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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  GMC 3.1L & 3.4L V6 ENGINE/INTAKE MANIFO - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By jmerc - January 25 - 2:00 am

  ENGINE DESIGN FLAW: GMC 3.1L & 3.4L V6 ENGINE/ INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET***** GASKET ALLOWS ANTIFREEZE TO GO INTO OIL CAUSING AT MINIMIUM REPLACEMENT OF GASKET. BUT GOES UNDETECTED CAUSING ANTIFREEZE TO ACT LIKE GLUE THROUGH OUT YOUR ENGINE. CAUSES ENGINE FAILURE. THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS DAMAGE!! GMC AWARE OF THIS FLAW. REFUSES TO HELP CUSTOMER WITH COSTS OR WARN OF PROBLEM. check for recalls and complaints. DOT auto safety hotline with U.S. dept. transportation. nhtsa.dot.gov/hotline/ GMC could warn customers and help them avoid costly bills.

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  Another GM Loser - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Garry - January 23 - 8:33 pm

  We have had this car for just over 2 years. Ever since we hit 34,000 miles we have had security system (Passlock) failures. The car has left us stranded 3 times and required being towed to the dealership. We purchased the overpriced additional warranty at time of purchase....and Im sure we will get our moneys worth in GM repairs

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  Not reliable at all!!! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Drive it - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is a piece of crap!!! GM knows this car is crap and will settle suits. Within 20K miles this was replaced: tires, full brakes, intake manifold gasket, all fuel injectors, fuel pump, fuel sensor, turn switch, window regulator, power steering pump, and belt. It might be fun to drive but it will be in the shop all the time… and that’s no fun. I have heard that the newer models are even worse. GM produces throw away cars.

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  Zero Quality - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cdubcols - January 18 - 8:36 pm

  Ive had my Grand Am for 2 years now and the drivers seat has broken, the timing chain broke and I had to have the engine rebuilt, the struts rattle, the wheel covers rattle, there have been several electrical problems... serious lack of quality. No foreign car would be on its second engine at 63k.

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  Going back to foreign - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Disgusted - December 26 - 2:20 am

  This car is by far the biggest loser Ive ever purchased. Problems started at 28K miles and continue today: Cloudy headlight lenses, rear window motor, rear window motor switch, 2 alternators, steering rack, oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, heads up display, stereo display (twice), water pump, front hub bearing, windshield seal coming out, rear window exterior trim coming off. You might think Im just a person that doesnt take care of a car, but Im a maintenance and detail fanatic! Thought Id be a good American but shame on me, Im going back to foreign. Actually, no...shame on Detroit and the overpaid CEOs that allow crap like this to be sold to Americans! My Toyotas never did this!

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  2006 Pontiac G6 GT 4dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By tb24336 - December 23 - 10:16 am

  My car leaks all the time. I had to replace new front brakes and front roators already twice. I have own the car less than 2 years!! When I turn my left wheel it makes a odd clicking noise. Also, when putting the car in reverse. The shifter gets stuck!!

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  2006 AWD - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By nhollins - December 14 - 1:23 am

  My new Vibe replaces a 12 year old Sunbird. I thought the 1.8l engine would be a headache on the freeway. Surprise for me ! The rpms are only at 3200 to go 130km/hr. The 4 valve/cylinder is the only way to go ,to make a sensor controlled engine function to its best. I had TrimLine install a hoodshield thats 24" wide ; 1/2 way up the hood. I had a 74 Corolla that ran troublefree for 10years. So as soon as i found out the Vibe had a Toyota motor , i ordered a new Vibe. What a happy newcar owner i am, considering this is the 1st vehicle bought without even a testdrive !

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  Buy Something Else - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jayrod - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I totaled my 97 Camry and needed a car fairly fast, saw it, liked it, bought it. Fit and finish is pathetic, there is plenty of horses when I need them, however that comes at a fuel premium. Window motors, window switches, cup holder broken from normal use, Drivers window regulator, all had to be replaced. Leather is complete junk, sure if you dont sit in it, it lasts. I am meticulous with my car maintenance, however the engine makes ticking noise, burns oil, and the breaks squeek constantly, even when they are new. Its a shame Detroit cant figure out how to build a car like the Japanese, the Sweeds or the Germans. Im selling for a new Volvo.

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  A G6 with some miles on it - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By vortec442 - November 30 - 2:10 pm

  I looked at several cars and with gas climbing the G6 seemed to have good power and a good fuel mileage. It lives up to all that. Biggest problem is the electric steering is going out and dealers are scratching heads trying to fix it (I have been to 2 dealers 3 times) engine is making some noise when cold and loosing a little power.Interior parts are cheap with a few cracks and breaks.If the car can be fixed this is still a peppy little car with a great price tag, that turns heads a carries a great 5year, 100,000 mile warranty. Prior I owned a Grand Am, very similar. Also very roomy. My father is 62" 300+ and rides in here no problem

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  3rd Pontiac Bonneville - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By niles - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and comfortable. Loyal to Bonneville until now. Disappointed in overall quality. Too much interior plastic. To date: trouble with the driver window and fluid leakeage. Dealer is fabulous and warranty covered repairs, but am worried about what the future holds for this car.