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:

• 

  GREAT CAR, POOR ENGINE COMPONENTS - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Scott Loney - December 2 - 8:23 pm

  I have owned my Grand Am for over two years and have had no mechanical issues until now (car has 34,750 miles on it).The problem is the intact manifold is poorly constructed. The bolts that hold the system together work loose over time, causing the intake manifold gasket to come apart and engine coolant to leak out. This is a known problem with GM 3.1 and 3.4 liter engines, yet GM refuses to design a new intact system to correct this issue. It is a somewhat expensive repair ($700 to $800). Fortunately, mine was covered under warranty. So owners beware!!! If you see or smell engine coolant, you have an idea of what your repair most likely will be. Aside from this problem, car is great!

• 

  aztec lover - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By jan kaiser - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive enjoyed my Aztec enough to by another one. Its the perfect size for my needs. Drives like a mini van w/o the extra size and is much more sporty.

• 

  fine little car - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By dick purnell - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Best buy I ever got in a car. Paid about $11,000 and never had a problem with the car. Gets 36 mpg on the highway. easy to drive and handle.

• 

  Decent Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 3800 V6 - November 29 - 11:50 pm

  I bought this car because it was cheap and had the 3800 engine. I have had Bonnevilles and LeSabres and love this motor! Very glad they put it in a sportier car like the GP. Ive had it for two months and Ive had to replace the EGR valve because it kept stalling and an o2 sensor, but this is why I got it cheap! The car rides GREAT, even at 85 MPH and Im sure it could do more but I shouldnt abuse it any harder--it has 145,000 miles! Some worry about 100,000 miles--these cars will run forever. Really. But they do have some issues that arise; make sure you maintain them. One morning I couldnt get it out of park--took the console apart and tied the stupid shifter button down.

• 

  Like mine for now - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Roj - November 27 - 4:06 am

  Vehicle 2006 Pontiac G6 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A) Review 1) I have also had my G6 for almost 3 years and at around 63K I too had the issue where the transmission lips/jerks sometimes when it switches gears. Interesting enough, Ive also had two(2) Grand Ams before this car that had the exact same problem of which would happen randomly.Needless to say i was very very disappointed when it started happening to the G6 especially when the warranty has also just expired. Although they were able to fix the problem ($600.00 later , most of it labor),history has taught me that its just a matter of when it will happen again .

• 

  Love this vehicle:-} - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RAMS - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Thusfar, the only negative experience I have had are window rattles and the poorly designed trunk webbed gate which rarely holds items in place.

• 

  Nice Car, But Poor Comfort - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By James - November 27 - 12:30 am

  I bought this car used a couple of months ago and although I like the styling, the seat comfort is horrendous. Do yourself a favor and only buy 2003 and newer as the seats were redesigned and are far superior. Ride quality is good and fuel economy is 26 MPG with mostly highway. Overall, Im happy with the car, but am buying new seats.

• 

  knock on wood (cant complain) - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cant complain - November 26 - 5:03 am

  I have seen some of the reviews and have to say that either the only people giving the reviews are people who have had probs or im extremely lucky. Bought my 01 GP SE 2 years ago with almost 28k on it and now have 70k on it. Only prob was computer needed reset while still under warranty, new radio fuse. Ive had no major issues thankfully. I have had some noise occasionally when I start the car which hasnt been figured out but never had a prob starting the car. Gas mileage seems to be getting a little worse with age/more mileage. Piece holding glove box up when opened broke so now it falls out sometimes when opened. Thats it...minor at best. I would suggest this car for sure!

• 

  Good 1st car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Brad - November 24 - 7:46 am

  I bought the car new in 02 and have put 54000 miles on it with few problems. Windshield leaked, which warranty covered. Since then I have had to replace 2 wheel bearings and the brakes squeak since theyve been changed. My mechanic says there is nothing they can do to fix that but theyve had that problem with most of the Grand Ams they fixed. Overall it has been a very good car for my 1st car out of college. It runs good and looks good for the money.

• 

  A real Import Intimidator - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Eddy - November 21 - 1:26 am

  I purchased this GT version being less than one year old at a great price. This car has solid feel with no lack of power when required. The interior design is comfortable with all the treats of leather, sunroof and power seat. I enjoy the ride on 17" tires as it handles well. I came from a Grand AM GT and this feels much better. I went on twisty roads on my way skiing and it was awesome, power to come out of corners on the uphill. You dont need to push this car as it comes on easy. I have had imports before and the 4 bangers dont do it. The V6s are over priced and limited supply. The fit and finish is top notch.