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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  GTP Owners Need This Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 04-GTP - October 8 - 10:00 am

  If you currently have an older GTP you must get the 04! I had a loaded 01 GTP and just stopped in the dealer because I saw the 04 on the lot. All I was interested in was the TAP shift, but once I got up close and personal I could not believe how much the car has improved. The pictures on the web and magazines do not do justice to how well this car looks, put the 01 and 04 side by side and there is no comparison. That is only the tip of the iceburg, you must get in this car! The Competition Group (WS6) is the way to go, only ~$1400 package, to get the full effect. P.S. if you live in NH the "04-GTP" personal plate is taken :)- !

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  The Great American Touring Sedan - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By gm4life - October 8 - 1:53 am

  I have had nothing but excellent luck with my 2005 Bonneville SLE. It rides very smoothly but not overly floated like a Buick. The 3800 Series II V6 has excellent off the line pick up. Important for blowing off grannies in there Camrys. The trunk will hold loads of goodies and the steering is direct and gives good feedback. I have had one problem with my steering shaft other than that I have problem free time with this car. I intend to keep it in good shape and drive it forever. Anyone intrested in an excellent car and dosent want a Camry or Impala this is a great family/touring car. My family and I love to take trips in this vehicle. It is the Great American Touring Sedan!

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  I got a lemon!!! - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By jmd - October 6 - 1:23 am

  I purchased my car new and have had problems since the third month of ownership. Battery was leaking acid after a few months of ownership. Continuous electrical issues; I had the engine compartment fuel box replaced, Im always replacing fuses. Calalytic converter has been replaced after few months of ownership...is broken again. Was getting 19/29m/p/g now gets 8 m/p/g. Engine noises, nocking noises, fuel intake issues; the interior door panel split. Poor support from Pontiac/GM. I have a stack of services/repair invoices over an inch thick. Its sad because it was my dream car.

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  Good to go - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By benswing - October 5 - 2:40 am

  This car has been primarily used as a road tripper and has treated me very well. Reliability has been excellent, has spent next to no time in the shop. Just a hose had to be replaced, otherwise normal maintenance has kept her running great. Now that Im commuting to work the fuel efficiency has been good to me.

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  WOW What else can I say ? - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By jackay_boy - October 5 - 12:10 am

  I have had this vehicle for several months now, and look for reasons to take it out and play. All of the ponies under the hood are married perfectly with the 6 speed tranny. I think this 3.6 really puts out like Pontiac said it would. Hope I get to keep my license for as long as I own this beauty, which I have the feeling will be a long time.

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  Need a shoe horn to get in and out - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jeff - October 4 - 10:40 pm

  Went to buy a Bonneville but Pontiac wasnt dealing with that car so I got talked into a Grand Prix. Nice car and fun to drive but windshield is way to rakish and low. Cannot get in and out without hitting my head. Seat has to at lowest and furthest back position to avoid my head touching the ceiling. Homelink would have been a great option. Back seats are all but useless. Front bucket seats are too narrow. Not a family vehicle. It was a big mistake to buy this vehicle.

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  gtp - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By michelle - October 4 - 11:43 am

  I fell it is to small, I paid 32,000 and went back 6 months later to trade in and they only wanted to give me 16000. Feel every bump, speakers vibrate too much

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  Best purchase I made. - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Doe - October 4 - 11:13 am

  I happened to walk onto a car lot just browsing and laid eyes on this car and had to have it immediately. It was used with 80k miles for 7000 dollars at the time. I grabbed the car up, since then I added a K&N air filter and new 17 rims and low profile tires and omg yes 2 12 subs in the trunk. Awesome Car. I love the way the car handles and feels while driving it. Working on dual exhaust and a new paint job because white isnt my style, but over all that car is hot. No mechanical problems and I keep maintenance up on the car.

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  Neat SUV - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By A.R. - October 4 - 10:03 am

  Havent had this much fun driving a vehical,since my 60s+70s VW "bug"days.I hope Pontiac keeps this SUV around as I wouldnt trade it for the most expensive SUV on the market.I camp out with this Aztec often. Its great outdoor fun. My canoe fits nicely on the roof rack. In the city I make U- turns I wouldnt even try with a much smaller car. Ill buy a new one each year. Pontiac please keep this engineering marvel alive, "its great".

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  Just got mine - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By DG - October 3 - 7:53 pm

  I really like it. My sisters say its ugly, but I love the look of it. Its very unique and very sporty. Its kind of got a truck feel on the interior, sporty, but definitely smooth ride and handles great. Cant wait to go off-roading with it.