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 vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By santos i sanchez - March 29 - 10:00 am

  is a very fun vehicle to drive with a lot of space for the entire family.

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  2004 pontiac grand prix gt2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dpkoszyk - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Just thought I would drp in revview for the 2004 pontiac grand prix gt2. Since day one when i started looking for a new car i was looking at buying another pontiac.So i went to the selling dealer of my last 4 pontiacs and got some quotes on prices for the 04, the prices were not bad at all.Have not had any problems with the car since day one and it runs pretty good just wish there was a little more pep . Other than that I have taken it on long trips and it is comfortable for me and my family.I have hauled wood in it with the front seat folded down(very nice feature).Other than that thats about it.I would not hesitate to buy another one .

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  A Troubled Car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By John623 - March 28 - 1:30 pm

  This was a "GM certified" car, with @ 27,000 miles on it. The "change oil" light was on, 1 headlight had condensation in it, the tires all had different pressure, and the intermittent wipers didnt work - so much for "certified". This was all fixed with a smile by the dealer. At 30,300 miles, the lower intake manifold gasket and water pump were leaking. Again - all fixed with a smile. At 32,900 miles, the lower intake manifold gasket was again replaced, and due to a "hot start" problem diagnosed as low fuel pressure the fuel pump was replaced. Again - all fixed with a smile. Overall. It drives well, smooth relatively quiet and comfy, and good stereo. Extended warranty a must!

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  PLEASE DONT BUY THIS CAR - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By MariaVega - March 28 - 1:33 am

  Had to replace battery twice in less than three years, turns out passlock problem was draining my battery, car leaving me stranded at any time, Passlock problem, driver side window not working, cosmetic falling apart, rearview mirror fell. Please do yourself a favor if you are looking for reliable, getting to work or taking kids to school this is not reliable, if you start having PASSLOCK problems better pray is paid off so that you can get rid of this. I work so hard pay my car on time, do the maintenance and yet it fails me. Shame on you GMC, stop putting passlock on this cars! Never again will buy any GMC product. Own a 97 sunfire, never had this much problems!

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  Excellent Car! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Speed Racer - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Super fast! Nothing short of a genuine sports car with a semi-skilled driver can consistantly keep pace once you drop the pedal. Cruises effortlessly at speeds over 80 mph, and even at that speed there is still plenty of power for passing. On a lightly traveled backroad, I ran it up to 120 mph and it was still pulling hard by the time I lost my nerve. Gets 18 mpg around town, but a respectable 30 mpg on the freeway. This engine likes premium fuel. Handling is very good, but suspension could be firmer. Interior trim is fairly low grade, fit-and- finish could use some work. Overall, an excellent ride.

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  1998 Bonneville - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By JoeB. - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I have the standard model (SE), purchased as a lease-end car. I have seen some horrible reviews for this car, and I know a lady whose tranny went out over 90,000 miles. I have to say, though, that my car has been one of my all-time favs. It rides well, handles well, has adequate power, is reliable every day. It has 103,000 miles on it, still going strong.

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  Why did I buy this car?? - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By lrudd - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car before I checked safety rating and I would never buy another because of it - what was GM thinking?? The car is generally ok - but I hate having to sink money into a car that is less than 2 years old - had to replace fuel sender already and $75 for emission updates?? What is that all about? One good thing it gets great gas mileage.

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  Great Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By C.E.White - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Grande Am my first was a 99 4dr SE1 wich was totaled in a multi- car accident. After my wife and 2 children both under the age of 2 walked away from the crach without so much as a scratch or bruise we decided we would only buy another Grande Am. We got a bit of an uprgrade buying a GT and i have been thrilled with the car to this day. I would recomend this car to anyone. It has a great price for what i can dicribe only as a great family spaorts car.

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  Too Hot - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Brotzy - March 27 - 7:16 am

  This car is a blast to drive. Everyone stares at you like you are driving a spaceship. Never get tired of driving this car. Stereo is awesome. Speaker behind passenger seat will rock you for sure. Im 57 and feel 16 when I get behind the wheel. The car is my wifes so I only get to drive on weekends. Should by another for me.

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  Good Van Amazing - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By G Unit - March 27 - 1:40 am

  This mini van has only one problem so far and thats the abs. Its a family van and is extremely stylish. I love it. I also own a Honda Sienna and sv6 kills it