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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  Worst Car I EVER HAD! - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mayhem2013 - May 16 - 8:25 am

  I purchased this car from a Pontiac dealership in 2006 with 57k miles on it. I was in love! However within the first WEEK of having it, the Security system failed. Since Ive had this P.O.S., everything imaginable has gone wrong, Security/Passlock failure, Intake Manifold Head Gasket, Power seating failure, Side mirror falling off, failing brakes, interior knobs falling off, AC failure...and the list DOES go on! I was horrified but the recalls and complaints online!.... Would NEVER buy anything from Pontiac ever again!

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  Good stuff - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By riggermatt - May 14 - 5:26 pm

  I havent had this vehicle for very long yet, but I am very happy with the car so far. The gas mileage has been great. Im getting any between 30-33 mpg on the highway. I also only go 65, because its much more efficient than 70+, and only lose a few minutes in travel time.

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  pontys - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ponty - May 14 - 10:00 am

  It is fun to drive due to the handeling, engine performance, with a balanced economy. the style is for 4 people to fit comfortly, and still look like a sports car. This is my second grand prix and I would by another one, a two door version only.

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  Okay Car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ginah04 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Grand Prix for approx. 3 years and cant wait to get rid of it for a few reasons. First, I want to say that this car is not all bad. It has great styling and excellent handling. There are a few things I wish I had read up on before purchasing. First, the car has a lot of electronic problems. I have had 4 motors in my windows replaced in only 3 years! The car rattles A LOT in the dash area and the noises are just about impossible to get rid of, also very annoying! I dont drive the car that much (4-5 days a week) and my rotors were pitted after 18,000 miles and had to be replaced.

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  Our Van - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By Greg & Amy - May 14 - 10:00 am

  We have had very good luck with our van. We have an 8 passenger and the individual removable seats are very convienent to configure for different trips or loads. The ride is incredible and it is a nice looking ride. We have one powered sliding door and definately recommend getting both sides with powered doors. I will definately buy another Montana!

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  Looks over quality - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By lovehatesit - May 14 - 3:04 am

  I purchased this vehicle back in 07 it was working perfect up until about a year of having it all was well until I noticed some things going out and as murphys law fix one thing another breaks. hazard switch was the first, then the breaks, then the bearing, electrical issues, a/c, wont turn over on hot days, heat goes on smells like gas, and now my window motor. this car is a beauty....but on the in-inside its all falling apart and i cant afford another vehicle let alone the repair costs. Dont bother to get this car if you REALLY want one, you can buy mine $12k.

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  Comfort but not mechanics - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By LibrnPA - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Id say that my 97 Bonneville was my favorite of all time except for all the mechanical repairs Ive had over this past year (bought it last summer). I usually get 170,000mi+ on my cars but this Bonny has 90,000 and everything leaks! Had intake manifold repaired, antifreeze leaked, tranny seals leaked and it has always leaked a little oil. Now the rear main seal is leaking and i cant spend more big bucks and im heartbroken. This car is so well engineered for comfort and handling - my 8 to 10 hr interstate trips are easier in the Bonny than my 89 DeVille. Anyone else have leaks??

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  Dont Judge a Book by Its Cover - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Serabo - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Dont let the looks scare you. This is truly one of the most versatile and comfortable vehicles Ive ever experienced. A lot of people are turned off by the unique exterior, but once they ride in it with me, theyre convinced that its as great as I think it is.

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  HOW GM CARS BEING MADE - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By RONY - May 14 - 2:00 am

  CAR BEEN INSHOP EVERY MONTH SINCE BOUGHT TRUNCK LEAKES WATER HAD TO BE FIXED OVER FIVE TIMES .REAR DRIVER FLOOR FULL WITH WATER HAD TO BE FIXED TWICE.A BRACKET ON STEERING COLUMN BROKE ,HAD VIBRATION AND LOOSE STEERING. BACK TO DEALER TO FIX. FIRST DAY CAR WAS BOUGHT A PANEL FELL DOWN UNDER DASHBOARD BY BRAKE PEDAL COULD NOT SWITCH GAS TO BRAKE HAD TO FIX AT DEALER. THIRD PONTIAC OWNED IN TEN YEARS . WILL BE LAST.

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  Love the lemon????? - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By jalluv - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Since we got this vehicle, we have had numerous problems: The A/C was repaired 3 times, the passenger seat heater and rails needed replacing, the coil packs have been replaced 3 times, lug nut cover fell off, our tires are allegedly cupping and making a loud noise and now our AWD and ABS are disengaged for some reason and we have an appointment on Monday to find out once again what is wrong! We like what this van has to offer but hate all the mechanical problems!