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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  Nothing but problems - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By minnesotagirl - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This car looks so sporty-sure hope it will help it sell fast!!! Bought it one year ago for 3000.00, have put in over 1500.00 with another 1000.00 needed. AC compressor failed, water pump, power steering lines and hose, intake gasket, plenum gasket, valve cover gaskets and o-rings, alternator all needed replacing. Now has some suspension problems. Need I say more?

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  Nothing Special - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Angela - January 15 - 1:53 am

  Mediocre. Ok to drive and looks ok, but nothing to get excited about. Like 4 drs, not too small inside, gd size trunk, 4 cyl engine gd on fuel and has some zip, water pump went at 80,000mi and costs approx $800. to replace because of intense labor chg, replaced struts,lcd on stereo shot, otherwise mechanically ok.

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  Pontiac Grand Am - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jessay123 - January 14 - 12:22 am

  I baught my 98 Grand Am almost a year ago with 120k miles. The fitst couple of months were great. Then heater core went out, water pump, timing chain tenion thing, window motor, a rubber on the engine mount and now its leaking either trans fluid or power steering fluid. Other than the reaccuring problems the car drives great. Also the pick up is pretty decent for a 4cyl.

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  Get to know your mechanic! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By callaann27 - January 9 - 12:30 am

  I bought my Torrent used with 70,000. Around 80K I replaced a wheel bearing and it stopped heating. By 90K I had blown head gaskets twice and made the decision to put a new motor in it with 44K. This motor is running much smoother but my engine light stays on at all times. Going on 95K on the body and my struts need to be replaced and another set of tires. I need to get this car paid off and move on from GM.

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  any van would be better - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By dirtcooker - January 3 - 12:45 am

  so many repairs. wheel bearings, transmission, taillight assembly(twice), the CPU , traction control problems, oil pump, rack n pinion , axels all in the span of 40000 miles. this wear is not from carrying children or small livestock. i have been sincerely unhappy with this van

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  Bought this car and it is a nightmare! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By kelsie - December 30 - 6:56 pm

  I bought this car and 2 days later it broke down, it keeps jumping and the dealers cant find the problem this car has been in the shop more than I have it! it keeps giving me a signal saying power steering no fuel, but my car doesnt take power steering fuel because its electric! If the car would work the way its supposed to it would be a great car! But it dont!

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  not too happy - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By KD - December 19 - 9:20 pm

  had to get a new transmission after 65,000 and I dont even drive rough

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  too many flaws - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By jon - December 9 - 2:30 am

  This van was ok until 30,000 miles when the general self sealing tires were bald.Yes I rotated them every 6000 miles. The intake gasket had to be replaced at 31,000. The brakes were sticking on one side at 37,000. Airbag light came on at 40,000 and has been back twice for that. The battery had to be replaced at 47,000. Now the abs,traction control lights are coming on. GM needs to recall the intake gaskets everyone I know with a montana has had it replaced. I love gm trucks but this the last van GM will sell me.

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  Pontiac should be ashamed!!!! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By larondag - November 27 - 5:27 am

  i received a recall letter for the transmition in Dec 2012. I took my car to the dealership to have the recalled part repaired in March of 2012. Two days after the repair I start experiencing problems with my steering and my power steering went out a week later. After searching the internet i found out that this is a huge problem for this model. I then called Pontiac and they opened a case for this issue. i was advised to take my car to my local dealer and if they advise that it was not due to wear and tear or lack of matianence then they would assist with reimbursement. I took my car to the dealer and was advised that the torque sensor was bad.

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  Leaking Struts - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By jcoyle - November 22 - 2:40 am

  I purchased this car new on 6-30, noticed it leaking on 7-1. Both front struts blown. Cannot drive car and still waiting on parts as of 8-8. Fluid leaked onto front brake pads and rotors making dangerous to drive. GM knew this was a problem with all 06s and continues to sell them without fixing this first. Pontiac has been a nightmare to deal with. Refuses to extend warranty to cover time Ive been without car. Do a search for 06 gto leaking struts and read others stories. Terrible customer service.