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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  nice for the price - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Todd F - December 5 - 10:23 pm

  Ive only driven my Sunfire about 1200 miles, but so far, its been nearly perfect. After I cashed in GM card earnings, I only paid $5800 for it, so I cant really complain about anything. However, I do think the seats are worth mentioning. Even in such an inexpensive car, the fabric is unbelievably cheap. 1200 miles and the drivers seat is showing considerable wear. I have to get some seat covers soon. Aside from that, however, I love it.

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  bad situation - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By streetside56 - December 4 - 10:08 pm

  we have a 2002 bonneville sle its the best car my dad has owned but recently we have had some major problems. first off it started shifting hard we thought nothing of it until it started jerking when you accelerate. a little after that it started dying at street lights in the middle of traffic.we have replaced the coil packs and everything any help would be greatly appreciated.

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  VIBE - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By JAMES THURSTON - December 3 - 2:00 am

  IN COLD WEATHER LOTS OF RATTLES FROM DASH.

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  THnx GM Signed Japan - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By axestrum - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Well Typical Gm,60,000 and the Radiator fluid is in the oilpan,replaced the water pump also,have towed this american built gem home with my 1993 130000 mile Nissan Pu more than once,potential great car,just needs to be designed and built in Japan,BYE BYE GM!!!!!

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  Best used car for my money - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Andrew A - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 92 Bonneville after meeting a real estate agent who has owned the $60K Corvette, a Lexus, a Mercedes, 2 BMWs, and 2 Bonnevilles (SE and supercharged SSEi). He said that of all of the vehicles he has owned, he likes the Bonneville best. I can see why. He did comment that he preferred the SE for its smoother ride. After the 92 Bonneville I upgraded to a 98 SE. I rented a 2000 once & just didnt like it as much as the 98. I love my 98. I bought an SUV recently & prefer the Bonneville. So far, no mechanical problems in the 35K miles Ive had it. Im no featherfoot on the accelerator, either.

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  NICE RIDE - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By DARKITEC - December 3 - 2:00 am

  My only complaint is the manual trans skip shift feature. Its not the easiest thing to get used to Ive been shifting 1,3,5 for years. Im hoping that someone dosent run into the back of me while Im struggeling to find a usable gear.

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  Like a G6 ;) - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By clasokel89 - November 30 - 11:44 am

  Ive owned my 3.5L G6 V6 for two years now and bought it with 41,000 mi on the od, it now has 72,000 mi. The only problem Ive had drivetrain wise were a 2 month old set of Bosch Platinum 4-post spark plugs failing me one after another (wouldnt recommend them). I average about 21.5 mpg due to mostly stop and go but at low traffic times I get about 18 city and bested 31 hwy on a trip from Tx to WI with family. At about 65,000 mi the steering started clunking due to the intermediate steering shaft which I had replaced and the rear passenger side door lock stopped working, other than that Ive had no problems with the car. Its quick when you need to blast onto the highway 0-60mph in 6.2sec

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  Get One If You Can - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By GXP_CraZy - November 29 - 7:33 pm

  It was definitely worth the wait. This is the best performing car for the money out of the box. Great road trip car and when you get tired of cruising, grip the wheel and mash the pedal. If you can latch on to one you wont be disappointed. An aftermarket exhaust really wakes the beast and gives it a much more respectable tone.

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  Great ride - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mark - November 28 - 8:56 am

  Car Is the greatest in this class. Preformance is mind blowing. I have never driven a car in this class with this much power. Extras are just right. handles like a true sports car.

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  Pontiac GP 5 year owner - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By David - November 28 - 3:26 am

  This car has been rock solid and very reliable. The only maintenance items (besides oil changes) have been replacing the battery at 65k, tires at 55k, and front brake pads at 60k. This car has good acceleration, and has averaged 22 – 25 mpg in stop and go freeway traffic. The best gas mileage I got was 32 when we were heading back from vacation and had a tank full of Nevada gas. It has plenty of room for 4 adults and a child in the middle.