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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  2005 G6 Gt 3.5 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By brian231 - January 10 - 7:14 pm

  This was the first new car I ever own. I had all the bells and whistles. I drove this car mainly on interstate twice a month to and from work 120 miles each way. In 8 years I put 63,000 on the car 90% interstate. Feul milage averaged 31mpg. It had plenty of power pulling mountains. Car was not good in snow if roads wherent plowed good. Only issue where tires. Went threw multiple sets on rear until I found a good rubber combination. Had issues one time with sunroof leak that dealer fixed without issue. Only replaced brakes once at 50,000. Very good power to pull into traffic at interstate speed. Had radio info center repalced under warranty once.

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  dependable car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mothergoose - January 9 - 2:00 am

  A sporty family car

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  I Love My Sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Sherrona - January 5 - 3:36 pm

  After test driving the Pontiac Solstice (and deciding I wanted the car) I spotted a used rally yellow Sunfire for a third of the price in the car lot. I was sold after just two blocks of the test drive and a year later, I have nothing but great things to say about this car. My only expenditures have been gas and a couple oil changes. You turn the key and the car starts and is the most reliable vehicle Ive ever driven. I recommend this care Sunfire to anyone who wants a reliable, economical vehicle thats fun to drive. Love the sunroof & the stereo (above average). Only drawback is the police love to stop me ---sporty car profiling at its worse as Ive yet to get a ticket!

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  Pontiac Firebird - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By ev - January 3 - 10:00 am

  The car is absolutely beautiful and very fun to drive. I have only had a couple of problems with this car. The running lights have a tendency to burn out very quickly and I have also had problems with the motors in the lights. It does eat up a lot of gas but its worth it. I have had no major engine or transmission problems with the car yet.

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  getting rid - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By bummed2008 - January 1 - 11:56 am

  Well, I wanted to like this thing, because of its character. the interior has good design and fun to drive with decent power. and actually looks good. we loved taking this car to outside events and the kids could sit on the tailgate. here comes the sad part.. at only 40,000 miles we started having major electrical issues that were expensive and battery replacement was $600. now the head gasket or something is having trouble and tranny is slipping up hills.. this car is not a keeper. PS also had electrical issues on a 1999 Grand-Am when it was brand new. wont be buying a Pontiac any more and its a shame because I love how they feel and drive

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  Great but... - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By PM - December 30 - 4:53 am

  I love it - bought it brand new in 07, but its only 2 yrs old with 23K miles & already running like my old 10 yr Chevy Cavalier! So I took it back to dealer for service; whoa, it needed 2 arm controls, a stabilizer and 3 wheel bearing - all still under warranty thank God! I asked them how much life expectancy for this vehicle, and he said that they do keep certain parts in stock for this model. I am very concerned and already considering trading it in.

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  Mini Van Seats For The Birds - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By Big Dog - December 29 - 10:00 am

  The interior seats seem cheap. They are small and poorly made. It appears to be material over cardboard. I have less than 30k miles on an 01 and it seems to be a rattlebox. I should have bought a custom van for big comfort and good ride. Long trips create arm and leg pain???? Something is not placed correctly. I am 511" my wife 52" same for both.

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  No compaints - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By mbryan - December 28 - 10:53 pm

  This is my first car, and it still drives fine. Ive had one odd repair needed, where a brake caliper had to be rebuilt, but thats because i ride the brakes, and i did it to myself. Car handles well, and can give you pick up when you need it. Very logical car, and would suggest to anyone looking for a well-priced quality car. People seem to be complaining a lot, but Im a teenager and mine works fine for me. It isnt a Lexus, dont expect one when you buy it, but its a more than capable alternative. Make sure you rotate tires on time with this one though, seeing as how its FWD, and your front wheels do the majority of the braking. Its a good car, dont let others tell you different.

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  Great RELIABLE car that I miss in so many ways - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By moed88 - December 26 - 3:09 pm

  Mine was 4dr automatic trans. Had for 10 years, 135,000 miles. Bought as a commuter car and I give it 5 stars for that purpose. Fit and finish not so great; and cheesy design cues like the body cladding, chrome hub caps, and spoiler werent necessary. But this car ran like a champ. No fluid or oil leaks EVER and timing CHAIN never failed. Mileage was solid 30s in mixed driving (high 20s with a/c on). Any maintenance was very simple and inexpensive. Tires cheap to replace due to small size. Finally sold it b/c P0440 evap code came up and I decided to put money towards a small SUV (Im very outdoorsy). Great Corolla alternative.

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  My favorite car - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By hawkeye22 - December 25 - 9:29 pm

  I cant afford a BMW or Mercedes like the car magazines want you to, but count me as a Pontiac guy. This is my 3rd one and my 2008 Grand Prix is my favorite car of all time. I got it with 13k mile on it, have 89k on it now. No problems. Lots of horsepower, love the heated leather seats, the tire pressure system has come in handy. Slight hum from the climate control motor (drives my wife nuts, doesnt bother me). Started getting better gas mileage the more I drove it. I thought about trading it in on a 2014 Mustang but I would miss this car too much. Im keeping it for now. (accidentally posted 1rst as comment to another review)