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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  Grand Prix GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Streets - October 12 - 2:00 am

  More room is needed in the back seating area. Too much plastic trim

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  Versatile Aztek - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By mtbdawg - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Currently have 39,000 miles w no problems. A bit under powered, however, pulled a ski boats 300 miles w no probs. This is a comfortable vehicle for long trips. I carry my road bike and mountain bike inside the car all the time w ample room for other gear. Have used the camping package and love it. Once you drive it, you will be hooked. added a bike roof carrier bike rack w wind ferring to really enhance the look. You can haul anything in this car.

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  It is a reasonable car. Not very fast - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Eagles - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall I think the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire has a reasonable performance. For the most part it has been reliable. The engine does not have a whole lot of pep anymore because of its 83,000 miles. But it runs okay and the exterior is in pretty good condition.

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  Could be better - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By Soccer Dad - October 10 - 10:00 am

  We have had six warranty repairs. This entailed being without a car or waiting at the dealer to have it repaired. 1. Starter 2. Battery 3. Right front CV joint 4. Altenator repair 5. Pull down Strap replacement on rear hatch 6. Intake manifold gasket for oil leak. In addition to the warranty repairs we replaced the Dunlap tires, lasting only 22,000 miles due to one having a defect. Replaced brakes at 34,500 miles. Speakers vibrate.

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  First Car :( - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Lauren.k - October 10 - 5:43 am

  After one month I noticed a gas smell. Took it to the shop and had a gas leak. Both side mirrors fell off and many electrical things broke inside (seat adjustment, side mirror adjustment). A year later the car just plain quit working. Needed new fuel injection, fuel pump, and fuel filter. Then I totaled it. Sad ending to the pony. I loved the vehicle but too many things went wrong with it.

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  Surprisingly big! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Scott - October 7 - 10:50 pm

  My wife and I bought our G6 after seemingly driving everything remotely comparable. The G6 has more usable room in the cabin and trunk than anything we drove. Its road manners are that of a bigger and pricier car, delivering a smooth & quiet ride that still lets you have a little fun. The standard features and build quality are superior to any foreign nameplate we looked at. When it was all said and done, the decision to buy the G6 was a no-brainer.

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  Luv this car!! - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By Partygirl - September 30 - 4:00 pm

  Ive owned my 99 firebird for the past 3 years and although it isnt the best to drive during the winter months I have to say I look forward to the summer when I can take off the T-tops! This car definately gets one noticed! The only problems Ive had with it are a blown alternator and some electrical issues but other than that its been an awesome car all around! Everyone loves it!

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  Very Satisfied - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By driver666 - September 29 - 4:23 am

  I have 14000 miles on my Grand Am GT. Overall I am very satisfied. Very comfortable to drive and has plenty of power for todays driving (I am in Southern Calif). Yes, there are more powerful cars of similar size but this one does quite well. I found long distance driving very comfortable. The Monsoon CD sound system is very good (8 speakers). The side pockets in the doors are very handy as is the center console storage. The back seats are very comfortable for 2 average sized adults.

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  GM ... Never again - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Pedro Mendes - September 28 - 10:56 pm

  Ive had my car for three years. While I love the look and style of the car, Im extremely disapointed in the quality. So far Ive replaced or repaired the following : Jan 06 - New Struts R&L Apr 06 - New hubs & alignment Jul 06 - Rattle in head liner Oct 06 - Machined rotors Nov 06 - Water in head light Jan 07 - Replaced handle on seat and repaired rattle in trunk May 07 - New transmission (6 spd) Jun 07 - New front brakes (After market) Oct 07 - New steering colunm and inserted foam behind surge tank. Jan 08 - New windshield wiper motor Aug 08 - New driver side window switch Sep 08 - Transmission mount replaced (broken) Jan 09 - New bearing in clutch Warrenty ... pheww

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  98 Trans Am M6 - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By Jon - September 27 - 10:20 am

  Everything youd want out of an American muscle car. The in-your-face styling, the mean exhaust note, and enough torque to peel the pavement up. This car is so much fun to drive although I wouldnt recommend driving in the wet/snow often cause you will spin the tires constantly. This is a great car to pick up if you love American performance. Get on with the potent LS1, slap on an exhaust, intake, pulley, and cam along with a few suspension mods and you will never want to stop driving.