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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  What has happened to Pontiac? - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Goonboy2 - April 20 - 5:53 am

  I have owned the last three versions of the Grand Prix and each one has become more technologically advanced and stylish than the last while build quality and interior design has become progressively inferior. My 2007 Grand Prix pales in comparison to the interior design and materials in my 2000. Mesh-like headliner and sun visor material scream "cheap." The plastic interior pieces are visually and physically "hard". The carpet is coarse and the leather doesnt even smell like leather. Heck, Im a Grand Prix lover and Im embarassed for GM. It would seem that the Grand Prix has been allowed to suffer the same agonizing death as its Pontiac brothers. Sorry GM, my next car will be Japanese.

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  Nice Looking ride, but.... - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Patrick McCormick - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had the sled in for more than a few issues. Noise in power steering seems to be most persistant problem. Also, driver side window stripping comes loose all the time. Great "spunk" for the money, lots-o-fun to drive, good power, like the exterior styling - but, Ive had some issues...

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  2009 Base 2.4 w/5sp auto, 80K Miles so far - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By abramsgunner - April 14 - 10:48 pm

  Bought new in July of 09. Base model with 2.4L/5sp-auto, PS,PL,cruise, keyless. Now pushing 80K miles with few issues. On my second set of tires and brakes. My steering column rattles (very common), cold starts sometime produce a timing cam rattle (common) and the paint chips and scratches easily (common). Fully loaded with family of 4 + gear on trip to Tenn. got me just shy of 32mpg. Even with my heavy foot, I still avg. 28mpg in daily mixed driving. Great fun to drive. Does everything I need. Was cheap to buy and maintain. Sharp little car. I have truly enjoyed it. I just added a K&N CAI and she sounds great, any mpg increase will be a bonus.

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  G6 Review - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By N Knutsen - April 11 - 3:00 am

  The car is well built. The GPT model has hydraulic power steering, and has good response. The back seats are serviceable, but you really dont want to put your best friends in them for a long period of time.

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  CLASSY FUN CAR, BIG INSIDE AND SMALL OUTSIDE - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By JOHN TINGLE - April 8 - 11:20 am

  All black with taupe interior stands out a the best looking combination for this vehicle. Good high seats and large glass area is a winner. Extra large and handy hatch area is another plus to consider. Being05 vehicle still has refined feeling with smooth six power. Typical gm negatives such a having to change the secondary shaft 2xs as well as the rack and pinion steering noise, all under warranty thank goodness. Dash electrical issues at 80k including losing trans lights and odometer lights. Styling looks better with age as newer vehicles are looking weird and have little window area thus providing safety issues as well as visual threats. This is my 2nd aztek which my family has grown to appreciate even more over time. Have offers for $5500 plus whih would make this vehicle a good value over the long run. John T.

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  good grandam - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By gmguy - April 6 - 5:46 pm

  Very solid car that runs great, only problems so far were covered under warranty. The starter was getting weak, and it is fine since replacement. Also, the a/c compressor was starting to lock up, causing the belt to smell, it is also working great since replacement. Overall a good looking and comfortable ride we are happy with.

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  Little Things - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By beach - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Previously owned 97 model, this model not as good. Fit and finish disappointing especially around sunroof. Blew out a engine drain plug in first year, but overall reliability was very good. Performance of the car was great, nice ride, terrific power and good handling. Car was surprisingly good in snow and very good fuel economy overall. Just a lot of little things that make the car disappointing for what you pay for it.

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  Reliable and Fun - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Samantha - April 4 - 12:53 pm

  I bought my sunfire about a year and a half ago used, it had 30,000 miles. It now has 50,000 and I havent had any major problems with the car. It is fun to drive and handles well. Ive driven it from WI to FL and back and it was an excellent drive, very peppy car. Reliable, but poor build quality

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  Aint about romm - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Angioman - April 4 - 9:20 am

  This car isnt about room it is about fun. i bought mine used and it had 4500 miles on it. Everybodys head turns when you go by them. The chrome wheels and exhaust give it a very good look. Fuel mileage is excellent averaging 27 city and highway combined.

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  good car - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By troy - April 2 - 1:10 am

  I have had this car around for awhile. It has 240,000 miles on it,3.1v6. Had the water pump replaced at 230,000 and new intake manifold gaskets last week. Cant complain about that after this many miles.Basic maintenance items shocks struts, tune ups, fluid changes brakes etc. Still runs great and looks good.