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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  in need of more info - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By would like more info - October 3 - 2:00 am

  we bought this 8 passenger van used, we have found out it was a lease vehicle. Before our first months payment was due the vehicle was in the garage because the abs and trac cont service lights were on this was taken care of because we purchased the extended warranty-good thing. Then our next month it was back in because we could get no heat. I really love this van because of the space it provides but am curious as to the potential for further repairs when our service contract runs out. We now have a loud vibrating howl by the windshield.

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  Loaded GT w/On-Star is way to go! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By AztekSteve - September 15 - 10:40 am

  An Aztek GT with the leather and cargo and camper package with ON-Star is a great package. Sure, with any Aztek that has On-Star you sacrifice the sunroof... But oh what a gain! Be mindful of the On-Star. Most 2001 and 2002 models use the older analog system. I have had to tell my local GM service department more about fixing it properly than they know.

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  Great American Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Very happy G6 Driver - September 12 - 9:46 am

  I bought this car as my first American Car in over 15 years. I traded a 2005 Toyota Camry in for it. The legendary Camry isnt all its stacked up to be. I owned 2 Camrys and Now, I realize it is mostly the Media who hates american cars. I find the Pontiac G6 to be better in almost every way than the 05 Camry. It has more power and about the same fuel economy as the 4 cyl Camry. I find no cars really get the advertised fuel economy they are supposed to. No sqeeks or rattles like the Camry and the Transmission is flawless and knows when to shift, unlike the Camry. The camry is a good car, but the G6 is alot more exciting and performs better. The interior build quality is better.

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  Well worth my money - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By PoNtIaCHeart - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Was a great car that I enjoyed owning for 12 years. I bought it many years back and it was only my 3rd car I have ever owned. $8000 was the selling price with 81000 miles on it. I hung up the keys finally (but regrettably) last week. I had not payed attention to the coolant level, and with an aluminum block in a quad 4, you never want to overheat it. unfortunately I blew a head gasket. This car has been the best thing I have owned and, if treated right, would be an excellent car for a daily driver.

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  running like a top at 250,000 km - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By slatts - September 10 - 9:56 pm

  bought this car brand new with out even a test drive. cheap, good gas mlg. cheap price. 290k round trip a day Hwy 401. around 120 to 140 kmh daily. never over 3000 rpm. oil change every 26 days, one set of brakes, plugs and wires. in 5 years no problems runs like a top. passed emissions last week with flying colors.

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  Decent Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jonesy - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car back in the summer of 00. Since then the car has a pleasure to drive. But with all good things there are some hidden flaws. There have been problems with the radiator, brakes, alternator, transmission, heater core, water pump, and some electronics. After a year or two of driving this car the expenses have grown more than what was expected. But I must say that this car has been much more fun to drive than the beaten up 91 Saab sitting next to it.

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  Worst Mistake Ever - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By theman6945750 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as I was graduating high school, and now I wish I never bought the car. I have had the EGR valve replace, Transmission clamp, fuel injectors, axle, and many other things at an inflated price. It has cost me more to keep it working then I wish I would of ever thaught. I will never buy a GM again.

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  The last of a good thing - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By baddriver01 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Trans Am (my first being a 1979) and I am in heaven. I got the car cheap because of the mileage but love everything. I have only fixed some minor problems (broken seatbelt guide, radio light, weirdle worn fromt tires, A/C) but this car has all the power it had when new. T-tops are a must on these cars.

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  great little car - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By jerry c - September 6 - 3:20 pm

  this car has been a great so far,love the trunk,our skis even fit inside with the seat folded down,milage has been very good always over 35mpg and as good as 42mpg with the 5 speed trans

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  Not bad...kinda odd looking though - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By slapp1 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle because I needed something bigger with a new child in the house. I couldnt bring myself to buy a minivan. I was unexpectedly surprised. I bought an AWD version with the 6 disc CD changer and ten speaker stereo and the stereo is LOUD! It has been a capable handler in deep snow and rain and I am pretty happy with it. The black color helps blend that odd bodyside cladding and I feel it looks good. I have driven it cross country many times so far and I have not had any mechanical problems except for an A/C problem that just cropped up. This is being fixed under warranty by the way.