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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  Great van - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By apd124 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Montana. It is a 2003 currently. Our previous Montana was a 1999 with the same problems as usualy reported (blown head gaskets, manifold gaskets). This was due to Pontiac using the new long life coolent and paper gaskets which the long life coolent rapidly deteriorates. All was replaced under warranty with no problems and the van drove great throughout. They have apparently fixed this problem on the newer years which is great.

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  Fast, Fun Head-Turner - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By pscott - May 29 - 11:36 am

  Lots of fun to drive - and oh, so quick! It is comfortable and has lots of nice features. After having 1999 and 2002 Grand Am GTs, my GTO is an excellent step up and with all the great incentives offered, only very slightly more expensive. I also like the fact that there are very few on the road. Hopefully future models will incorporate suggested improvements so my next GTO will be even better!

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  Excellent Choice - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Justin - May 29 - 10:06 am

  My parents bought me this car for my sixteenth birthday for $11,000. The previous owners kept it immaculate and changed its oil every three-thousand miles. I have continued this care and the car has remained in mint condition. This car is very good- looking and has excellent performance for the cheap price. The many luxuries such as the sunroof and chrome rims are very nice.

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  Looks and drives better then built - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Michael02pb - May 28 - 10:20 pm

  I really enjoy the design of the car, it is a very sporty for a full size car. It handles and accelerates with great ease. However I spend more on repairs then what I acutally spend on the car payment

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  Nothing but trouble! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Irina - May 28 - 7:26 am

  Purchased it with 112K MI. Immediately had to fix the front axel, half a year later fuel pump went out, another half a year later torque converter had to be worked on (1500 price tag), breakes needed work too, then engine on the powerwindow broke. AC had to be fixed. Every time it rains water gets in the trunk and under the drivers sit. Windshield had to be replaced and since it has a display on it it was expensive! Now the torque converter broke again! And its only 143K now! I put in repairs more then I paid for the car! I never abused it, did all the maintenance and will never ever buy it again or recommend to anybody I know.

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  transsport report - 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
  By candlou - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new , has been a good car, 65000 miles replaced brakes,tires,

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  My Blue Bird - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jackrussel420 - May 20 - 10:58 pm

  I have a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix SE with the 3.8 Liter motor and I have to say it is a fast car, for being just the SE anyways. Ive gotten up for 115mph in under 10 seconds! Engine has oil pressure problems anyone know why? other than that the only thing that has gone wrong is I had to replace a window regulator which is typical for any car these days. Oh and did i mention mine only has 47,000 miles and it is 13 years old!

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  bonneville ssei - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By pontiac - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The front seats do not go back enough. Getting in and out is not very comfortable. The light control is not in a comfortable position. The windshield wiper control is in a bad position also. I am 52" and when larger or taller people enter the car the front seat is very uncomfortable. I also do not like the 4 dr idea. I owned a Pontiac grand prix gtp and enjoyed it very much. In fact this Sept 2003 I will be buying a new grand prix. They handle better and are a lot more fun to drive and have a lot of room in the front.

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  2007 Torrent - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By LC - May 16 - 8:00 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in 2007 and unfortunately totaled this vehicle recently. This vehicle saved my life. I walked away from a major accident with bruises. Vehicle is great on gas and is fun to drive. Cup holder and emergency brake are placed in a poor position but everything else is exceptional. Never purchase AFTER market products with this vehicle.. Dealer installed sunroof and it caused battery failure many times. Also, I thought this truck did not ride well in rain and snow but now realize after reading this site realize this may be a MAJOR fault with this vehicle. Traction control is poor and ironically my accident occurred in the rain..

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  Meh - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Mattbag - May 14 - 7:56 am

  Great looking car, however, my 4 Cyl manual engine seems to have no power at all. Acceleration is the worst Ive seen. I dont know if its because of some problem, but its discouraging. Engine can sputter shortly after starting leaving you trapped in an intersection without any power. Good looking car though. No rust, however, Fog lights appear to be burned out and seem next to impossible to get to. Some underbody flaps near the engine are hanging down. I like the car, but I hate having to rev over 3.5 rpm to get any decent horsepower.