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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  My 8-Month Nightmare - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By sinaskafitch - May 11 - 4:13 pm

  8 months ago, I bought a Grand Am off my friend at 140,000 miles. Turned out to be the worst decision Ive made since. If I wasnt friends with a mechanic, this car would already be in the scrap pile. Ive had to give it new wiring, a new starter, 2 new engine belts, a new mechanism that turns the engine belt, a new rear arm bar, and I had to remove the horn because it was faulty. The car also has a fuel pressure problem so now I pay out the nose for gas. I hate everything in this car down to the cup holders! Its cars like these that ruined Pontiac. This car is breaking my bank and my patience level. Hopefully getting a new car this week to get rid of this nightmare

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  maybe best car we ever had - 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
  By collegemom - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This car was ordered by us, loaded. It has serverd us well. Trips to the villa in Hilton Head, parents 3 hours away, one child through college with dorm moves twice a year 4 hours away, another in 2nd year 3 hours away and various other trips. We carry two people and alot of stuff or six people and still a lot of stuff with a carrier on the top. Gas mileage is up to 27 mpg on the road and the range is about 600 miles.

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  My Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jeremy Eshleman - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has been great to me. I love the speed and the handeling of it. I wish it was a stick. I goes just about anywhere in a short time if you know what i mean. I love this car.

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  Love my Tek....but.... - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By DeltaDawnNY - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my Fusion Orange Aztek. I went from a GMC Yukon to an Aztek so gas mileage is phenom!. I zoom around all over the place. We are big campers and love the tent attachment with mattress. Interior cleans up great and with 3 kids that is important, the 3 love the reclining back seat. Love the console/cooler. Are some blind spots, but you can overcome that obsticle. We have had to the dealership too many times for a vibration over 55mph (and I do alot of hwy driving) we have had two new tires, new springs, reallignments done. Have had back breaks replaced. All of this work was before I hit 14,000 miles.

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  The Goat is back! - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Robert Hutchins - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I had to choose between a Corvette and the M6 GTO. While the Corvette definately looks better, it has one thing working against it. It looks like a Corvette. The GTOs non-flashy styling will probably save me a couple of tickets. The interior: I find it simply amazing that GM was able to create something so awe inspiring and functional. I can easily seat 4 adults comfortably. Although the gates are a little questionable and the shift is a little long it is not unreasonable. Nothing a short shifter cant fix! The drive shaft/Axle halves could stand to be a little larger. Wheel hop is a mild problem as is on most independent rear drive V8s.

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  Great Vehicle for Family - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By andy - May 10 - 2:46 am

  I bought the vehicle brand new, I do not have any complaint about the product. Great, reliable, dependable, comfortable van. Im going to purchase one more of it soon. No other vehicle beats it.

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  2001 GT 4DR in Canada - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Rogue - May 9 - 10:00 am

  2001 GT 4dr. 32000 kms (T.O. Canada) So far the car has been performing pretty good. Only finding minor squeaks. Other than that car is very responsive and fun to drive. Performes excellent in highway driving but, city dirving eats too much gas.

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  2001 grand prix gt - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ct - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had a lot of trips to the dealer with this car. Trouble with power locks, defroster switch, fan switch, window rattles,and rear spoiler filled up with water. The car also has a rattle in the dash.

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  MEH! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By never again - May 9 - 6:36 am

  its a beautiful vehicle with a lot of base options that would make anyone want the car. The build quality is HORRIBLE. I have had it in for service 12 times in the past 2 years and they have not been able to fix anything. The power steer pump has leaked twice as well as a co-worker rented one and and had the same problem. It collects mildew in the window sills and will smell everytime you open the window during the summer. I have been a die hard GM fan for life, but save your money and get something else... this car is JUNK!

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  Amazing car - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By GTOfan - May 9 - 5:56 am

  The GTO is all about the driving experience. Incredible car, comfortable and most handsome interior in class, seats 4. Is a rocket ship with the Corvette LS2. This car has been overlooked by many but is an amazing value.