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:

• 

  Good Little Reliable GT - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dpdiamond - August 11 - 8:06 pm

  Purchased new in Oct 1999. Was my 3rd Pontiac (had Bonnevilles, all driven up to 135K-155K miles). Every option except moon roof. I thought I made a mistake, when at 6K miles the water pump went. I was surprised, but dealer fixed under warranty. Now at 43K miles, and driven by an adult female, the only servicing we have had has been front brakes, and oil changes every 3,000 miles. I just put 4 brand new tires on (Goodyear Assurance) and the car rides very well. The fuel MPG around town is 15, but on the open road it will do 22-25. We baby this car, do not abuse it in any way. If you take care of the car, it will last. Overall, I have been satisfied. Resale value will be poor (buyer perception)

• 

  good car poorly built - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By robertheil - August 10 - 7:51 pm

  Bought it last year it had over 225k in one month had to replace the engine due to blown gasket then water pump went out 4 months latter I had to replace both front hub assemblies tie rod the transmission has a defect the pressure control solenoid and torque converter clutch so when it gets hot every few days it shits hard the only time my engine light come on is due to the tranny shifting hard and early 4 gear 25 mph running at 800 rpms car acts like a manual had to replace the front sway bar snapped on both sides no biggie has a vacume leak in dash had to replace a hose for the evap the car wont start if its been hot just turns over with little firing idles at 2 to 400rpms then fix itself

• 

  the 95 gt - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By justin37683 - August 10 - 12:46 am

  I have bought a 95 grand am gt and it has been great with the quad 4 dual overhead cams, I love the performance, altogether it is just a really great car.

• 

  Pontiac Vibe Rating - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sally Lucas - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Looking for a car 4 door to hold at least 5 comfortable, and also with a back end or truck to handle a good amount of baggage. Didnt want SUV or minivan. This is a perfect cross between. The roominess is great! Gas mileage even better. Performance superb as well.

• 

  We are a Vibe Family - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By CEWitten - August 9 - 10:00 am

  My husband bought one the year before and I fell in love with his...now we are a two Vibe family.

• 

  Vibe was a great choice - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ingress66 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the car for about 2 weeks, but so far I am very pleased with it . My only issue is that I wish the base model had a little more horse power , but it wasnt enough of an issue to make me choose a different car. I havent driven in the snow yet , but Im hoping it goes as well as my first few weeks. Ive already put 1200 miles on it !

• 

  If it was a lesser car, Id be dead. - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By cant complain - August 8 - 11:03 pm

  I was recently hit by someone who ran a stop sign; t-boned the car, and it was slammed tail first into an electric pole. We walked away from the car with soft tissue damage; if itd been a lesser car, we would have been badly hurt. No side air bags--I LOVED my car. Filled up each Sunday, got me around for the week with 40 miles a day average, with manual transmission. Had a problem with the gas tank, but it was just an annoyance. Car was NEVER a headache. After 6 years, it still had a beautiful exterior, paint held up well. Seats stain a little too easily, imo. Drove well, only had to replace the clutch, NEVER had any serious engine problems. FUN TO DRIVE, just check my mileage, lol!

• 

  Long-term review - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jim - August 8 - 7:40 pm

  Ive had the GAGT over 6 yrs/70K miles. Seen many of the typical problems-replace front brakes every 15k, passlock issues, random clicking, leaking intake manifold gasket, etc. When I complained about the front brake servicing to Pontiac corporate, they were minimally helpful. Researching a bit, I found numerous consumer complaints, and several Tech Service Bulletins issues by Pontiac regarding the brakes. One additional item:(might vary by state) in MA, the GAGT is very expensive to insure-same as a BMW, due to repair cost. Many of the negative aspects of the car seem to be related to a corporate philosophy from GM, which with the recent bailout requests seem to run deeper than just the GAGT

• 

  Wouldnt trade for the world - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Brandyrn - August 8 - 8:00 am

  I love this car! Problems, a few but overall meets all my expectations and have no reason to trade for a newer model. I get 28 miles on the highway and 14 in the city. I have all the options where most cars today have a few. Power seats,10 disk changer,heated seats,heads up display,cd/tape player, onstar, you get the idea. Chrome wheels were pretty but crap. Front lighter a waste but the car still looks new and rides great. Easily would buy another.

• 

  LOVING MY G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Rhonda - August 8 - 4:53 am

  I had shopped for a Solstice...the interior was too small for my very tall husband. Out of curiosity, I test drove the G6 Convertible.. I drove it home that same night! I absolutely love this car! No complaints so far. I love the design inside and out..I am a very happy owner!