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:

• 

  Love it! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Lauren - July 5 - 1:26 pm

  I owned a convertible Beetle before the G6 and I am so glad I made the trade! I bought a silver 2005 GT sedan with 16k miles. Although I miss the convertible, I love my G6. I consistently get 25 mpg city and 34+ highway; I got around 18 city in a 4 cyl Beetle. Very spacious and comfy. Handles great and its very fun to drive. Doesnt feel like a sedan at all. The Beetle felt like a $25k go- kart compared to the G6.

• 

  Next one is a Toyota - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By Rick - July 4 - 6:40 pm

  I have worked in a g. M. Dealership as a technician for 25 years (last 18 @ a Pontiac dealership) I can honestly say, I hate this van. Fabric on seats is horrible, stains if you look at it, Cruise control I swear will blow the engine on hills, red lines the r. P. Ms (good one general motors) rattle city, suspension is sloppy, noisy, a. W. D (all wheel drive) is disabled if their is an antilock brake issue and yes the ABS has failed. Several times. Nothing better than needing the all wheel drive and have the a. B. S. Light on, might as well have a pedal bike. In short, I can honestly say Pontiac blew it with this vehicle, and they know it. I no longer work at a g. M. Dealership, and our next van will be Toyota

• 

  Great Vehicle for the Money! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Chief1995 - July 4 - 3:23 pm

  This car is a fun vehicle to drive and is easy on the pocketbook (average 33 MPG city). This coupled with the Toyota design elements and reliablility make this vehicle a great purchase. The vehicle has storage capability that is not available with the standard sedan. You either have to sacrifice gas milage or storage. All in all, I have enjoyed my vehicle and look forward to driving it every day. The XM satallite radio is a significant plus when traveling in areas with limited traditional FM/AM coverage.

• 

  Double Edged Sword - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By cjgtom - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I loved mine, but when someone totaled it, there was no way Id buy another. I had paid more than the payment each month - sometimes doubled it - to get it paid off quicker, but when I settled with the insurance company, I only got a couple of hundred dollars b/c the car depreciates in value so quickly. It wasnt a scam, it just depriciates that rapidly. If you can imagine putting all that $ into it, and either getting a couple of hundred dollars (and that was only b/c I had paid more each month and owed less than I should have at that point) OR most likely oweing the insurance company, then go ahead. Id think twice, though

• 

  I rented it - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Renter - July 4 - 10:00 am

  One of the worst rentals I have ever had. Please heed that this car only garnered 1 star rating for safety from NHTSA and got a "Poor Safety" rating from the insurance institute.

• 

  BEST OF THE GM LOT !! 2001 GP GT - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By warren loewe - July 4 - 10:00 am

  HAD TO BUY GM BECAUSE OF CREDIT CARD REBATE. I FELT THE PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT WAS THE BEST GM HAD TO OFFER. I HAD A MAXIMA BEFORE THIS CAR , IT WAS LIKE NIGHT & DAY. THE MAXIMA WAS SUPERIOR IN EVERY WAY. BUT COMPARED TO OLDS, CHEVY,BUICK (WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN DROPPED) & CADILAC (WAY OVERPRICED) THIS CAR KEPT ME HAPPY FOR 18 MONTHS. I JUST PURCHASED A 03 TOYOTA AVALON XLS. GOOD BUY TO GM FOREVER.

• 

  best car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By KYLE - July 4 - 6:46 am

  what car do you know that goes out of second gear at 100 mph, just all around great car, tight, awesome ride, i sell em and i love em, 06 is the last year for blue green crystal, go read the car and driver review and get the real facts!!!! kyle -ny-

• 

  ughhhhhh - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mike - July 3 - 6:43 pm

  The car is a good car looks wise, comfort and design. But i have had qet a few problems like a transmission, throttle body, and traction control, and anti-lock brakes. it dont seem as to how many are out there that they could all have problems but i just got a lemon.

• 

  Not worth your money - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Shannon1283 - July 3 - 1:36 pm

  I first bought my AWD Sports Aztek because of 2 friends owning one. I took a ride in it and fell in love. 2 days later, I went and bought one. As ugly as it is, my Aztek is super sporty with a lot of features most dont have. However, I have had nothing but problems with it (My 2 friends sold theirs a year later and later found out it was documented a "lemon"). I have 72,000 miles on it right now. I have replaced both front rotors twice, brakes twice, windshield always leaks,gas mileage is horrible.I fill up every 4 to 5 days (I only drive about 30 miles every day). Rear latch always sticks, tires wear out easily, now the car is shaking and a bad grinding noise which is affecting driving

• 

  BMW Killer? - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Realworld - July 2 - 11:13 am

  As far as this thing compared to a European sedan, thats like comparing a Jackhammer to a golf club. It does go - but, pretty much where ever the surplus of traction happens to be - hang on tight! or you might kiss the guard rail. Amenities are good but overkill - "Stealth Mode" is a bit sophomoric, as are the useless fixed tap shifters in a dated 4 speed slush box. (they work fine as a two speed stoplight racer). Brakes are more aesthetic than athletic - and where is the Spare tire? a can of goo? Interior quality typical GM with loose door panels(one fell off in parking lot after opening drivers door!), cheap plastic buttons and drooping headliner. Not too reassuring in a new car