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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  I Love My Grand Am - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cdaniel - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This car in my opinion has been everything i could ask for. Since i have bought it I have had absolutely no problems with it at all, I take it in for the oil change and that is all i have to worry about. This car is not only reliable, but it has the looks as well. I would highly recomend this car to anyone who was in the market.

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  My Poor Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ben - August 26 - 9:36 pm

  Like many other cars, this car has its ups and downs. Unfortunately for me, there were more downs than ups. It may be due to the fact that I bought it with 155k miles on it but it still doesnt change the fact that the Grand Prix is not built with quality materials. My car overheated four times within a span of 8 months. I expected the car to last till around 250k miles but Im gonna trade this bad boy in. Car has decent acceleration but no power after 3500 rpm. And nowadays little 4 cylinders can hang and even outrun this V6 and still get better gas mileage. I suggest getting a GTP or GXP and get those extra horses or else youll be disappointed just like me. Dont do it to yourself!

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  The Great One - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Lera - August 26 - 1:33 pm

  GM service was friendly and helpful, not pushy or annoying. This was the third GM dealer Ive worked with and they all have a consistency for low key sales push which is wonderful for a consumer. The vehicle purchased was manual yellow jacket with antracite interior and I couldnt be happier. It is a 2004 model and yet has all the power one could ask for.The vehicle has one of the smoothest rides youll encounter. Corners amazingly. Stereo is loud and clear, picks up reception well even in difficult spots.True dual exhaust sounds wonderful; there is always a nice humm while crusing without stops. Idle sound purrs. Windows tinted perfectly.Leather quality fantastic. Clear coat superior.

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  bvibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By bill - August 25 - 11:06 pm

  Fun,sporty,and versatile. Exterior is O.K., but the interior is great. Lots of neat features, but not cluttered. This car is so much fun to drive. Im sure with the current drive train, I will be having fun with car for years to come. I wish the base model had a few more ponys under the hood, but if you dont mind hanging around 4,500 rpm it will do.

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  Great Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brian99 - August 25 - 6:20 am

  I love my 99 Grand Prix. It has great power for having over 115,000 miles on it. I have noticed a hole forming on the passenger side under the door and I have seen others with it too. Its an older car so I know its bound to happen, but it makes me sad because I love this car so much!! I recommend the Grand Prix if you want a sporty car with some power.

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  Eye catcher/fun ride - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By K BETZ - August 24 - 7:20 pm

  Took me 7 months to get my solstice but it was worth it. Great ride, eye catching, easy on the wallet.

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  Too much fun - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Onefunponcho - August 24 - 2:30 pm

  Pros: The car is the best bang for the buck!! Grips the road like its on rails. Flashes right to whatever speed you need. the small turbo engine makes great power yet still great on gas. The best of everything. The auto tranny shifts like clock work.The premium sound upgrade is dandy with tune you can feel! Cons: A bit less hard plastic in the interior would be great. The exhaust is just way to quiet. And the trunk space it tiny. Hints: Two soft sided plain 24 inch duffels are ideal for the storage compartment. You must pack thrifty on long trips.

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  Ok, but could be better - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ssstew - August 24 - 12:30 pm

  I have had my Pontiac Grand Am for 2 and a half years, and I have had a few problems, but nothing drastic. I do have a loud ticking from the engine when it is cold. And the trim on the windshield is coming off. I love the way it drives and handles. Lots of power and corners great. All in all it is a fun car to drive, but there are some quality control issues Pontiac overlooked when making these cars.

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  Great car not reflective of editors rate - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Rick E. - August 24 - 11:53 am

  We have only had the car a few weeks but love the handling, and bought the car because of the great 3.8 engine. Ride is smooth, and engine is not noisy as reflected in editors critique. Back seat is tight, and no molding strips to protect door bangers. But comfortable, fun driving car that looks great.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Avenger - August 24 - 12:53 am

  This car is light years ahead of the Grand Prix we had. Handling, acceleration and great looks make this car very fun to drive. American cars have come a long way. The editors from this website dont give this car its due. The dash could have a bit less plastic, but the design is very good. We dont have the hood scoop and the big spoiler (dont like the spoiler). But the front grill looks great. This car is a head turner and it doesnt look like the million Nissans, Hondas and Toyotas I see everyday.