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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  Still Love the Ride - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Bob B. - March 20 - 12:43 am

  This is my second car, and my second Pontiac, and Im going to stick with them. V6 has good power, but very smooth. Only downside is the gas mileage could be better with todays prices.

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  Good car, but too small! - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By cchhr - March 19 - 9:23 am

  I just got my Pontiac G5. When I test drove it, I should have listened to my legs! Im a 511 woman, and I cant wear heels when driving because of the lack of leg room. I have to push the seat all the way back. But the car is a lot of fun to drive, the gas mileage is incredible. A great buy if youre a shorter person. The interior is a little cramped, and there isnt much room to put anything, but once you get used to it, its not that bad.

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  my new G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By maidmo - March 18 - 2:46 am

  Beautiful car, I am very proud ! Hard to see through the back window, though.- I have to use mirrors totally, needs Lumbars in front seats, but passengers in the rear are very comfy. Trunk is huge and wonderful! Some work needs to be done on the design so we can see out the back windows.. there are major blind spots.

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By hami5150 - March 16 - 6:06 am

  I got this one brand new, and the only major problem I have had was a flat tire. The car runs very smooth, and handles well, although the windshield frame proves to be a slight blind spot at times, and the design of the interior make it difficult to see into lanes to the right/rear. Engine-wise, not a problem yet. Friend of mine has an Elantra, and paid at least 5k more, and I would still rather have the Sunfire. Mine is a manual trans, and even though i only get 140hp, it still kicks a little when i need it

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  Renesis - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By RENESIS - March 15 - 11:36 pm

  Well I kept the car for a little while and it was a good experience. I wouldnt buy it again though due to the following reasons. 1) the car has no steering feel and it doesnt communicate with you at all so you cant drive with precision 2) the back seat has a lot of room but getting in and out is big problem and trust me it is. 3) Resale values are horrible but I didnt look at this when I bough it brand new. 4) Moding can be expensive and there are some mods you need right away like shifter and springs and shocks/ struts. Better tires. Acceleration is great and so far its faster in STRAIGHT LINE than these: 350z, evo,mustang, srt8,E46 M3, Speed6, S4,C55 AMG. Its a lot of car for the money

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  GTO 2004 - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By cjvanho - March 15 - 4:03 am

  I found a few details in the body that seemed shoddy or badly painted. Aftermarket parts that were installed by Dealership really dont match paint from factory. The Mirrors have serious problems they have blind spots and are not either big enough or they are placed wrong. The car has some HP however its missing midrange torque.

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  Night rider - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Edawg - March 14 - 3:00 pm

  I had a GTA years ago and had to get back to a sports car. So I chose what I had before. My WS6 is by far the most powerful car Ive ever owned. Just with a little modifcation and can make it as fast a vette. My kids love it and so do I.

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  Watch Out For Falling Headlights - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Polskiguy - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 1997 Grand Prix GT since 1996 when it first came out. Since then I have had to replace the headlight lens 3 times because it gets water leaks inside and it falls off. I have also had major problems with the rear main seal leaking oil. I had to replace that also which is a major job and very expensive. Also replaced 2 water pumps and alternater. Replaced front struts and mounts at about 100,000 miles.

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  Not what I expected - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By CB - March 13 - 12:53 am

  Car has been back to dealership 7 times, 3 of those times towed in. Electrical issues, transmission wont go into reverse after sitting, rear end noises, coolant leaks, battery. What else can go wrong. Very disappointed. Paid 34K for car 2 months later they have rebates and incentives. You can buy them for 24K now. So Im 10K upside down from the start!!!

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  It will do - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By bdp - March 12 - 9:23 am

  I read the other reviews about the wind noise, yes that was bothersome, but by using a little silicone down the drivers side rubber weather strip, problem solved. I do though have a leakage of some kind on the drivers side on the inside, my floor mate is soaked and I cannot figure where the dampness is coming from, unless the A/C line to the rear is under the flooring? I have worn a hole in the flooring from the foot action while driving. I do drive alot and it has helped on gas expense. Last I have some sort of electrical problem with the temp gauge. At times after drive for a bit and then shutting down, the gauge will max out. I have to turn the ignition switch back and forth rapidly.