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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  on my new car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By midniteman24 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy happy with my new car the se1 model has many options i like and some i probley have yet to figure out it is very nice to drive and looks even better i would suggest anyone atleast test driving one if not buying.

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  The good and the bad - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By BCORTIS - August 22 - 3:26 am

  Overall I love my Bonneville! I love the way it handles. Lots of room for taller people like myself. Gas mileage is good for the size of the car. The engine has been reliable, The main problem Ive had with this car is the windows! I have to replace both regulators in the back doors and the front passenger motor seems very sluggish. Some rusting right on the edge of the front hood not sure if thats normal for this model. I did have to have the trunk lock cylinder taken out and unjammed/cleaned. Of course brakes and rotors seem to wear quicker than normal. I also tried to convert radio/cassette to CD but couldnt because of factory settings. Otherwise I absolutely love my Bonneville.

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  good evey day car - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Mondrakus Harper - August 20 - 9:16 pm

  I really enjoy driving the sunfire. I gives a sporty look and perform really good when your trying to pass. Its a good car for the price. no more than 12,000 for it thoug.

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  A lot bang for the buck - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By H - August 18 - 1:20 pm

  I bought my Aztek new in 2003. I drive a lot of highway so I wanted a few more comfort options and I wanted a vehicle that would sit up higher and have more room without getting a truck or a minivan. The car has been great with 2 large dogs and our child. It rides comfy and even though I thought these cars were so ugly when they came out, I actually like the look now. The car has been very reliable. I have read that consumer reports says to avoid them yet I have had few problems. The oil changes were always on time, I replaced the front brakes and bearings and had the 100,000 mile flushes done. At 113,000 miles the car is still riding as good as when it was new.

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  Very nice car with a few problems - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By WIdriver - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I love the look. I love the handling. The 3.8 engine continues to prove its durability. BUT, they have to redesign the split-bench front seat. Very uncomfortable. I use a seat cushion and that helps. And, I remember a time when seats were comforatble enough to fall asleep in. Not this car! The steering column stick shift covers the radio controls when in "Drive." DUH! The back seats are too low unless your kids are six feet tall. But for the money and size, I cant find a better vehicle.

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  My Electric Blue 2003 Aztek - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Ed H. - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle after extensive test drives of other similar vehicles. I was sold on the quality, functionality and amount of car I received for my money. Its easy to get used to the Azteks unique look and more and more people I talk to say the same thing. The smooth ride and towing capacity really convinced me that this is the vehicle for my family and me. I think if more people got behind the wheel of an Aztek, they also would be quite impressed. I hope GM continues to produce the Aztek as I will surely purchase another in the future.

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  Steering Nightmare - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Pete - August 13 - 8:36 pm

  A lot of fun to drive, not bad on fuel consumption, and has good looks. At 5,000 the steering rack was replaced, and at 26k we had the intermediate shaft in the steering box replaced w/ a new part. At 40k the cluck,cluck, noise started again "intermediate shaft" the dealer along w/ GM claims there is no safety problem and live with the noise. Im 55 and this was my last GM product.

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  Bad panoramic roof - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By 3006 - August 11 - 6:56 pm

  Aside from the panoramic roof, this is a good car for the money. Had it to the dealership for the third time to fix the wind noise from the sunroof. Said there was nothing they could do. As a result, I hate to say it, I will be buying another car because I cant stand the air noise. Wish I would have bought without the sunroof as I like the car otherwise.

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  review - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By cointoss - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought vehicle with 10000 miles on it, and over all very pleased. Have had 3 small problems, of which one was a engine stopper(alternator went out). Nice to drive and smooth ride. I have put Toyo TPT tires on it and that has made a world of difference in performance and ride. Love the mpg--30 on highway. Have 37000 on vehicle now and still is a great buy. No squeaks or comfort problems so far.

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  Very reliable and great gas mileage - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Max - August 9 - 5:13 pm

  All Ive replaced are tires, the water pump and belt @112,000 miles, did a tuneup & I change oil every 4000 mi. It has 137,000 miles & Ive had it since 72,000. Im 61 200 lbs & sit pretty comfortably. It takes off fast and cuts around tight curves like a gt should. I plan on keeping this car until it dies since I av. 300-350 miles per week going to work. Its paid for, so why not. It started squeaking last month & I think it is either the wheel bearing or strut. Im still surprised that I can gun that lil red devil and make my head snap into the seat. Its a 5 speed with no performance add-ons, not even K&N. Maybe I should do that and upgrade the chip :D *Best car Ive ever had and Im 34.