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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  Still going strong - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Silver bullit - February 19 - 11:33 pm

  This is my 2nd grand prix. I had my 1st for 125K. This one has 106K so far and I intend to take it to 130K or so. Just like the last one, the acceleration, handling,braking & traction control have always made me feel confident on the road. Some of the cheapisms are getting on my nerves. The maint record has been good, but not stellar. Outside of reg maint, I have replaced a ball joint, valve cover gasket, rr calipers, intake manifold, hood latch, struts and a few switches, seals & sensors in the 7 years I have had it.

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  Kind of worried about this car... - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tina_2 - February 18 - 6:50 am

  This is my second Grand Prix. I bought a 98 GT new and kept it until 2007 when I purchased this one preowned. Already having some problems with this one though and it has me worried that it will not last until it is paid off. Problems are with brakes & rotors and currently my blower motor is not working, wont know why until it is checked out Saturday. Pretty good gas mileage for the size of the car and enough power to keep me happy.

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  Birthday Gift - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Clark - February 15 - 4:03 am

  So I got this car for my 16 birthday and with 150,000 miles on it. It now has 185,000 miles on it. I love this car because its kinda fast and has great styling. However, it is not practical for me because I commute 40+ miles a day and there for it uses way to much gas I find this to be a very durable car due to the three wrecks in a month span and its still going strong however I cant wait to get a different car hopefully with better gas millage to bad Pontiac didnt work on that

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  Plugged Heater Core - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Robin - February 11 - 6:30 pm

  Ive loved my Torrent. It drives great and looks great. But, Ive had it almost exactly 2 years and the heater stopped working. Per the dealership, Ive got a plugged heater core wich is $400-500 to fix. They also have another Torrent in the shop right now with the same problem. This seems a bit odd to me that 2006 Torrents would start having this problem. Wished it had a 5 year/100,000 warranty. I dont think the 3 year/36,000 covers long enough.

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  G6 GT, its a great car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Dan - February 9 - 7:06 pm

  Ive had my G6 since January and its got almost 20k miles on it. I have had my fair share of problems but for the most part its been great. The major problem is the car doesnt start right most of the time and when you hit 5000+ RPMs the engine screams, literally. Everything else was just small stuff that either got fixed at the dealership or just went away on its own. They need different tires or something, i went to the dealership and they told me the tires need to be replaced within 10k miles, somethings up with that. Anyways the car is a blast to drive, its got every option but the bigger sunroof. Its go really crappy gas milage i found out, im lucky if i get 20mpg.

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  my second pontiac - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bevrobs - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I have been very happy with my 19987 Grand Am SE. It still has get-up-and- go after 112,000 miles! I did have issues with the power windows - had to replace both power window motors. Otherwise, shes been great! I plan to buy another Grand Am, 2004 SE1. Happy driving!

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  Firehawk - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By jhawk - February 9 - 2:00 am

  The Firehawk edition offers excellent performance. The car accelerates extremely well, and the handling is good with the modified suspension. I also like the look of the custom hood. The sound system is excellent for a factory system. My only complaint is that Ive had several major repairs done under warranty, which make me question build quality.

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  Love my GOAT - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By BLKNGRYGTO - February 8 - 10:33 am

  My cruise didnt work and the stop lights stuck on. Turns out the switch was bad. Repaired promptly by dealer. Drives solid and stable with no oversteer or understeer.

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  Fun-to-Drive Affordable 4 Door - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JayBEE - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 GT Sedan with every option. The GTs 3800 V6 is one of the best engines ever built - great low end torque, good gas mileage and legendary reliability. Add a smooth shifting transimission and sure footed handling, this car eats up the road. Overall quality fit and finish is below most imports, but look at the price....its a great value. Besides, after 8 months and 10K miles, I have had zero problems. Looking for a sporty, affordable 4 door that wont break the bank ? Check out the GP.

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  Great Car - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By firebirdnation - February 5 - 5:29 pm

  i actually have the 3.8 firebird w-68 package (ground effects and same trans am wheel/ rim sizes) but you wouldnt think it by they way it looks, handles and performs. I have beaten multiple high end cars and performance cars off the line, down the strip etc such as Corvette Z06 or Camaro z28s. This car is superb. It is my daily driver. Im now at 141xxx and still running strong. Only problem ive had is a small oil leak but thats pretty normal on all cars. Stock the 3.8 push 200hp or so and these cars have tons of potential. Iv added multiple bolt ons (cold air etc) l and full exhaust mods and a performance chip and that alone pushes the RWHP to 380+hp. Phenominal car and handles great too