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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  Hot car but.... - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By RSSDRIVER57 - July 19 - 8:50 am

  I have this car for about a month now and I really do like it. It looks great and is very quite and is alot of fun to drive.The 3.5 engine gives you more horsepower the you will need in any situation. There are several what I consider minor flaws, one of which is the ride. The sports suspension handles great and is very responsive but gives a hard ride. When you go over a bump you will feel it and I havent gotten the 21mpg City or 29mpg Highway the sticker claims you get yet. Check out suggestion improvements for more.

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  Great Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By otty - July 18 - 4:36 pm

  Great car, still own it and I am at 227,000 km, runs like a charm still. Only regular maintenance required and a yearly oil spray for the Canadian winter to prevent corrosion. Only problem Ive had is that my seat has broken

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  So far so Good - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ray Schiller - July 18 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car for $5k from an individual, and so far, I love it. It runs smooth and powerful even with the 3.1. Handling is very responsive (kind of like the Camaro LT I use to have). Ride is firm and sporty. At 68K mi. it has a few minor imperfections, but hey, Ive been driving a 92 Chevy pickup with a stick for 12.5 years so this car feels like a Vette. I was glad to find out that the engine has a timing chain, no belt. Lots of fun to drive with dead straight tracking. I find myself taking the long way home. The stereo sounds great & the seats are comfortable. Overall, its a really nice ride for not a lot of money. If you want a great car for $5 to $6k check one out.

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  I love my car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jan - July 17 - 2:43 pm

  I love my 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix ! It is the most awesome car I have ever owned..fun to drive, reliable, and the supercharged engine is GREAT ! The car is just a all around fun car to drive, and hugs the road with tight steering, and is aerodynamic in driving ! If you are considering a 1997 body.. it is a beautiful style !

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  Problems - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By mlk - July 17 - 2:26 pm

  Very pleased with the ride and handling. Problems with rear air, blows hot air even though it has been repaired several times. Low coolant level all the time, mechanic said I need to replace the vehicle soon becuase the coolant is leaking into the engine oil. Constant problems with the power sliding door - sticks open often, dont use it anymore. Great interior, still looks like new but cupholders broke soon after purchase- flimsy and ill placed. Driver side heated seats went out soon after warranty expired. Love the red lighted dash lighting. CD player gets very hot. Great with winter starting.

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  Great Car, Great Buy!!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Great car!!!!!!! - July 17 - 12:43 pm

  I was actually in the market for an Accura TL, but the G6 caught my eye. The first day after I drove my G6 off the lot I was pulled over by a police officer who wanted to know about it because he was thinking about purchasing one. Great acceleration, a lot of power. Nice interior and very spacious. Great sound system, and fun to drive. I was very surprised by GM to make a car of this quality for the price.

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  What a fun automobile with style!!! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By pugman - July 17 - 6:50 am

  The car is more than everything Io expected in a roadster. I looked at several, all ore expensive, while they may have had a few more features, the all laked in overall appearance. The interior layut is superb. easy to use and reach controls.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Perry - July 16 - 10:43 pm

  We bought this on the GM Employee pricing plan. Couldnt beat the deal. It is a great car, reliable and fun to drive. Excellent gas mileage. Cant really think about anything bad to say other than it should come with a rear mat standard as groceries tend to slide around on the plastic rear floor. We bought 2 huge tote bags that have divided areas which really helped. Car has plenty of head room and is easy to get in and out of. It has tilt wheel but a telescoping steering wheel would be helpful. We are very happy with the Vibe.

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  Great GTO - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By pwrdbypntiac - July 15 - 1:56 pm

  The 2005 GTO is a great car. I work for GM so I fully looked over the car before hand. The panel to panel fit and paint are excellent, no squeaks and rattles, or wind noise. Very beautiful interior with a handsome understated exterior. I get complimenets and many people asking me about this car wherever I go. Today a guy with an old GTO complimented me on my GTO...then i smoked him

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  Horrible and terrible vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jimmac404 - July 14 - 1:06 pm

  This was the most awful car that was ever purchased by me. From the time I purchased the vehicle to the time I got rid of it, which was 2 months, the car spent more time in the shop than on the road. Lucky for me the dealer attempted to fix all the problems but this car as far as Im concerned was beyond repairs. First the rear suspension went out, then the air conditioner and finally the car leaked inside from a heavy rainstorm. Pontiac should have went out of business instead of Oldsmobile. Car was traded for a 2005 Chevy Impala which was 10 times better. No Pontiac ever for me!