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:

• 

  Great car, but expensive to own - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jimmmy - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I love the way this car drives. For its size it handles well and has lots of power. It looks great also. The interior is kind of cheap looking. The first 2 years I have had it I had no problems. Now it seems like I have problems constantly. Quick advice to anyone with a GM, dont leave the 5 year coolant in for 5 years unless you like replacing your entire cooling system.

• 

  Great Value - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Abev107 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall the GTP is a great value, but certainly not a value car. Why spend 8-10k more for other cars in its class when this car outperforms them. I bought the car with the competition group package; not sure if the other Grand Prix models perform like this one, but... I think the only thing that limits the speed that I take a corner is how much stuff inside the car I have that can slide around b/c I have yet to make the wheels squeal in a turn. Overall acceleration is excellent, standard radio is more than enough power and clarity.

• 

  Dont think I would buy another - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By eva Smith - April 6 - 2:46 pm

  We have only had our G 8 less then a year and our air conditioner went out. Of course the dealership said the condenser had a puncture and it is not covered. Also one on the handles has plastic peeling off already. For the price not happy.

• 

  1 after purchase thoughts - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Matt - April 4 - 6:40 am

  This Car is still a head turner 1 yr after purchase, great styling, although the front end of the car is cute (not aggressive). Fun car on open roads, performance is good, would like a little more zip. Comfortable for a 2 hour drive, nothing more. Interior styling is average with cheap looking dash and door materials. Overall the concern to buyers is (practical). You cannot even haul a load of groceries. The car is always fun to drive and I anticipate this to be a body style that time does not dull. The aftermarket parts are becoming more prevalent and you can easily customize engine and styling to your liking. Rear wheel drive is always fun.

• 

  Weve had ours for 8 years now.. - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By oldies4me - March 31 - 8:59 pm

  Still low miles, but we can really Haul in it- we should have a SUV!- I mean 25 gal water, a cooler, tools, clothes, bedding, two dog kennels (in back seat of course!) and other stuff for going to our lakelot half the summer.. We had experience with the 3.1 v6 in a Corsica which went well over 100000 miles,; this one has about 80000 so far (retired; dont drive a lot anymore).. The nice surprise was fuel economy- 37 on a trip going 65-75 mph most of the way. Solid, great handling, loves to cruise at 70+.. Trouble? None- just did brakes first time. If I could find a cherry GTP coupe Id keep it as a collectible!

• 

  2004 Pontiac Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Robert Ludas - March 28 - 10:00 am

  This car performs very well. It is my first Pontiac, my previous cars having been Buick Regals and an Olds Cutlass Supreme. Appearance, handling, and general driveability are excellent.

• 

  Options required - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Jon Franken - March 27 - 9:43 am

  I bought the 06, but I wanted one without those ridiculous "nostrils" in the hood. GM says no. Straight line fun all day and all night, gotta love that. I can only assume other reveiwers praising handling have never driven a car that handles. My wifes VW GTI runs rings around this on any corner and my old Subaru STI would embarass it on any road circuit. I love the noise, I love the power, but Ill be spending a lot of money upgrading the suspension using GM Europe parts, adding sat nav and upgrading the stereo. I like the simple styling and, once I get my 2004 hood (no fake nostrils), I think this will be the finest looking coupe on the road.

• 

  I like my Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jon Dixon - March 26 - 7:16 am

  I think your review is spot on. Its a good overall package of style economy vesatility and performance. I had to make a couple of quick maneavers to avoid trouble and handled confidently and stuck to the road. We didnt need a big SUV, but wanted to have some utiliy. A good balance.

• 

  My new G5 - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Amanda - March 26 - 4:46 am

  I love my new G5 it is fun to drive. I have a new Dodge Ram as well so I get the best of both worlds. I wanted something sporty and fun to drive. I found it.

• 

  Reliable - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ford - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car. I have over 100,000 miles on it. Only major trouble was with intake manifold gasket warping (I hear this happens a lot with the 3800). I got GM to pay for the part, with plenty of complaining. just a few minor problems. Keyless entry when new had very short range, now it is even shorter because it doesnt work. I tried to get a new remote for it, cars computer would not let mechanic program it( I refused to let them hook it up to the dealers computer to find out why, because it would have cost $75 over and above the cost of the remotes). Ignition switch shorted out. I could not get the key out, or the car out of park.