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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  This car is horrible - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Sara Brown - April 30 - 6:50 am

  This car is horrible it has spent more time in the shop than out on the road. Brakes replaced twice, electrical system needed to be re-wired, gears in steering column replaced, and now a problem with the anti-theft system. This car is noisy (rattles) and badly constructed interior (as far as position of instruments). Seats are made of horrible material that does not wear well (single business women who weighs 115 lbs, so drivers seat should not be falling apart). Dealership hates to service car. I hate driving it, cant wait until it is paid off so I can get rid of it!

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  Not the real G - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By St. Lou - April 27 - 5:50 pm

  Wow where do I start? I purchased this on recommendation of a co worker and a test drive. After 2 months had to have the computer replaced. After 6 months two (2) window motors had to be replaced, and the stereo conked out and had to be replaced. At first I enjoyed the ride, thought it was sporty but found out that it was just annoying and rough, very harsh. I used my girlfriends Infiniti G for two weeks (we swapped much to her chagrin) and hers is a lot better ride, etc. \I also had borrowed a friends Ford fusion and that vehicle is a lot better comfort wise. Save your money and buy something else. I did sell it last fall and purchased a used BMW 328 for about same price.

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  GMLEMON - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GMLEMON - April 16 - 1:33 am

  I will NEVER buy another Pontiac! I bought this car used with 35,000 miles and within a few months had to replace the brakes, now I can plan on brakes once a year...eats breaks. Fuel pump blew $$$$$$. Electronic issues caused 5 times towing $$$$$$. Computerized parts only work when they want, several times a month wont start, air works one day next day maybe, maybe not next day yes----same thing with radio lights locks everything! I have but more money into this car than it is now worth. I call it the money pit. I wish I had read these reviews before I bought the car.

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  do you really wanna - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jasdva - April 15 - 1:33 pm

  Sure the cars and everything about them look great, but after so long they end up leaving you stranded. Its all due to the security/passlock system (e.g. the ignition switch and the electrical part of that switch). Read all the post on Edmunds.com about this problem before going out and buying a Grand Am.

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  Dont believe good Grand Am Reviews - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By adn1996 - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Grand Am new. It has had 4 (yes 4) rack and pinions. It has had all 4 window motors replaced 2 times each and now another one is broken. All totalled, my warranty company has paid almost $10,000 in repair bills in 4 years! Not to mention a new transmission, 3 fuel pumps, rotors (recalled). The trim around the windshield keeps coming off. The paint has had to be done on the trunk and wing. What a piece of crap - I dont think I could even give it away at this point - nobody would want it.

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  Car does not last but cost - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By I drove 10 cars - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have purchased this CERTIFIED Grand AM SE2 V6 from local dealer 11/02, today is 8/03, I needed to fix breaks, rotors, battery, lights, alternator, temperature sensor and wires, struss, signal switches, break lights and other little things. Each time I got an oil change, it cost me more than 500 or more. The performance of this car is only average even though it has a "V6" engine. It eats up the gas like there is no tommorrow and things are falling apart while you trying to accellerate. Dont depend on your break it does not stop on a dime. Go for a toyota!

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  Save your Money - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By unhappy buyer - February 15 - 7:13 pm

  I have had to alternators installed, both front stabilizer bars installed, power rear window bracket installed, does not have a lot of power to get onto the freeways. The air conditioning does not work all the time, it cuts in and out ( more out than in ) in traffic, better to open the windows. I have been a GM buyer for a long time but after this one I think I will change.

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  Junkyard Special! - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jessica - January 6 - 7:30 pm

  I bought this car for $6995.00 in 2007. Within the first 3 days I had the car, the computer went out on it. A few months afterwards, my transmission started messing up. After that, it blew a head gasket. Then the power-steering went out. Then whatever turns the belt under the hood blew up. This car is a piece of junk, and Pontiac should be sued for all they are worth!

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  Dont waste your money - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Mr Bill - December 28 - 11:53 am

  This is a very poorly built car. This car has only 35k and I have a list of problems as long as my arm. Brakes shimmy bad, steering column squeaks, roof rattles (this isnt even a sunroof car), dash is already warped and buckling, cruise control quit working, engine leaks oil and looks like a ball of grease from below, one wheel bearing went bad, front bumper keeps poping out under the headlights, lots of wind noise, windshield wipers are oddballs and cost a fortune. This car was babied and as soon as the 30k warranty was out everything just started falling apart. Last, this car has no trade in, or resale value. It isnt worth half of what I paid for it. Now I cant even trade it off.

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  This is crap from a lemon! - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By Mike - December 16 - 1:36 am

  We bought it with 50,000 km on it and in the first month the brakes had to be done and the heater fan went. Very uncomfortable if your over 6. Cloth seats stain badly, nice whistle sound at freeway speed, 20,000 km later brakes are gone again, tranny hesitates, slider doors dont close properly, center fold up consul was thrown out the first day, ext. trim falling off, electronics malfunctioning on a regular basis.