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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  Never again GM - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Russ K. - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Alternator bearing failed(in Warranty) Water pump failed (36000 miles) Engine light on (42000 miles)Was told EGR valve def.but was told could be cleaned ($200)-Fixed. Told engine control module needed replacement. Was told air conditioner comnpressor bearing was failing-should be replaced soon (part cost $687)If bearing freezes belt will jump off, disabling car. Fingers crossed re.intake manifold gasket failure.

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  Beware of sliding door falling off!! - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By NJ Montana owner - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this van for 3 1/2 yrs, 36k. No major problems until the drivers side sliding door fell right off as I went to close it. It was night time and 20 degress and I had a door in my hand. The dealership states the problem was due to excessive rust on the rollers causing rollers and hinge to break . GM states it was our fault because we didnt maintain our doors by having them lubricated every 15k. I have never heard of doors falling off because of lack of lubrication and I dont think a 3 1/2 yr old van should have excessive rust. This was a regular slider (non- powered) If anyone else has encountered this problem, please post it.

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  My Pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jenifer - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a really fun car to drive. My husband and I love it. Its loaded with features and rides great.

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  Drop Top Dream - 2009 Pontiac Solstice
  By Tari - March 19 - 2:50 pm

  Although I have only owned a month and put about 700 miles on it, it hasnt disappointed me yet. I had the power up package added. Now 290 HP and 340 ft lbs torque according to article in Hot Rod. I still get goosebumps when I step it down and look at speedometer, I wont admit what it read! Admittedly going to be a summer ride for me but it will be a GREAT summer!

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  Late MidLife Crisis - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Duke - March 16 - 4:00 pm

  Solstice has the looks! The looks of other current roadsters - only better.

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  This vehicle is a dog! - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Catherine - March 16 - 2:00 pm

  My engine threw a rod through the engine block at only 107K miles. My driver side power window doesnt work, there is a recall on the signals (that only work when they feel like it), and my heater knob broke in half. This is my second Pontiac (the first was an 87 Fiero) and it will also be my last. Im replacing my brakes every 3- 4 months.

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  2004 Pontiac Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mschmehl - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Grand Prix GT1 for about 1 year and I have been very pleased with its performance and comfort. For the cost and value of what I received in my Grand Prix, you could not find a better mid-sized sedan. One complaint I do have is that it does not come with map lights on the GT1 model as standard. Never realized how important a little thing like that can be. Otherwise, I look forward to gettng another one soon.

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  My G6th Sense - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Greg - March 12 - 11:43 pm

  I bought the G6 to replace a 1999 Mazda 626. I also looked at the new Mazda 6 and the Suburu Legacy. The 6 cyl G6 offered much more options then the 4 cyl version of these cars for the same price. It has strong, smooth accelration, tight handling and suspension, and drives like a sport car. The four door is roomy in the front/back and can easily accomodate a family. The panoramic moonroof is huge, and really cool. Overall, a fun car to drive. The only suprise so far is the fuel economy, the sticker says 21-29 but it is more like 20-24. Also, small trunk space and headroom compared to the Mazda 6 and Suburu. It also has more blind spots then other sedans. A great bargin for 20K.

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  the truth - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Tommy DeGrange - March 12 - 2:03 pm

  the car is a fun drive. it couls use a little styling help for the 06 model year. but as for the performance and handling the car meets all my expectations. all in all a good car. has a small problem with tires (i wore off the factory tires in only 30k with very little burn out action)

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  Pretty Strong For The Money - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Sportscarnut - March 11 - 10:20 am

  This is my company car, and I have only had it for a month, but here are my first impressions. The engine is strong (especially above 4000 RPM), and the transmission is the best 4 speed automatic I have ever driven. The ride is reasonably firm for a domestic while not being overly harsh. The interior room is very good for a car in this class, and the exterior styling is fine if not a tad subdued. My only real complaint is the quality of the interior pieces. The door panels and the console are made of inferior quality plastic. It looks like something you would expect to find on a Yugo (pretty bad). Made sure to poke around at the interior before you buy. It is way under Honda/Toyota.