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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  montana - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By SAMUELLAUGHLIN - March 26 - 10:00 am

  COULD HAVE USED MORE SOUND DAMPERING MATERIAL. POWER SEATS SHOULD BE STANDARD.

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  First Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By fastlane99GA - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought off a private party. Got best deal anyone I know has ever gotten on a car (about 4 percent under TMV). Great car for short runs or highway driving. Love the V6. Have had no major problems so far other than the pwr windows which if need fixed will be under ext. warranty. Previous owner took great care of the car & had all records so I may have better luck than others w/this car. Only real complaint is that GM needs to makae the gas tank bigger to accomadate the V6. Fuel economy is right what where it should be. Cant wait to get it in the snow. No other big problems with the electornics or mechanically. Only big bill was scheduled maitenance.

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  its ok - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By joe18466 - March 26 - 10:00 am

  nice car for the money

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  More Maintenance - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cpuuri-2 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Im back! Since May 2002 heres whats happened: 78k - drivers power window motor went ($100, self-installed), bearing in HVAC fan started going and fan failed ($95, self-installed), gas mileage has dropped off to 20 mpg on 60:40 highway:city; 79k - passenger- side power door lock actuator (the "motor") failed ($50, self- installed). It still leaks about a 1/2 quart of oil every fill up but I still enjoy riding it. The parts are cheaper than a monthly car payment, but if you dont like the hassle, I wouldnt recommend a Grand Prix.

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  *****2000 Pont. Grand Prix GT 4dr******* - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Sirhc11 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  As the owner of a 94 Pont. GP SE 4dr previously, to a 2000 Pont. GP GT 4dr I have to say is a HUGE improvement. The 94 lasted 195,000 miles before needing an engine overhaul, and required continous dealer visits for plugs seizing in place every 10,000 and over $5,000 in repairs (inc a new tranny which is VERY expensive)between 140,000 and 175,000 (2yrs total) **HOWEVER** The 2000 Pont. is a VERY different tale. I bought the vehicle from a non pontiac dealer in 2003 for $11,000 with 44,000 miles on it, to date I have put on 31,000 additional miles without a PROBLEM!!! Knock on wood....BEWARE of the mpg though...this car EATS gas..I found the computer mpg gage 100% accurate!!! LOVE THIS CAR!!!

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  Reasonable Drive - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By 7Jewels - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Takes customizing well. Add a flowmaster and a cold air induction package and youre in there. The powers good and its fun to drive, but it sucks on gas. The handling is really good, but its better with 17in wheels and 45 series Z-rated tires. Good gripe and side-slipe is controllable. The only thing I hate about this car is the "Skip-shift" feature. I bought a six-speed for controllablity. Skip-shift is a buzz kill.

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  Nice car - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Lilchavez - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car handles well and is fun to drive. With the optional packages, MP3 player, Satelite radio, premium sound, it is a pleasure driving in.

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  pontiac bonneville gxp - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By LENNY C - March 21 - 10:00 am

  transmission should be updated to support engine performance. otherwise satisfied.

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  good performer - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By coastalcustomtrucks - March 21 - 10:00 am

  So far the car has been greatwe have 3700 miles on it and its been great so far it was nice to see that they droped the northstar motor in it AND gave it 18 inch wheels. Hope it lives up to my 98 grand prix GTP that car was great my last bonniville 01 that we exchanged for the new 05 was just a nitemare allways in the dealer for repairs

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  This is an awesome car for a sedan!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MBushner - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Pontiac did a great job in building a car that provides both the functionality of a regular sedan but with a big dose of power for those of us that drive the limit. This is a great car.