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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  Great car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Brian in Dallas - August 15 - 7:26 pm

  Ive owned my G6 3 years now. Purchased a fully-loaded GT with leather, panoramic roof, chrome wheels, etc. Closing in on 66k with nothing but routine maintenance. Daily driving is highway driving in Dallas rush hour 22 miles each way and average 29 mpg. Extended trips average 32 mpg as long as I stay below 70 mph. Panoramic roof is great in spring/fall.

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  If you didnt get one, you lost out - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By rag - August 15 - 5:23 pm

  I love my 06 GTO. I currently also have a 67 GTO which I have owned over 30 years. I use the new one as a daily driver and find it to be extremely comfortable. My average gas mileage is about 15 which I dont think is too bad. It goes up a lot on the highway. I love the looks of this car. The people who were turned off because it didnt have the "retro" look lost out. I was thrilled by its looks. Who wants to spend this kind of money to have a car that looks like its 30 years old. The drivetrain is spectacular. Getting in the back seat is difficult but I have had myself and 3 others in the car on several occasions. I am leasing it and am planning on buying it at the end of the lease.

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  I HATE IT! - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By Austin - August 14 - 5:40 pm

  I co signed on it for a family member, they fell on hard times and I now make the payments. The van is a LEMON! I have had nothing but problems with the wipers freezing in mid air, intake gaskets, sounds like a freight train, Traction Control sounds like a dying animal, power doors dont work, it sways, and its sluggish. It is a Beautiful looking van, but it cant be trusted. I have a special edition fully loaded but most of the features dont work. I have a 2005 Rendezvous which I really love. I will never take over payments for a family member again.

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  Great car! - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By magslena - August 14 - 2:53 am

  This car has been surprisingly good. I was looking for a sporty yet cheap car to take me to school and back. I absolutely love the power, it has a great get-up and go, it doesnt lag behind like other similar models. The GT style and model is what makes the Sunfire.

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  Fun car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dangerxx - August 13 - 2:40 pm

  i loved this car. the only problem we had was the transmission went at about 130K. but this is a great car. its big enough for a family of 4. its pretty quick. and its fun to drive. ours got totaled last year cause some idiot hit it, and i still miss it.

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  Best all around car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bobby - August 13 - 2:16 am

  Recently purchased a GT2 and I would not trade it for the world. This car is quick and quiet. It will get you to where you need to go and looks good while doing it. It also will save you a load of cash in fuel. I highly recommend this car to any consumer.

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  Decent Car, has some repairs - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tito12384 - August 12 - 3:16 am

  This car was pretty good to me. Bought it off my brother with 97k, who bought it 2 years before with 70k. Overall was a great looking car until I totalled it (just over 104k). When I bought it, I had to replace the fuel tank, which had a leak. Then found a rusted hole in the firewall, which was a pain to fix. Never had electrical problems. My brother had to replace the fuel injectors shortly after he bought it, and ever since then it kind of hesitated when first started. After about a minute it was fine. Has good acceleration for a 4 cyl. Fun to drive. The ets button definately needs to be in a better place, very easy to hit with either hand or knee.

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  Grand Prix GTP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Sheila - August 10 - 10:33 pm

  Car is fun to drive; many of the options I didnt really think I needed, but now love them. Particularly the supercharged engine. However, am disappointed in the size (too small) and ride - not the soft, cushy ride I am used to in other GM products. Overall, am happy with car.

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  Is this a joke? - 2009 Pontiac G3
  By HUMMER OWNER - August 10 - 1:40 pm

  So i have a new 09 Hummer and due to the deteriorating economy the dealership has the G3 as their loaner fleet. Not a big deal since I anly (cross my fingers) have to drive this thing for a few days... Honestly GM rebadging a DAEWOO is about as lame as watching TV without TiVo... how can you people say that you like this gocart with a straight face??? its slower than molasses in winter, about as much sind noise as a motorcycle doin 90 the AC is horrible the seats belong in a john boat, this thing reminds me of cheap toys made in china - when you buy them new do they come in a box with crappy assembly instructions and plastic tools??

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  Pretty decent car - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jamie - August 9 - 8:26 pm

  I received this car in mid-2006 and have had it ever since. It just hit 200,000 miles and has still kept going (knock on wood!) I am pleased with the way it has held up. I drive an average of 25,000 miles each year so I am pretty hard on cars.