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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  My GTO - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By mike. queens NY - December 1 - 9:53 pm

  I bought my gto about a year ago, I passed the dealership and saw her parked out front so I stopped and decided to look a little closer. As Im looking at her the salesperson comes out and asked me if I ever drove one. I said no, few minutes later he took a copy of my lic, gave me a dealer plate and tells me come back in like an hour or so. After about 20 mins of driving it I knew I was keeping her. Im 6 ft3 I thought the car was very roomy for a coupe. And not to mention the power and torque, I missed having a v8. The next day I picked up my new car.

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  I love it! - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Cyrad2 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the car for 3 years now. I drive it everyday. I get comments on it all the time, and the best part is wiping the smiles of the pansies driving mustangs. Great bang-for-buck car. I cant wait to trade up to a T/A!

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  dream car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ambtuckr - December 1 - 2:00 am

  this car is the best on the market, I do believe so myself!

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  I love my grand prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mark61500 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Would love to get a new one every year

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  overall approval - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fairminded - December 1 - 2:00 am

  vehicle has had no flaws ..this is my third , each one iis better than the last

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  The 04 Grand Prix is a hit! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mesag75 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The car is stylish and fun to drive. Fuel economy depends on your driving style, if you drive repsonsibly the rewards are there with great mileage for a vehicle of this size. The car is quick and responsive. I feel very safe when I am driving this car. I get comments all the time on how people love the new styline of the Grand Prix. I believe Pontiac has a hit with this redesign. Thus far any minor issue has been resolved with ease from my Pontiac dealer. Kudos go to the dealer for being so easy to work with and honest. I wish I had gotten On- star.

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  Great car overall - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By HazeConstruction - November 30 - 10:00 am

  The car is great. Its been to Florida several times. Its much more fun and comfortable to drive than a Cadilac Seville. Ive had to replace the passenger window motor ($150) and the shift column assembly ($325) in the five years Ive owned it. Brakes and tires are worn fairly quick. Its well worth the little extra surprises in my book!

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  Go Wide or Go Home! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By msahai77 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  The full size of the Grand Prix makes it a comfortable vehicle to be in on long road trips. With an 18 gallon tank and great overdrive system, we were getting 350 to 400 miles per tank on our last road trip. The 3.8 offers a great amount of torque for all passing maneuvers!

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  Definitely Attitude - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Jam K - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has been superb regardless of the trouble spots. At 1,400 miles the supercharger blew and took the engine with it. The dealer was more concerned as to what caused the problem rather than just fixing it. The heads-up display was scrambling and needed replaced as well. The StabiliTrak system is amazing and works well especially in the snow, although a sensor had to be replaced twice to keep it working. Other minor annoyances were the A-pillar trim panel keeps coming loose, the sunroof needs tightened occasionally but never leaks. Even still if you drive one youd likely buy one! Truly Luxury With Attitude!

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  GXP in Triad - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By bradbike - November 30 - 4:23 am

  I own the car and I really enjoy it. Its quick, fast, and strong, but still averages 25 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. I have the automatic and its pretty darned quick itself. If you can find the GXP for MSRP or close, youll be in for a treat. Its not a great primary car due to lack of storage, but it has more than enough for groceries and typical shopping. If you buy a large boxed item, make sure you dont have a large passenger...it will go in their lap. As for the top....youve all heard horror stories about reviewers having a hard time...sorry, but I feel they are cry babies. The top is easy to operate...it just requires you to get out of the car. Get one! Have fun!