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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  Great Value - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By the_squizz - February 15 - 5:15 am

  I just want to start by saying I love this car. I bought this car with 94K miles for under $5K. I am very handy with a wrench ( I actually used to be a mechanic ), but this car is absolutely horrid to work on in the driveway. It is simply not made to be serviced outside of a professional shop environment. A great car, just be prepared to spend all day for seemingly simple repair jobs OR actually break down and drop it off at a shop for repairs. Other than that, the car is great. I have spent ~$1500 in a year and a half for repairs thus far. Remember, even tho the L67 is bulletproof, the outside accessories and sensors have a shelf life and will fail eventually. This goes for all cars.

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  Great fun car -little things at 6 years - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Charles Low - February 15 - 1:46 am

  I have loved owning and driving this car. Little things at 6 years like transmission sometimes stuck in Park (requiring an easy maneuver with a screwdriver, but still..), radio LCDs malfunctioning. But generally a very good, reliable vehicle, incredible sound system, very tight, responsive handling, low driving position, extremely "sticky" on the road. Some gaskets have needed work. I think the major Asian producers are indeed better for reliability, so its time to switch, but I have really enjoyed this car. I know the GTP is noticeably peppier, but I have never felt short-changed for power in the GT.

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  After 6 months it still seems a good choice - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Terry - February 12 - 10:30 am

  Got a red one in Dec 2006. Looked at the Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd which is what I had before but wanted something a little less to go along with my new retired lifestyle. Looked at others but nothing clicked until I drove the Torrent. Its towing cap. (3500 lb.) is more than adequate for my use and the back opens up to be fairly flat and roomy. It is fairly quick but no flash -- but then my other car is a Bonneville SSEi (turbo). It handles well and corners well -- it feels agile. My wife does not think the seats are that comfortable -- I think they are OK but could be better. I think it will serve its purpose well.

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  Sigh, at least the car LOOKS nice. - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By ashleyxmarie - February 9 - 3:35 am

  Only good thing is the styling and power.Bought it as a "GM certified pre-owned"vehicle going through a 101-point inspection. LIES. Purchased it with 33,000 miles on it. It nwo has 68,000. Since purchasing the car several things have occurred: Valve stems cracked within three weeks of purchase & had to get the car towed because of the flat tire. GM paid for the towing. Alternator went out in one year. Spoiler (YES, the SPOILER) became loose and came off and they didnt cover it. GM customer service a joke! The car randomly leaks in the back when going into a high pressured car wash. Black cloth seats get mysterious irremovable water stains? Sucks in the snow/ rain. Traction control is a joke

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  Minor problems.. - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bond7 - February 7 - 6:30 pm

  i bought this car after i flipped my Saturn. Right after we bought it (from a private seller mind you) the passenger seat stopped sliding forward/backwards (no big deal though), then the drivers side power window motor went out (no big deal), replaced brakes and December of 06 replaced all four tires.. now (04/08) replaced 3 wheel bearings, front brakes, rotor, and belt in the motor.. also, the exhaust was starting to fall off so got that welded back on.. I know it sounds like Im complaining, but Im actually satisfied that the car is 12 years old and hasnt had Major motor problems.. Im only the second owner of the car but I like to drive fast/hard so that could account for some wear/tear!

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  Fun Drive w/rattles - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GT - February 6 - 2:10 pm

  Fun drive! I had a 2000 Grand Prix GT that I loved & traded in at 70,000 mi. The 200HP non supercharged got 20 city- 29 HWY mpg.The 06 260 HP/SC gets 10 city- 24 Hwy,"overall lousy mpg." Dealer cannot get rid of rattles in rear door panel and sunroof.Anyway, I should have kept the 2000.

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  It got a bad rap - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By Mina - February 6 - 9:36 am

  At first I thought it was just plain ugly! Then I drove it and bought it, needing a car NOW. Fun to drive, great U-turns, comfortable, enough features. New engine at 72,000 miles - a piston/cylinder spring broke - but thats the only problem. 26 mpg on trips - really good for the space we had. Seating was good, even used the tent and mattress once (were older). Liked having shoulder belt in middle of back seat. Disgusted that Pontiac/GM didnt have a comparable sized replacement, now in 2007 Rendezvous. Like that, but, again, discontinued.

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  Can You Say Bye Bye? - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By bjferge - February 3 - 5:06 am

  I bought this almost 10yrs ago, and Im still in love. The power, the performance and handling, you can not ask for better. It will blow the doors off on just about the road today. This car aint a childs toy. Seats are great, but dont have a bad back. Hard to get out of.

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  Problems problems problems - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Kempster - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car 3 years now and its been nothing but a headache. Traction control light and ABS sensors have been replaced 2 times and now the lights are back on again. Struts needed to be replaced, intake manifold cracked and there is now a problem with the steering box. Chrome wheels started pitting day one. Fortunately the warranty covered all repairs but the time the cars been in the shop is to much for a 3 year old car with less than 34,000 miles. Cant wait for my company to replace this car, I hope it lasts to October.

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  Slightly Disappointed - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Sad about GP - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I have loved my GP GT. Style,fun,etc. However, after numerous trips to the shop (replaced rotors, tie rods ends,etc. more than once) am getting disappointed fast. Has numerous rattles on the inside and the door panels are not on tight. I hoped this would be a car that would last me 5 -6 years (150,000 - 180,000 miles) but we are getting ready to sell it just because of all of the little problems, rattles and fear of whats next. Wont wont buy another one. Have test driven the new model and it seems to have the same poor interior build problems.