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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  The GTO that could - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By TrueBlueGTO - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I feel the new GTO is incredible. Yes, the new GTO marketing doesnt hold a candle to those of the 60s. True, its the first GTO w/o a Hurst shifter and hood scoop. But have the naysayers driven this thing? Apparently not. It goes like no factory GTO before it has and has more features than Bonnevilles (minus OnStar, moonroof, and heated seats). Standard. More would have embraced it had dealers not been greedy w/$5000 premiums. Yes, I long for trunk space. I have had a few oddball glitches occur, but overall I love it. Nothing bites my backside more than people who gripe about things they havent even taken a moment to firsthand experience. Before you base an opinion on it, drive it.

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  better than you think! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By DJ2832 - June 6 - 7:16 am

  Just purchased this G6 GT used with 31,000 miles. Still has factory warranty (which is good because its used) So far so good! Have yet to hear any squeaks or rattles. The ride is smooth and the steering is responsive. Comfortable seats, with good side support. I LOVE the engine. Its a 3.5 liter V6 and it provides a lot of pep! The exterior styling is classy, yet sporty. The monsoon stereo sounds great. My only gripe is the interior build quality. There is too much hard plastic, and the doors sound very cheap when you open and close them. Some switches and controls are loose or seem very fragile. Also, the shifter feels cheap going in and out of gear. Lack of cargo space for storage too.

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  Dont know - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By hartman - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This car has been very dependeble for me. I enjoy my car very much.

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  01 blue gt - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By bryan phagan - May 29 - 10:00 am

  i have a 01 bought in Oct. 2000 and love it.....

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  A Reliable Cheap Car - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Luke - May 29 - 9:33 am

  This car has been more than dependable. It has held up through 3 teenagers, a papaer route, pizza delievery, and everything in between. My only complain is the suspension. It just isnt right. it edge wears tires like no other and there is nothing you can do. The Strut bearings go bad super fast, but the ball joints and tie rod ends hold up. Very Dependable. it has never left me stranded. I have has the car a long time, and it has 135k on it, still runs like a champ. been child abused, and killed with miles, hardly ever maintenance it, and its still a good car. For the price, you almost cant beat it, other than insurance. Sport Coupe. I Recommend this car to anyone needing a cheap ride.

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  2003 gp limited edition - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mkpolley - May 24 - 10:00 am

  ive had 3 other g.ps 87,99,and 2003 never had a problem with any of them. this is the first gtp i have had, good looks with the limited edition package.if you have the extra 2000$. very fast and good rebates. got a 30,000 car for 23,000.

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  Bad Almost All Around - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By native - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is sooo much fun to drive - when it wants to drive. I had it for five years and spent at least half of what I paid for it (bought it used)in repairs. Tons of electrical problems: windows dont go down, doors dont lock, lights just shut off on dark highways...Then it had this problem where it needed to rest after being driven. Wed have to pop open the hood and let the car cool off for an hour before it would feel like starting again. Oh, then the power steering went. Repaired it. Went again. Repaired it. Went again. It ate alternators... But because I loved the drive so much, Id still buy a 2004 and chance it.

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  I feel sorry for those other moms - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By ahtoone - May 24 - 10:00 am

  For someone who never wanted a minivan, I sure cant live without mine! I researched them all. The Montana extended was the only one (at the time) to have 8 seats that can all be moved around. The engine and all the major parts have never had to be serviced. The brakes wear out fast and the cup holders broke right away. The rubber seals on the doors keep rotting out even though I keep my van in the garage! The kids seat belts have been replaced twice. Overall Im VERY happy with the van. Its dependable and the important parts have always run well. Its roomy, comfortable, and with the suspension package upgrade, it drives like a sedan, not a van.

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  Brake Eater - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Minnesota Bound - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This car was a 2000 at the end of the model year. First 250 miles, complete change out in transmission. Sun Roof has never sealed correctly. On my 4th set of front brakes in 57k miles. Switched to Ceramics…expensive, but seem to last longer with out the black front tires. Trunk lid leaked until missing gaskets replaced. Radio is better suited for AM only. On the plus side. Not you fathers Bonneville. Performance on the SLE is surprising. Gas mileage, outstanding. Feels like you are flying a jet at night with all of the gages and computers. Power drivers seat a must on this car. Great handling with correct tires in the snow and ice.

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  Great middle of the road car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By kas652 - May 21 - 3:50 pm

  I purchased my 2007 G6 used with 24,000 miles on it. Ive had it for 3 months and am very satisfied with the car. I have no serious complaints to report. It is not a luxury car by any means, but it is a step up from a corolla or sentra, while not costing much (if any) more. Overall, a great car for the price!