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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  Speed is the word - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By LV2XLR8 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I have put 30K on this car in the last 18 months. I drive from LA to San Diego at a typical 85MPH and the ride is great. I have raced others in this class and have yet to be run down. Took out a beamer 330 today from a stop light without breaking 6000RPM! Put aside a little nest egg to pay for the speeding tickets (got mine doing 71 in a 45). Just cant seem to help form pushing that little peddle down... For an additional 1500 get the GTP.

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  Grossly UNDERRATED vehicle - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Rmac - December 21 - 6:26 am

  I purchased this car with 87,000 original miles on it. As of Feb. 2007 the car now has 132,000 miles. The only repair expense Ive had except wear parts such as brakes, rotors, tires, etc. was the need to have the drivers window regulator replaced. The GT model comes more than well equipped. Gizmos a plenty and to date - none have broken.I find the performance of the V6 3.8 L engine extremely satisfying. Great acceleration and the trans is geared in such a way that it almost anticipates your request for more passing power. Frankly, I was impressed from the start. Handling for a car this size is quite good. And it remains a pleasure to drive.No complaints.

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  Steering System is Defective - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Murrysville - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Dependability is a problem. Brakes had to be replaced at 35,000 mile - most of which are highway. The Steering rack had to be replaced at 44,000 miles and GM offerd insignificant assistance. There is a TSB on the steering shaft, but only if you know it is there will they do the service. Rear Rotors have failed at 44,000 mile. I love the drive of the car, gm needs to improve on the quality. Lastly the sun roof had to be repaired twice and finally replaced altogether.

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  An owners perspective - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Reddemon - December 19 - 10:00 am

  The acceleration and smooth shifting 6 speed are incredible and have to be experienced. I find myself turning down the stereo so I can listen to the exhaust note while running through the gears. The leather seats and trim are luxurious and comfortable but that’s where the impressive interior stops. The stereo isn’t very clear and not very loud (even for factory). Also the Heat/AC knobs have that cheap, fragile feeling. The steering column is plastic and pops out of place when being adjusted (tilt/telescope). Over all it is a great ride and way too fun to drive. I just wish people would go to the dealer and stop chasing me down to look at it!

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  My "Grand" experience - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By wicked_666 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  This car takes abuse like a massochist. It feels like a tank and rides like a magic carpet. Its pretty quiet inside with the windows up, even at ridiculous speeds. The engine is quiet and the stock exhaust sounds pleasant. Gas mileage is not exactly stupendous but its not a compact. Power when accelerating and overall breaking adds to the total driving feel of this sport sedan around turns or navigating through morning traffic. The interior leaves a bit to be desired as far as the appearance. The radio,giant A/C knobs,light switch, and tiny glove box are not only a bit retro but annoying and repulsive to look at.

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  the wrong formula? - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By ex formula drvr - December 16 - 10:00 am

  bought car new and kept for 5 years with 94000 mi. Had too many problems that ruined the enjoyment of the car. Water pump, oil sending unitleak, pinion seal (2x), intake manifold leak (2x), radio volume control, rack and pinion/tie rod ends - all before I hit 60000 mi. GM should do a better job of making quality cars.

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  2002 Pontiac Grand Prix SE - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By rayandkim - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car, could be a little more comfortable for the 6 ft 3 inch person in the drivers seat as well as the passenger seating.

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  My Little Red Convertable - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By Joyce - December 12 - 2:56 pm

  I love my car, poor gas mileage, wish there were other extras, such as memory seats, warning buzzer when backing up, warning buzzer when a car is in you blind spot. I also miss a compass. Blue tooth can only connect to one carrier service.

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  Holy cow!!!!!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Shafted - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I thought this was one of the better cars I had ever owned. Sleek styling good gas mileage silky smooth ride.Then without warning ker-plunk!!! At 58000 miles the intake manifold suffers a catastrophic failure filling all the cylinders with water.New motor time(more profit for Pontiac)!!

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  Very Dissappointed Torrent Owner - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Vincent Smith - December 8 - 11:43 am

  I bought this vehicle because I fell in love with the style. I have had nothing but problems with it since day one. I must have got a real lemon. I am now involved with GM Head Office. The file folder I have on this vehicle is to big to mention. Everything has gone on it but the Dealership in my hometown of Orillia never seems to be able to agree with my findings of course. Hoping to trade it in soon. The unfortunate part is I love the vehicle so much I am considering taking another Torrent for a test drive. I hope they are not all of the same quality.