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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  One Nice Car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Robert Gould - April 10 - 9:56 pm

  I have gotten several compliments on this car.I really like it alot, especially compared to the other Grand Ams I own. It definately is fun to drive.It has alot of room for passengers or cargo and love the great mileage as well. The Pontiac G6 looks expensive and has a look all its own.

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  Great car - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Raden - April 9 - 4:53 am

  I bought the car a little over a year now and owning a 93 Grand-Am before this I knew what I was getting my self in to. This car has the 3100 V6 auto. Great pick up. Fuel econ was better then expected. Again and problems were expected including Power windows (GM cant seem to build power windows) and front brakes suck. Better to upgrade with slotted/drilled rotors or face premature rotor ware and constant garage time.

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  30th Anniversary Edition Ram Air - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Simpledlte - April 8 - 10:16 am

  This car is totally awesome. It does everything but talk to me and it drives like a wet dream. Fast, Sporty, mine is bright red. My only complaint is speeding tickets! Owned it two years and all i have had to do is replace a fuse and routine oil changes. This car has embroidered leather power seats and all the whoopty doos you could want.

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  40th Anniversary - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Buster - April 7 - 6:36 pm

  We purchased a 40th anniversary model, which was hard to find, but we were lucky enough to find one at a local dealership. So far we love the car. We compared it to many other models, even the Jag X-type. But dollar for dollar, it seemed like the best value. So far we dont regret that decision. The car has plenty of power (we didnt go with the GTP becuase of the 93 octane gas requirement). This car handles well, accelerates very well and has plenty of interior room. Once we fot used to it, we find the heads up display very useful. Keeps reminding you of your speed. We wouls strongly recommend this car.

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  Amazing Bonneville - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Gerry - April 6 - 10:00 am

  My dad purchased this car new 8/1997. He left the car to me after he passed on in 7/2004 with under 90,000 miles. Ive been driving it since and now has 215,000 miles. It is the best car Ive ever owned. Except for routine maintenance, Ive only replaced the exhaust system, struts and the alternator. It is a shame that GM decided to throw Pontiac under the bus. In the end all Pontiac had were rubber stamped Chevys. Instead, they should have been allowed to develop newer cars.

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  Concerns with Manufacturing - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Steven Lopez - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2008 torrent and have had several issues go wrong with the SUV! My windshield wipers dont work on low speed, Air conditioner went out a few weeks ago, my back door, passenger side does not lock or unlock with auto unlock! These are just a few of things I have had trouble with right after the warranty went out!

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  So far so good - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Relly87 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in March of 2010 and Ive had it for about 6 mos now. There were a few minor problems when I first bought the car, but it was under warranty so fixing it was not a problem (power steering had to be fixed). Everythings been excellent up until 3 wks ago when my check engine light came on and stayed on. I took the car to a mechanic who told me that I needed to replace my gas cap. After I replaced the cap the engine light went off, but came back on a week later. I called the mechanic back and he told me that I may have a leak so thats my next mission. Besides that I love the car; it drives great, turns corners well and I love how fast it accelerates!

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  Best car! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ultra - April 5 - 12:53 pm

  I have owned this car for 3 years and love it! This will actually be the 1st car I am going to pay off and keep! My car has 93,000 miles and nothing is wrong with it!It has been the most reliable car I ever owned! When I pay it off, I will buy another Grand Prix, but it will be a GXP!

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  versatile - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Patricia - April 5 - 11:20 am

  Peppy, manual 5spd trans, excellent acceleration even on steep inclines on open highways, good gas mileage, avg 28mpg city-35mpg highway, easy to maneuver, excellent short-turning range, interior spacious both front & rear for leggy passengers, plenty of head room, comfortable easy to reach for smaller drivers, front and rear seats fold down allowing gracious hauling capacity, excellent versatility as family vehicle seating max5 or camping, garage sailing, etc.

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  Best Little SUV/Wagon Made! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By pattyc - April 4 - 11:03 pm

  We bought this car when it was just a yr old in 2004. It had 36,340 miles. It now has 172,000 miles and still in GREAT Shape! We drive mostly highway miles and enjoyed 30 MPG but got 33 MPG on a recent trip to Ohio. Due to the 6 speed manual transmission and being extremely well maintained. You would be Amazed at what you can haul when the back seats are laidd down flat since the back cargo capacity is Huge! Sister car to the Toyota Matrix at a fraction of the price. I Love this car and would buy a new one but Pontiac is no longer making them thanks to GM. Replaced the brakes once. Alternator Drive Belt in 2006. The starter recently & tires in 2007. Otherwise just changed the oil religiously.