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 deal on a fun car! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By Julius McCarthy - January 15 - 7:16 pm

  I have had this car for 4 months now and am very happy. The car rides exceptionally well, is fun to drive, and smooth on the freeway. The 4-cyl engine is adequate for my needs and gets fairly good gas mileage. I love the sunroof and the car looks great with the rear spoiler. This is my first car with Onstar and the navigation turn by turn directions are very convenient, especially when looking for a particular restaurant around town. Overall, this car has great value and Im pleased with my purchase.

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  Amazing underrated car - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By clevelandbonneville - January 15 - 4:13 am

  So far owned for 3,000 miles. I got this beautiful car for a bargain price with 90k miles. It drives like it has 30k miles. Ive gotten between 23 and 27 mpg per tank so far. Nothing has broken except for a burned out head- light bulb. Very smooth torquey engine with silky smooth shifting transmission. Lots of style. More style than all the imports for sure. I love the look from the back and side especially. Only cool Chryslers and Dodges have more style but they are troublesome. This car feels heavy and well-built and safe. Nice looking interior with a large trunk and back seat. This car is big and a bit tricky to maneuver in parking lots and city but its a dream on the freeway.

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  Mark - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By mark mitchell - January 14 - 11:30 pm

  Excellent Experience so far. Have had this car 3 weeks and have put 1500 miles on it. I love to drive it. Just took it through the smokies and it handled great around the bends, up the hills and down.

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  97,000 and still going - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Lynn - January 14 - 10:13 pm

  Bought this car new in 2001. Only problems was computer went out at 3000 miles. Was replaced under warranty. Have not had all the problems like most people have. (Guess I got a good one.) Did replace drivers side window motor. Of course the rear speakers are blown. Isnt everbodys?

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  Wonderful ! - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By auntiesdaycare2006 - January 14 - 2:46 pm

  This is the most wonderful minivan i have owned yet! Its drives like an SUV and not a minivan!!!

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By boingo13 - January 13 - 7:16 pm

  The problems started when I took delivery. All four wheels and the steering wheel were out of alignment. After that, it developed a vacuum leak in the fuel system, an engine mount came loose, the brake lights stopped working, and the front fascia came loose. Then, it needed a new steering rack, and all new control arms in the front. The car vibrates like a guitar string at all speeds. It squeaks, rattles, and buzzes in various places, and the steering has a lot of slack, despite all the new parts up front. The V8 engine runs OK, but the transmission is very slow to shift and never seems to find the right gear. A lot of wind and road noise, but little engine sound. 32046 current miles.

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  Highly Recommend - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Roman - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car, handles very well, gas milage is good, very comfortable seating, huge truck and great sound system.

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  Ex GM customer - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Done with Pontiac - January 13 - 6:33 am

  I will never purchase a gm product again. I bought this car new, paid 25k for it and have nothing but problems as soon as the warranty was up. I had the catalytic converter replaced twice, passanger window work only sometines, windshield wipers stop working in down pours. Also replaced numerous sensors adding up to at least $1500 Had the intake manifold gasket replaced $500 with a class action suite only got $100 back. Now I have to replace the oil pan gasket,it will cost $350. Not to mention the gas milage is nothing close to what they said it would be. I was told the transmission will be next. I can not afford a new car now, but as soon as I can this car will be history.

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  Great Car, but it has its quirks. - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Daniel - January 12 - 10:10 pm

  Bought the vehicle with 50K, in late 2005. The first week I owned it, it left me stranded on the side of the road twice. Dealer was very good about fixing it. It was the fuel pump. It went out twice before 60K. I have had to replace all 4 wheel bearings, and brakes 3 times. Front end is constantly shuddering, no matter how many alignments you have done. Has a good deal of power, and fuel economy isnt bad @ an average 22 mpg. I know have 111K on this car, and my wife wrecked it yesterday. They will surely total it, and I will be sad to see it go. Also, i just got a recall notice in the mail stating that oil can leak onto the exhaust manifold and cause the car to catch fire.

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  Midlife Crisis Resolved - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Gary B. - January 12 - 9:56 pm

  I love everything about this car! The ride is smooth and comfortable with plenty of power, zip, and pep. Its simply a blast to drive top up or top down. With the top up Ive heard a few times, how is that a convertible? I get fond looks and compliments from many folks with the top down. I enjoy driving it as well as being a passenger. Move the front seat a notch or two and Im comfortable in the back seat and Im 62". I know theres room for 4 adult sized adults in this car. No room in the trunk with the top down? So what, theres plenty of room in the back seat. Mustang cant say that!