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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  Good Car! - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By JR7699 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I just got my bonneville last year, and I already have about 95,000 trouble-free miles on it. At times the transmission acts a little strange, but I dont think its a major problem. Im a college student and love this car because it combines all the room I need with an engine and design that I can have fun with.

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  Grand AM 2002 - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tartis - June 10 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 Grand AM gets a lot of miles, but it is starting to burn oil after 75,000 miles. I am also having a major problem with the turn signal mulit- function switch which is starting to click all the time. The performance of the 3.4L v6 is great, and fun to drive.

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  It sure has been built for keeps! - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By T Lo - June 7 - 6:23 am

  I bought my 2.4L, 4 cyl Grand Am in 1997 used with 30,000 miles. Currently, its a shade under 170,000 and shes still going strong. I get ragged by many friends who say I have an old ugly car, but I cant disagree more. A few mechanical problems have occurred (2 alternators, 2 water pumps, window motors that STINK, and a vacuum tube that baffled every mechanic except a Pontiac dealership) have occurred in 9 years. Currently, itching at getting a G6 Convertible. Its hard not to keep this car until the wheels fall off, nice not having a car note! I have no regrets owning this car during my entire 20s. Installed alarm and CD disk changer, so its been functional and fun for me.

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  Overall good car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jeff - June 6 - 11:43 pm

  Overall Im satisfied with my G6, the price makes it hard to pass up. I think GM should have been smarter where they chose to spend their money in this car. For example, the power adjustable petals are nice, but I could easily do without. They should have invested in some higher quality interior controls. I would recommend getting at least the GT version to anyone.

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  Its a fun car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By ajy5 - June 5 - 2:40 pm

  This is a great looking, fun to drive car. Everyone likes the way it looks, and its plenty fast. The sound system is good and I like the solid feel of the car. 4 wheel discs really make a difference when braking. Remote start was great on chilly mornings along with the heated leather seats. All in all a great package. Just took a trip and got over 30 mpg on the highway. A big overall improvement on my grand am.

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  Solid Value for the Money - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By sclass_benz - June 4 - 8:03 am

  Ive owned my 2000 Bonneville for 10 months now and have been very pleased. It always starts easily and runs strong. Being a previous Honda owner, I had some concerns about squeaks and rattles showing up in a GM product, but Ive been pleasantly surprized, the ride is nice and quiet and there are no rattles. I am averaging 22+ miles per gallon (city/hwy combined) and there is definitely plenty of power. Only complaint is that a remote trunk release was an option that I dont have, so you have to turn off the motor, then use the key to open the trunk. Highly recommended and a great value.

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  Fun Car!!!! - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Robyn - June 4 - 2:30 am

  This was my first Pontiac purchase after owning Ford vehicles for several years. Overall, I love the car. Its sporty looks and fun handling makes it a real treat to own. The only complaint that I have about this car is in the extremely low front-end which has a tendency to smack or scrape the ground on almost any little bump. In addition, Ive experienced suspension problems (CV Joint and Struts) in the one year timespan ive owned this vehicle. Aside from that, I must say that I do love the car. Im a new Pontiac fan!!!

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  Not real impressed! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By G.R - June 2 - 3:43 pm

  Everyone has been in a daze about the Solstice. Its not nearly as good as the 2006 MX-5, but my daughter wanted one. I will probably be getting myself a MX-5 when they get the one in i want. Anyway, the only things the Solstice has is great looks. Its a little softer in suspension than the MX- 5, but it is comfortable. The worst thing about the Solstice, in my opinion, is the wind with the top down. Oh, trying to take the top down and then putting it back up is just to technical. Solstice 6 - MX-5 10. I wish i would have bought a MX-5.

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  Not impressed with my 2002 Sunfire - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Chester - June 2 - 12:00 pm

  I purchased my 2002 Sunfire, and within a month went through two radiators, a starter, trunk latch would not hold properly in the back trunk, and then a few months went by and my transmission went, and main computer chip, and gas pump. needless to say I will never buy another car made in Mexico, under the Pontiac name or any other kind of name ever again. I know of a lot of other people whom love their Sunfires, and when I look inside the door, they are made in the USA. So needless to say look around, and look inside the door to see where it is made before you buy yourself a Mexican lemon! P.S; they forgot to put in the air conditioner as well!

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  Great Grand Am - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Hoffa164 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I have not had any problems with this car and I have had it for over 3 years. Of course I take great care of it too.