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 car may be totaled now - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Brandan - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car although the exterior body parts are really upsetting. My car was parked when some guy floored in reverse into the back of it hitting the right side Quarter panel and if you dont know what that is it is like the front fender, well anyway from the force of the impacked the car slid into another car smashing the left side quarter panel well now my car is in jeopardy because the quarter panels are something called a unibody which is a whole bunch of pieces welded together

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  Great Car, Great Price - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jovinski - December 9 - 12:50 am

  Always like the Grand Am, and was looking for a GT when I found this on the lot. Drove it and was in love. It is just a great car! Tons of power, very comfortable. Im 65" and its got plenty of room for me. Seats are some of the best Ive ever had, had Caddys, Acuras and Saabs. The leather is top notch and shows no wear. Monsoon sound is incredible, but distorts a little when its way up. And probably could use more bass. For its size, it drives smaller and corners great! Highway miles are smooth and comfy and the seat heaters are great for my lower back. Climate is strong and works quickly. What a great car.

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  great car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By B MAC - December 8 - 10:30 pm

  i recently purchased a GT G6 and I have to say that this car is awesome. You step on it and u fly, and with the clutchless manual you can redline it in every gear. The only thing that I have had a problem with so far has been the 6 disc in-dash cd changer. One day it was working fine then I got in my car and went to crank up the tunes and it wouldnt play the cd. CD CHANGER ERROR appeared on the display screen and then when i turned off the car, the stereo remained on. I plan on taking it back to the dealer for under warantee repair ASAP. other then that minor thing, its a fun car.

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  05 GT - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Griffin - December 8 - 11:06 am

  After trying out several Fords, Dodges, Chryslers, and Chevrolets, my wife and I kept coming back to the Grand Prix. It has the perfect blend of sportiness that she was looking for, and the roomy practicality that I wanted. Fully loaded with black leather, moonroof, CD changer, and Monsoon stereo (which is the best factory stereo Ive ever heard), you cant ask for much more in a family sedan. Interior ergonomics are unmatched by anything Ive ever owned and the heated bucket seats make long drives a pleasure. No problems to report.

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  over 200,000 miles and still going.. - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By satisified owner - December 8 - 9:03 am

  I bought this car new in 94 drove it until I bought another new car in 2007. Sold it with 159,000 miles on it to a young lady who drives to college, it now has over 200,000 miles and still gong strong. It had very few problems while I had it and she has had some minor work done in the last two years. I would have bought a new Grand Am if they were still being made.

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  4Dr GT, Great Car for Price - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Mark - December 8 - 4:40 am

  Im a 19 year old male in college, my first car was a 97 Grand Am GT-had nothing but problems with, got rid of after 2 1/2 years! I was at the Pontiac dealership yet again with my Grand Am and the G6 caught my eye from the sales lot, mainly the price tag, $14,995 with only 8,720 miles Certified! I test drove it and drove it home the next day! I find it very comfortable considering Im 64" even with 5 people in the car and it still has plenty of pick-up. I drive about 100 miles a day, mostly highway and average 25 mpg @ 75 mph w/ the 3.5L V6 which was the only way I would get one. It is responsive with plenty of power, a smooth, quiet ride and great handling

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Rob - December 8 - 4:13 am

  This car is totally awesome!! The power and handle are the main points for this true muscle car. Ive tested this car at high and low speeds and have not been disappointed at either end.

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  My Swiss Army Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By banjoflyer - December 8 - 2:00 am

  We call our Vibe a Swiss Army Car. It hauls big things, is fun to drive, parks easily, and is comfortable for four (five if #5 is smallish). I love the tie-downs in the back. I will be buying another one when Im ready but I still love this one. One thing, mine came without antilock brakes. I assume that they are all equipped with what I believe to be as much a necessity as seat belts now.

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  Very nice car - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RICKTART - December 7 - 7:50 am

  I bought this car and drove from New Jersey to Florida and back very nice ride for long distance the front seats felt kinda hard and uncomfortable but the handling and the speed makes up for it a lot of power for a 6 cyl. For the size of the car spins tires with ease great high speed handling would recommend to anybody

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  No passenger leg room - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Brent - December 7 - 1:30 am

  I have the V6, it is extremely noisy, low gas mileage especially in town. I get maybe 24 on the open highway. They replaced the tires twice at the dealer and it still shakes at 65/70 MPH. The worst feature is the front passenger seat does not go back as far as the driver side. It is 5 inches shorter and anyone over 5 foot 10 inches is very uncomfortable. Pontiac attitude is poor regarding this