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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  Mediocre has a new definition - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Camryn Cox - May 4 - 3:21 am

  Pros sporty look strong v6 engine smooth ride decent mpg for a v6 18-20city 23-26 highway Cons not very reliable cheap interior poor safety rating very little resale value bought car in 2012 with 65k, now has 106k, had numerous pricey repairs done, timing belt twice in 6 months, oil pan and transmission fluid leaks, faulty alternator, air conditioning stopped working at around 95k.

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  Most fun 4 door youll find - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Owlbot - May 3 - 11:26 am

  I upgraded from a 2000 GTP which i loved. This car is quick and handles very well. I bought the Comp G package with mine. The exhaust sounds great, which is one of the reasons i chose this car, and not something like a Maxima. I love a good throaty exhaust. Cant go wrong with it, 4-doors but a lot of fun.

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  Sunfires are Bad Cars - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By LGrant - May 3 - 3:53 am

  We have had nothing but trouble with this car since we bought it. The latest is that the motor mount broke in half which messed up the axles. The car is an accident waiting to happen. I am just lucky my daughter didnt get hurt. The hood is still loose on one side but the dealers will not replace it. We have been in three times. When the trunk started leaking (two days after we got the car)they found a wire coat hanger inside the wall but could not explain it. The car is a pile of junk. It is defective but Pontiac will not do anything about it. I guess they are waiting for someone to die first.

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  The best car I have driven !!!!!! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tc3 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Handles like a dream. Looks sharp. Lots of room. Lots of power. And it was made by Pontiac.

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  Thees es no toaster humper! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By Steevie Weevie - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Let others rave about the super comfortable leather seats, heads-up display, well-laid-out instruments and switches, and ro-o-o-om. Living in Tucson, I appreciate the dark factory window tinting and ample air conditioner. I keep a scrapbook full of Aztek-bashing articles for passengers’ amusement. It’s really hilarious for four big adults to be cruising smoothly and comfortably along listening to great sounds spilling out of the 10 speakers while reading some writer’s garbage prose about a CRX on steroids and the unholy spawn resulting when an SUV humped a toaster.

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  good value for your money - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By cartman - May 2 - 10:00 am

  i recently purchased a 2002 sunfire coupe (yellow!!). i really like the look, very sporty. admittely the hondas and nissans are better than american cars but american is a lot better than they used to be. gm is still a lot better than kia, hyundai and chrysler. but for the value, nobody beats gm - 0% financing / cash back if you pay for it in full is unbeatable.

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  good value for your money - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Cartman - May 2 - 10:00 am

  i recently purchased a 2002 sunfire coupe (yellow!!). i really like the look, very sporty. admittely the hondas and nissans are better than american cars but american is a lot better than they used to be. gm is still a lot better than kia, hyundai and chrysler. but for the value, nobody beats gm - 0% financing / cash back if you pay for it in full is unbeatable.

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  I love my car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bdm4150 - May 1 - 7:46 am

  This car is amazing so far. I have only had it for a few weeks now but I love it. Its reliable, even at 112,000 miles it still has great pick up. My next car I buy is def. going to be a Grand Prix.

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  05 GTO review - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By David Kulha - May 1 - 7:20 am

  This is the best performance car that I have ever owned for under 30k. Gut wrenching acceleration, great handling, good stereo, comfortable interior, quiet on the highway. An A+ for GM.

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  I feel 16 again- thanks Pontiac - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By louis chad - April 30 - 1:03 am

  I just bought the GXP on my 60th birthday and it has totally jump started my life. I live in northern Minnesota, but will use this care selectively all winter. You just cant store this one. It will, although be in a slab heated work shop with me. Ill visit the wife on weekends if time permits. Thanks again Pontiac.