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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  One problem after another!! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By cassandra1189 - September 1 - 8:27 pm

  I have had this car for a year and I cant wait to get rid of it! Bought it used with 40k in June 2010 and after a week noticed that the carpet in the back was wet. Thought it was a seal in the door but a few weeks later I had over an inch of water in the back. STILL having problems a year later! Driver headlight doesnt work, Ive had the bulb replaced and wiring tightened, still comes on and off at random. Brake lights stay on all the time, except when Im USING my brakes! Had the brakelight switch replaced and still not working properly. The silver/chrome interior is peeling and looks horrible. Had a 1999 grand prix that I loved and this car has definitely been a disappointment!!!

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  Impressed but not thrilled. - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By TheCarGuy999 - August 31 - 11:36 pm

  Nice reliable transportation that offers acceptable gas mileage at the cost of acceleration, performance & in cabin comforts. I am experiencing a few rattles in the cabin during acceleration that gets louder the harder you push the small 1.8 L. Sunroof is disappointing, 2 visits to the dealer has made the leaking almost stop. Versatility of fold down seats and cargo capacity are spectacular.

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  My Mothers-Day Gift From Hubby & Kids - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Teri Munoz - August 31 - 5:13 pm

  I have been looking at this car since November. I told my husband I like this car. its perfect for me and the kids. I have owned almost every chevy car. This is my first Pontiac and I love it. Thanks to my Husband & kids.

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  One of the best small vehicles GM has - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By kenneth tennison - August 31 - 8:06 am

  I purchased a 07 G5 for my son,at the age of 17 for school and collage.The vehicle has 53,000 miles.The only problem so far,was a small gas leak,at the top of the gas tank.Which was replaced under warranty by GM (goodwill policy).The vehicle is very reliable and safe.I will buy only GM.

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  A good buy - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By gmmas - August 31 - 3:30 am

  I tested this car in comparison to many others thinking that it would not be enough car for me. I tested it on the highway and found that it was plenty of car to pass and I could get a ticket if I tried..no problem. It has also been very functional with a lot of cargo room and very handy tie down spots for bungee cords. The roof rack is pretty much just for decoration though in my opinion. I get 35 mph on the highway with the AC on and after over 11,000 miles have not had a single initial quality issue. Lastly many other cars have stolen the overall Vibe styling. The vibe was the first with this general look.

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  Grand AM - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Kriss - August 30 - 4:53 am

  I have had my Grand AM for 2 years now and its been a horrible experience. They are made very poorly, and nothing is easy to get to when trying to fix it. It has broken down 4 times already and nothing has been cheap to fix. It still runs and I am still driving it but I hate it. It is a very unreliable car and Im hoping to sell it or trade it off as soon as possible because I have a baby on the way and I dont want to be driving a unreliable car when I have a newborn.

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  I loved it when I bought it - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Duane - August 29 - 2:26 pm

  As a car guy I really enjoyed this car at first. So far Ive had the steering repaired. Recently, the a/c compressor bearing went out. That skewed the belt which put tension where it didnt belong. The alternator, tensioners and compressor all needed replacement. The new compressor (a GM part) has significantly higher sides to keep the belt in place. Ive also learned theres a problem with the intake gaskets and some day theyll need replacement. (My wifes 05 Impala already went through this.) GM has some serious quality problems here and its not just on Pontiac. I hate to say it, but Ill be looking at foreign cars next time I buy and GM can only blame themselves.

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  No-More-GM - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Martyev - August 29 - 8:16 am

  I have been a loyal GM owner my whole life (now 45) and this is my last GM product. It is no wonder they are in the trouble they are. I have owned my Bonneville for almost 3 years. I love the comfort and its a very fun car to drive. But if you read my review and other we all have the same problems. Mine has a bad noise in the front suspension. Persistent leaks. The rear spoiler allows water to store in the trunk lid and you get wet when you open the trunk after a heavy rain. I also leaks at the driver door and the rear floorboard. Had to replace a rear window motor and heated seat element failed.

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  GOOD VALUE FOR THE PRICE - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tonytone - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a very good experience with my Grad Am. Bought it with 30,000 miles on board. Other neg. reviewers must have driven the car too hard. Ive enjoyed the Power,the Styling,the Reliability. Only had typical American car problems.(replace d altenator,water pump,)Interior is cheaply made,but,holds up very well to usage.

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  so far so good - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By ducky - August 29 - 2:00 am

  A very cosy and secure-feeling vehicle.Drives more like a mini-van but has the versatilityof an SUV. Appears very reliable at a relatively low price, making it good value for the money.If you are searching for a unique vehicle(it`s called an SRV by GM) that rides higher than a standard car and offers many good options(e.g.,excellent sound system), Aztek(named after aboriginals of Mexico where it is built) is worth a look!