and my vehicle needed one at 19,000. Well see how it goes...

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  Like Riding in Your Living Room - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Clive T. - May 19 - 10:00 am

  This has been a decent car, but I will be trading it soon. The transmission is acting up after 80,000 miles. I drive a lot for work, and I just dont think these cars are built to go 150,000 or 200,000 miles. Mine has been hard used, to be fair. So far, its been ok. One reason I bought it was the feeling that parts would be cheap & plentiful, considering GM has been using this same basic design for years on Pontiacs, Buicks, etc. I havent had a chance to confirm this belief however.

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Im Indifferent - May 16 - 3:13 pm

  I bought this car used with about 48,000 and am now at 118,000. I have had no major issues with this car. There are certain things that annoy me though. Occasionally if I insert the key and start the car right away it stalls. I call the dealership and they said that was "normal." As a result of that I have adapted to turning the key to ACC and letting the car "prepare" for a few seconds and then starting the car. Also the Cd changer reads "Cd changer error" at random times. If you need new brakes get them fast. Otherwise it feels as though the car cant support its own weight! Other than that I have greatly enjoyed this car. I have taken many successful road trips and always get looks....