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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  A surprisingly good family car - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By JI - June 12 - 3:00 am

  Absolutely love this car. This is our primary family vehicle for a family of four and a labrador retriever. The Vibe is a comfortable car to drive and be a passenger in. I am surprised by the amount of backseat room in this car. This car is getting about 35 mpg on the highway, if not more, and it only costs about $40 a week in gas, driving 24000 km a year. Easy to get around the city in and a breeze to park. I would buy another one for sure, cant wait for the 2009 model.

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  Finally A fun affordable car - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By parsalinjr1 - June 9 - 7:00 pm

  I purchased my G8 GT in April and I have to say it was the best purchases I have ever made. This car is fun, and good looking. I have the black with the red on black interior. The performance is top notch!! Who needs a bmw?

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  Could use more poke... - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Tony A. - June 9 - 2:00 am

  My experience with Pontiacs Grand Am has been mixed. While the car is sleek and it has the engine capacity, the 3.4 liter is far too anemic for the GTs perfoemance image. Acceleration from a standing start is OK, but it quickly runs out of breath. This engine is, however, very smooth and reliable. Ride quality is adequate as is handling. In general, a sporty car at a low price. With the generous rebates the car cost less than $16,000.00 new.

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  04 GP GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By blue1 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a 99 GP and liked it so much I wanted another one. I like the idea of having a warranty. I wasnt crazy about having 4 doors, but Im almost over that.

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  the beast - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Bobbie Alexander - June 8 - 1:53 pm

  exterior still in fair condition

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  I hate this car! - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By gonna buy an SUV! - June 8 - 12:00 pm

  okay so i got this car from my grandpa who bought it new in 01 so far is has 203,000 miles on it. so far my brakes are bad my steering has gone .. i cant pay for everything my fuel pump has gone out to. its goes thru gas like monster. there is a glich in my volume on my stereo. the windows dont work. its noisy and uncomfortable and my brakes stick! i hate this car and no one should ever buy anything even like it!!!!!!!!!

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  Grand Am - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By dtott - June 8 - 10:40 am

  Bought this car for our daughter. Dont make the same mistake. Replaced water pump 4 times ($400+ each), alternator ($200), power steering pump (150), and engine ($1300). We kept thinking that would be the end, it never is. Panels inside falling apart. passenger window quit working ($350) (shop told us the arms inside are too weak and bend), moon roof quit working ($??? not fixing any more!).We will never buy a Grand am again, as we have heard from others about their repairs. Too bad it was after we bought the car that we heard all of this. This car was built for the mechanics to stay busy.

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  More than a navy blue toy - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Ben Painter - June 7 - 11:40 am

  We purchased car new with the notion it would a toy for us retired folk. We live mid-way between the Carolina coast and Blue Ridge and soon learned that, despite small size, it is a competent and comfortable. The GXP is equally at home going up steep, curvy grades or cruising flat interstates. It is short on luggage space but, carrying only essentials is a worth- while trade for the fun. First gear is a bit short and abrupt for stop-go traffic. Third is wonderfully long which makes city driving easy. Fourth is good to 65 MPH. The car communicates. Dont look at the tach; listen to engine, feel with the seat of your pants and feet. It will tell you what it likes.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ABayzik - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car! I wish it had more aftermarket support and some extra hp from the factory though. Turns heads constantly. At 45,000+ miles, its only had basic maintenance and the rotors replaced once. Fuel economy could be better but you cant help but speed in this car, so it will suffer. I average anywhere from 20-25mpg. I was leery to buy this car in 99 because it was the first year for the redesign, but it has never disappointed me! Kudos to GM for this one.

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Mark - June 7 - 8:36 am

  We looked all over for a good reliable car. I made the whole deal over the phone, got it for 3600 less than asking price. This is the first Grand Am we ever owned. Only had it for a month and so far its been great. Does have rattle in front-end, replaced the front bushings (recall campain on it.) Not sure what the other noise is, in shop having looked at. Over all performance is great. We have the SE1 with 3.4 V-6. Love this car. I would buy another. So far no major problems, just a little rattle in the front end. Gas mileage could be increased by a few tricks, but thats still coming!