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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  I like it! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Prunedaler - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Just got this car after nine years of minivans. No comparison in interior size, of course, and the minivans had many more conveniences, but I really like driving this car, and I think it looks cool. Mine is orange.

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  love it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jacquie Thomas - April 21 - 2:00 am

  when people ask me how I like my new vibe, i say "i dont like it i love it " I am on the highway alot and the gas worry is a thing of the past. fun little car to drive and i havent went on atrip yet that i didnt have enoughroom for everything.awesome!

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  2004 Grand Prix GTP Comp G - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mjs - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. A tremendous number of features (tap shift, stability control, traction control, head up display) at a very reasonable cost.

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  Jurys Still Out - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By DJ - April 20 - 12:20 pm

  Since I bought the car I have had several problems that I am told are COMMON problems with Grand AM. So my question is why are these not recall items. I have had to replace the Traction control sensors 3 times and I just had to replace the ignition lock and switch which are of course only dealer parts because they have to reset the security features so some $1000.00 later I have my car again until the next COMMON problem occurs. I like the Grand AM but would never by another one. Foreign cars seem to be the most reliable. And I am all for AMERICAN made but our cars dont compare and thats a shame.

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  Too much fun - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By tom - April 20 - 9:53 am

  I have a silver 5 speed, T-top coupe with a V6-lots of power and appeal. Yes the bucket seat is too low, rear visibility is not good, interior could be prettier.etc.but at the end of the day, driving this thing with the top off if just too much fun. I love the exterior look. I still grin as I walk out to the parking lot and see it waiting. Driving it is excellent therapy and a tension reliever-even my wife feels that way when she roars off shifting gears like a stock car racer. My neighbor has a new Vette (06) also silver and frankly, side by side, look to look I really think my old beast still holds its own-especially when you compare our investments!

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  Pontiac Hits A Home-Run! - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Krista - April 20 - 4:20 am

  I have owned my G5 for almost 2 years now. I absolutely love this vehicle. The handling is great. Purchased $15k, the car feels like a luxury car. The seats are comfortable, and gas mileage is great! I average 25/city and at at 75mph I get 36/37 mpg freeway! The car quickly becomes like an extension of yourself on the road.

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  A Great Visit to Montana - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By John Fielding - April 19 - 10:00 am

  After steering clear of General Motors vans, in 1999 we purchased the newly designed Montana. We have been so pleased that we just traded it for the 2002 model. We drive other vans for rental or the ones owned by our children. The Montana has the best interior room and handling. We have had no problems in 44,000 miles. We believe it is a top quality vehicle.

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  Custom Sunfore - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By streeet racers - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a small compact car that I felt had exceptional styling over the import market. Pontiac has in my opinion the best looking sub-compact going in the sunfire, the engine is easily as good or better than most of the current crop form japan, The ecotec 16v dohc, is fantastic ! Its to bad that kids dont take a second look at these for tunning as they are great for just that. Yes, the overall fit and finish may not be up to the higher end from Japan, but in reality its just not that bad, I have zero squeaks after 5000 miles. The GT is an exceptional value !

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  Terrible service from Pontiac Dealers - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By 2000 Pontiac SE1 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the 2000 SE1 for just over 2 years. The doors are not lined up and paint has chipped on the doors because of it (in the first 10000 miles). Dealers wont help at all, even the place I bought it. Car was in the shop 3 times for the check engine light. I finally figured out ON MY OWN that the gas cap wasent tight enough. (smart mechanics) Now, it wont start and has been in twice for this problem in 2 weeks. My entended warrenty didnt even cover half! It was fixed without me ever okaying the extra cost. I fought it and lost. I am so fed up with Pontiac not standing behind their product! Never again.

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  Pontiac Grand Am - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Ronald Smith - April 19 - 5:13 am

  I am a 40 year old who purchased a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am in March of 2006. I will have to say, that I test drove several other cars before making my decision to purchase the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am. I am well pleased with handling, performance, & reliability. I would recommend this car to anyone out there who wants a sporty, reliable & excellent gas mileage automobile. The car also has a fantastic stereo/CD system & that is also one of its best features. This car is one of the best at gas mileage & as a testimonial I have run three tanks through my 2004 Grand Am & I have averaged 17.7 mpg. on one tank, 17.5 mpg. on the second tank & 19.5 on the third tank.