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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  Tampamans 98 GT - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By david johnson - February 6 - 4:13 pm

  I just turned 145 K on the clock and keeps going. Replaced the alternator. Now it leaks oil, water and the air is out. However, it is 9 years on the road and high milage. I plan to replace it in a few months so just nursing along. I wish they made a 2 door Grand Prix would buy another. I hope to get a hardtop solstice if they will make it. Overall, been very pleased with the car.

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  OK , But not great! - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By SeniorSooner - February 5 - 6:06 am

  Bought this vehicle new. Replaced water pump at 17000 mi, replaced ABS system at 38000 mi. Replaced tie rod ends, brakes at 52,000 mi. Replaced right rear window power motor about 55,000 mi. Radio has a mind of its own sometimes. Steering column continuously makes clunking noise when turning. GM says it needs to be serviced, but OK/safe to drive with the noise. Overall, Ive spent less than $2000 out of pocket in 6 years. Engine and transmission seems to be the best part of this vehicle.

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  Great Design But Cheap Parts - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bob M. - February 4 - 3:20 am

  I could not recommend the 2001 Grand Prix. I bought this 2001 Grand Prix Prix GT Special edition after Owning a 1998 Bonneville. I wanted to upgrade to a sportier car, but still needed four doors. I really liked the design and options--it is pretty much loaded but soon experienced many problems. At 35,000 when I bought the car the steering rack had to be replaced. At about 45,000 wheel bearings started to go. Three so far. Along with both front coil springs breaking--one of them twice(GM parts),tie rods, etc. I don`t mind replacing brakes (even those wear out too fast) and normal wear parts, but these other parts should not wear out so fast. The car always starts and the handling is fine.

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  Good value - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Kevin - February 2 - 12:23 pm

  Gutsy little 4 banger. Ive driven 80 mph with the a/c on and gotten just shy of 30 mpg. Good highway driver. Comfortable driver seat, I like the tilt/telescope wheel. I have long legs and short arms, so it allows me to get a good position. Great stereo. More room than expected in the back seat. Trunk has room in it but bad fit for golf clubs.

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  Good car but needs a recall for steering - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Jim - February 2 - 10:46 am

  Car has plenty of power whenever needed. Gas mileage is consistantly at 28 MPG highway & 22 MPG city. Would recommend if steering problem fixed.

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  For the dad who still likes excitement - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Snitz - February 1 - 6:36 pm

  I bought it new and got a 7/100K warranty that pd for itself. Great mileage and fun to drive. Typical American maintenance. That is why they lose their value quickly. But I knew this going into the deal. No serious problems with car. I think a fifth gear would be nice and a little more grumble from the exhaust. An aftermarket battery should be made available. As of now, you go to the dealership. It is either all or nothing with the stereo system too. Modular aftermarket components would be a nice option for upgrades. The leather is not up to Toyota standards and they do get hot in the summer. More front passenger leg room. The dash lights up like a cockpit (really like that!).

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  G6 Base with 3.5L - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By nater - January 28 - 8:26 pm

  Base G6 with V6 package, sun and sound, and convenience package. Overall I am happy with it. Owned for 15 months/28000 miles so far and only one problem -- steering gear was replaced after 3 months of ownership when it started leaking. Comfortable for long trips, plenty of power (low end torque), and low road noise. Engine is well muffled unless you open it way up.

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  Good for commuting - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By willie - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Put 150K miles on it. The Transmission had to be rebuilt at 102K, after that it never shifted smoothly. Replaced Power Steering Booster Hose at 140K. Rides better with Gabriel Struts and 94T Speed Rated tires. Overall reliable, not the best ride or most comfortable but very good gas mileage and the Quad 4 (16 valves) engine never missed a beat and has good power for passing on the freeway, however is a bit noisy.

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  Maintenance - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cpuuri - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Overall, Ive been pretty satisfied with my Grand Prix, but its reliability has been disappointing. Always - rear bushings produce a slight grinding noise on sudden/bumpy stops 30k - power steering broke down when making a tight turn in a parking lot 40-45k - gas gauge started acting up; every 3-6 months, the stereo display scrambles 55-60k - alternator went bad; friend had same prob around same mileage 70k - seal around the oil pan leaks at the rate of 1/2 qt every 3k mi.

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Bill - January 22 - 12:06 am

  I have had this car for about 7 months now and it is the most fun car I have ever owned. It is bright red and handles like a dream. Strangers approach me often asking me questions or complimenting it.