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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  Happy so far! - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By swimtime7 - May 16 - 5:03 am

  We just purchased my first car... 2005 Pontiac Sunfire base with air conditioning being the only option, no power windows, no power locks. It was 4000 with 86,100 miles on it. Obviously, since its my first car I love it, but seriously this is a fun car to drive, and the 5 speed stick shift just adds to the fun! This is the best year reliability wise for the Sunfire, and in my opinion I think this was the best design of the Sunfire series. I do wish i at least had a cassette or cd player, but until i come up with the $$ for a new head unit, my Belkin Auto FM Transmitter will do just fine. So far so good!

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  SUCKS - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Pontiacbad - May 16 - 2:00 am

  The first week I had this car the alternator and the battery went bad. Know with many more miles, The car wont shift correctly, it sits in first gear (this is a automatic) and I dont even have to step on the gas to go, it is idealed to high. The worst car I have had looking for a Honda.

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  great car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By QQnancy - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Pontiac Grand Prix. I love driving it and I feel secure and comfortable. It rides very nice. Im so pleased with my selection. this is my second Grand Prix, I had a 2001 and it was great too.

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  Ready to trade - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By rooster - May 14 - 10:00 am

  We have had it in the shop five times since we bought it. Twice for the van not starting (both times had to have it towed), twice for power sliding door problems (recall opener, then a short in wiring), once for shorted coolent sensor. If not for the reliability problems, we like the van.

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  car - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By margie - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE LOVED THIS CAR AND WOULD BUY ANOTHER ONE

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  Jims 55 Birthday! - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Jim Menefee - May 13 - 8:50 am

  My wife gave it to me for my 55th Birthday. I have owned 5 - 240, 260 and 280 Z-cars. When you reach my age you either get a Harley a Sports Car or an exercise bike. I chose the Solstice... Nothing can touch it ... its fast, feels like a million dollars and really gets the looks. Could not be more pleased! My other choice was $20K extra on a BMW. This beats the BMW hands down!

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  Bad Transmission - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GP owner37 - May 12 - 10:43 pm

  I have a 2004 Pontiac grand prix It was a great car till the transmission went out on I 90.. I had it towed home took the trans pan off and found chips in the pan. cleaned it and changed the filter but it would not move it was shot. I never drove it hard but I bought the car with 27,000 miles on it every now and then it would hesitate before it went into gear but always ran fine once you got going, could not believe it went out so soon.I was hoping to get at least 100,000 miles out of it.It always ran fine as far as the motor goes but the transmission has serious issues. I am going to try and replace the trans and see what happens because I like the way the car handles in the snow.Thanks

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  Great for 11 years old! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Grego - May 12 - 10:03 pm

  I bought this car, upgrading from a 94 Taurus, from a co-worker. This car is in great condition thanks to the previous owner. Maintenance goes a long way when done properly and on time. Braking seems soft, even with new brake pads installed. Very fun and sporty, and so far I get about 29-31 MPG highway. Great handling on winding roads, even with sub-par tires. Tires for the GT can be a little pricier and is hard to find good all seasons that dont change tire size, which means recalibrating the speedometer. Overall I am very happy, and make sure you do your upkeep! Acceleration can seem sluggish at times, and @ 110K mi. time for new belts, hoses, and a good tune-up.

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  2004 Aztec - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By azteclover - May 12 - 9:56 am

  Great vehicle. 168k and still going strong. Best feature is the versatility of the the interior. Easy to remove seats.

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  Age equals money pit - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mrtgman - May 12 - 7:40 am

  I am a GM fan. I purchased this car with 95,000 well maintained miles. On the positive, engine started every time in sub-zero weather. Otherwise, I never owned a car that has cost me so much in repairs. I have replaced, A/C compressor due to bad clutch, but now evaporator leaks. Steering rack blew a seal, intake maniford gasket replaced, heater core replaced, 2 motor mounts replaced, exhaust system, power window motor and recently, replacement of belt tensioner of which pulley froze. All these repairs within 15,000 miles and a year and a half. Ive owned many GM vehicles and expect maintainence repairs, but will never buy or recommend another Grand Am.