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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  its been a long ride - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By almost done - December 25 - 11:33 am

  at 180K + miles it still has the original alternator, original timing chain, replaced the battery maybe 3 times, replaced the brakes 2ce. Ive taken it places that are made for 4 x 4s, yet suffered only minor brush scrapes to the paint from the tumbleweeds. This car is legend in my office for the abuse it has taken. I live far from dealerships--never had the recall items replaced. Manual transmission has decent acceleration for 4 cylinder. Perfect size for 53"-510" person, very comfortable. Handles sudden stops well--had to slam the brakes and veer one eve to avoid a burro at 80 mph, slid and stopped without spinning or rolling.

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  My 97 Pontiac - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Lloyd Sippel - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a good car with a few minor problems. I have had the following failures: Alternator, muffler,brakes, and loss of refrigerant in the air conditioning system.

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  Best package for mileage, size, price - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Inca Guy - December 24 - 10:00 am

  We looked at everything, and for the price, gas mileage, room, towing capability, cargo capacity, nothing came close. Didnt want minivan or guzzler SUV, but still needed power and room. Depreciation means got great deal on used 03. Pontiac did a great job creating the entire package, even with its "aggressive" styling.

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  LOVE IT - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By OMAHARICH - December 24 - 10:00 am

  What a fun car to drive. Capable of 135 without starving for power (heard it can go 142 didnt push it though). Cornering is awesome with very limited tire squeel. 1/8 mile drag strip ready, lol what a fun "Old timers car" that can woop up on some of the young teenies cars at the track, gets ya alot of attention. K&N replace filter makes a huge difference in low end power, at a rolling 15-20 mph still able to break tires loose with full throttle. Fun Fun car,

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  Best car ever - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By kom_stat - December 24 - 8:16 am

  I use my Sunfire as my work car. I practically abuse this car. I certainly dont baby it. It may get its oil changed every 8-9k, and couldnt tell you the last time I ever checked anything on it for maintenance. Its also been known to see the redline getting on the interstate. Been in two major accidents and now has over 210,000 miles and never given me any trouble. When I say never, I mean never. I havent repaired anything on this car other than body panels but that certainly isnt Pontiacs fault. Also has awesome performance for being an entry level compact car that gets 36mpg even with a lead foot.

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  love it, but material quality stinks!!!! - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By thomas_cory2000 - December 24 - 2:23 am

  The gas mileage sticker claimed 15/25. Well I get about that city but, highway I get usually 33mpg going 55mgh - gets 27 mpg going 65 mph (as long as I stay out of it). Brakes are amazing, handling is also amazing for a 4 door family car that weights 4,600lbs. My main complaint is the quality of the materials. I take very good care of my car and baby it! The leather on the seats is starting to wear more then my 5 year old Cadillac I had prior, the paint job stinks, its starting to chip and wear in places it shouldnt for a 2 year old car and the interior is all plastic?? Shouldnt this problem with a $30,000 car.

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  Excellent Quality vehicle! - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By Justin Case - December 23 - 7:36 pm

  Previous vehicle was a 96 Trans Sport with same 3.4 liter v-6. Got 260,000 miles out of that without any major mechanical problems, it paid for itself! This van is on the same path. Already, there is 32,100 on it and the only problem was a TSB for the throttle body. Didnt cause van to run poorly, it just made a whistling sound on light acceleration. Dealer fixed though under warranty, and thats it. Great comfort, very good acceleration, average fuel econ. (20 mpg. w/ mixed hwy./city driving), and great dependability. I would not be afraid to take this vehicle anywhere on a trip. I look forward to any years of "Driving Excitement" with this Pontiac!

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  The Great One - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By PG - December 23 - 4:20 pm

  I have a 6spd manual Spice Red Metallic with the black interior. It was love at first drive. I grew up riding in my uncles 1968 GTO so when Pontiac came out with this car I knew that some day I had to own one. The torque of the LS2 is something you cannot describe accurately with words and the 6 spd makes it even more blissful. The suspension is adequate but you wont be winning any autocross meets anytime soon. Contrary to what some people may think as far as styling is concerned, the original GTO was nothing more than a dressed up Tempest with a bigger engine so I dont see the big deal with purists wanting a retro looking Goat.

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  Overall Nice Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By wrestleman125 - December 22 - 7:33 pm

  This car is nice, fun to drive, and very reliable. I have had my G6 for 1 year now and have about 11,000 miles on it and have had absolutely no problems at all. My wife owns a Camry and likes to drive the G6 more then her vehicle. Also if you live somewhere cold I advise you to cough up the couple of dollars and get the remote start... its fantastic.

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  Everyone is Envious - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By rkgsx - December 22 - 7:03 pm

  The styling is unmatched. The color (Envious) looks fantastic. The performance is great. Overall, you wont find this blend of styling/performance/fun to drive anywhere