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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  Im SO glad I just got rid of mine!!!!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By darklineup - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Just traded this lemon in. Got around OK, but small things go wrong constantly. Like: 1)drvrs side pwr window motor blew 2)turn signal crazy (dash clicking continues incessantly after turn) 3)radio stopped working altogether, then just worked again 3 weeks later 4)oxygen sensor caused engine light to go on and off whenever 5) pasgr side mirror torn off in a car wash... by soft cloths no less. I could go on and on. To be fair, it drove nicely for 100K miles til control arms were shot (mechanic says this is BIG problem on Grand Ams). Last straw! EVERY day in last 75K miles, something was wrong with the car. Good riddance and buyer beware!!!

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  The Vibe is a Real Sleeper - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ron Beeber - October 19 - 6:36 pm

  Im just beginning my fifth year driving this Vibe. Very satisfied overall. Very comfortable (doesnt feel like Im crouching in a "catchers position). Still 30 mpg. A bit noisy in cold weather start up until the engine warms. Surprising amount of pep cruising at highway speeds, but sluggish when merging onto a a freeway (thats the trade off one gets for the consistent 30 mpg fuel economy). Interior storage capacity is very adequate, and the seating/cargo configurations are very versatile. I change the oil/filter every 5K-7K miles and rotate the tires. I got 50K miles on the original set of Potenza tires, and bought the same tire as a replacement. A wise choice.

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  Love it - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Jeff M. - October 18 - 5:33 pm

  Bought used with 30,000 miles, best car i have ever had, Im over 40 and have had 3 Trans ams 2 camaros 2 chargers, more mustangs than i can count and this car is without a doubt the best of the lot, seats are out of this world, fun to drive, power when you want it and i mean when, like now power. Fuel mileage is about 20 on the hwy, could care less about trunk space or passenger comfort, good sound system, did i mention the seats, styling is fine for a guy my age. I plan on keeping this car a long time.

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  2000s Muscle Car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Ashs Dad - October 18 - 7:23 am

  This is the best new muscle car Ive ever driven. Interior is very comfort- able. The amenities are outstanding. The only bad thing is the gas mileage. You cant tweek it like the old Muscle cars. Saw the new 2005s and the scoops are great, but are they true ram? Reliability of the GTO is great. Only two probs to speak of. Seats started to make a ratchet noise after 2 months. (No fix yet per Pontiac), and on steering volume controls go up instead of down once in a while. (Cant determine prob). Car is stylish, mean and growls nicely. A head turner of today. The six stick and engine vet pack is perfect! Gotta get one for my mom. (Shes a motor head too!)

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  Great car - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Freddy - October 17 - 12:56 pm

  Have had this car 3 years and really do enjoy it! It rides great, but a lot of road noise! Is very sporty looking and great gas milage! Had only one recall so far and no mechanical problems at all! I would buy it all over again!

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  Love this car but frustrated - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By chyil - October 16 - 11:33 pm

  I would buy another Sunfire in a heartbeat. My frustration right now is finding the parts I need to keep my 2005 running so I can keep it a while. I have been looking on line and cannot get a clear name and purchase price for the parts I need. If anyone can help me I would appreciate it. I want purchase the parts so my fiance can put them on. I need a hanger/bracket for my muffler it is swaying and squeaking. I need a trunk latch and or cable. I have not been able to use it for 2 years either sticks close or pops open while driving. I need a washer fluid reservoir mine has a hole in it. And I do not know what I need for a tachometer sticks when over 100 degrees.

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  A new fan of Pontiacs! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Marian - October 16 - 3:23 pm

  I just bought my used 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GT and I LOVE it! I went to get a different car, but then I test drove it and fell in love. The exterior is kind of boring, but the interior, the horsepower, and the features make up for that in my book! If youve never driven one, check it out soon!

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  Maybe Im the only one - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By raven24 - October 16 - 12:40 pm

  I bought it and when I accelarted, it would hesitate at high RPMs the dealership ran a check, nothing but 2 years later it now may have an engine problem. Ive dumped lots of money into small mechanical problems and the car still is having same issues lots of lights on dash, other owners told me same. Never stranded but always at mechanics. My passaenger and driver door have come misalligned and hitting the fenders for no reason. This all stinks because I really am comfortable driving it because Im petite. it really is the small problems that have given me the headaches. Oh and the clicking noise coming from hazard button, wheel barrons replaced many times but its easy to find parts

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  My 3rd, and most likely last - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Josh Carter - October 15 - 10:13 pm

  No service issues until 40K. Now @ 50K: Transmission, Wheel barings, CV Joints, Tie Rods, Steering rack, Window motor, Dash gauges & lights, Radio, Heated seats, Converter & Exhaust, Rotors, Calipers, Strut mounts, struts, 02 sensors, A/C, mass air flow sensor, injectors and some other engine parts. Now the supercharger is dying, and there is a strong vibration during acceleration that no dealerships can seem to figure out. Also, the car is rusting in spots.

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  i love my aztek - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By becky - October 15 - 3:13 pm

  I have had my tek for 3 years and i have not had any problems with it. I love that I have tons of room in the back for hauling stuff.