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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  worried about resale - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By dski - February 2 - 2:00 am

  No insulation in doors. Draft on legs. Worried about all problems with transmission. Have taken car to have sensors fixed three times. Am now past warrenty and not even one year old.

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  My G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Erin923 - February 2 - 12:26 am

  Love it! Havent had it but a few days, but its been fun, and was an easy drive through the snow, sleet, and rain.

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  Its a car - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By HEAVENSPRECIOUS - February 1 - 4:53 pm

  When I first got my car I loved it but after a some months went by i started having issuses with my car, First i had to replace the gas filter and then the fuel pump. and the the odometer stop working. but all that is baby issuses. after i pass all that it is a good car to have. i love driving it school. it rides good the interer is ugly but all in all it is a good car.

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  A Home Run for Our Family - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Dazz - February 1 - 3:56 pm

  The Torrent has been a hit for my wife and me. We have pack it to the top and traveled with it. The rear seats and front passenger seat fold flat which allows a lot more storage. I consistently get 20-21 mpg and have gotten 26 when going 60 mph. Overall, my wife and I lover our Torrent!

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  My car is a beast for a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am se2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Steven - February 1 - 3:38 pm

  This car had just has a hundred 20222 miles on it, and its running stronger than ever I just replaced the subframe which holds basically the whole entire car together would a used one for $500 it cost me 2:50 to install this car is just an excellent shape this is a must-see they dont make these cars anymore so dont miss out

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  Well worth the money - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Super Charged Six - February 1 - 10:00 am

  You could not ask for more "BANG" for your buck. Many of aftermarket parts and websites to help you increase your HP. I could not ask for more.

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  Legitimate Review - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By D Bone - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall very comfortable vehicle to drive. Excellent performance for its class real strong engine 3.8L V-6. Reliability on major componenets has been good trany and engine are solid 81 K miles burns virtually no oil and holds good pressure. However,wter faile at 40K, been through 2 alternators, one at 38K and one at 70K, Minor oil leak at 30K (new gasket fixed), blower motor (ac/heat)at 40K, replaced trany gasket at 79K. Semi- minor stuff but powertrain is solid. Mileage 19-20 in town 25-29 on highway, pretty good considering the power and size of the vehicle.

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  Sunfire rules - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Dario - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Ive had it for 3 years now, and no problems. I have driven it across the United States, and had absolutly no problems.

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  99 Pontiac Grand Am GT (4-Door) - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By TBC - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall a good vehicle. I had a little problem with the rotars having to be turned once a year (the severe vibration during braking let you know it was time)but, hopefully that is fixed now. Other than that I have had no problems with the car. Smooth ride and great handling.

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  Enjoyable Grand Am - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GrandAmSE119 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2001 Saturn SC2 in for my 2002 Grand Am SE1. The Grand Am is a great car for its value. Even though I opted for the 4 cyl it is still fun to drive and can keep up with everyone else. The interior is very creative with the large round vents and the thoughtfully designed dash. The seats are comfortable and very supportive great for long trips. I would recomend the car to anyone.