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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  Great Purchase - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By jeronomo - June 15 - 6:53 pm

  This is actually the 1.8 L auto which is not listed as an option on Edmunds. This is a great under the radar car. It is compact enough to get good gas mileage and fit in small spaces but still feels spacious inside, with a lot of possible cargo room. I like the exterior styling better than the matrix (its twin) or the fit. No problems so far!

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  Frequent Shop Visits - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Griff - June 15 - 6:40 pm

  I have had my GR AM GT since 53 miles on it. I have had to replace brakes 5 times as they are too light for the vehicle. I have blown a head gasket every 60k miles, had the catalytic converter plug. all in all i have put about 8-10 k in repairs in 4 years into this car. trading off this weekend. car has 113k on it now.

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  Former GTO Owner - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Rob - June 15 - 4:16 am

  I traded my GTO for the G8. Much smoother and quieter and feels quicker around town. No problems so far, have owned for just over 2 months. Lots of room. Stereo speakers could be of better quality and wished the interior was available in other colors besides black. Interior looks good though and seats are very comfy. Really like the car and glad I bought it. Very fun to drive. No regrets.

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  Garbage - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By sixatbat1 - June 13 - 9:01 pm

  Bought used with 65,000 miles. 6 speed manual. It was a great performer and very fun to drive, but had a plethora of problems. After I got rid of my Ford Ranger 4x4 (daily driver) this became my daily. Whenever I would accelerate and bring the car to about 4300 rpm, all electronics would cut off and the headlights would get brighter, sometimes causing the bulbs to blow. Had an airbag light go on for no reason and it seemed to fix itself. Rode like crap, handling was mediocre, and build quality was less than spectacular. But it sure sounded good. I blew mustangs away all the time. It can also lay down rubber like nobodys business too. And fuel milage was surprisingly good. Almost 30 MPG hwy.

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By evnsptc - June 13 - 12:30 pm

  I bought my 2000 Grand Prix GT in 2008 (3rd owner) at 103,000 miles. Five years later, It currently has 245,000 miles on it and still going! I have yet to replace major parts on it, Though I have replaced radiator, hoses and belts, brake pads, and tires. The engine and transmission are still running strong. I trust it on long trips and wouldnt know what I would do if I didnt have it. . .

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  Good bang for the buck. - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Johnboy81 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Had this car since it was brand new and its never had a major problem. It definitely out performs imports its classed with in hp, tourqe, styling and speed. Cornering is great; pulled off many sharp turns on a dime. Drives nicely in rain/snow. The 2.4L engine is quite ballsy and the trans shifts very smoothly. Its safe. I hit a deer doing about 45 once and the only major damage it caused was a small crack in the bumper, w/ barely noticeable stress fractures to the paint at point of impact. I intend to keep this car until I have enough money for a Trans Am or GTO!

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  Love Hurts - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By eRalph - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Sigh. I just love this car. It is very powerful, a kick to drive, comfortable, with a great stereo, very good rear seat room, great trunk. I got it used at 30K miles, its at 90K now. But the intake manifold blew at 70K, dumping coolant into the engine and leaving my wife stranded at the beach. Now its thrown a rod. Ssee other reviews for similar. Around $5500 in repairs in last 2 years. Sigh.

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  2003 Bonneville SLE - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By jandres - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The moment I sat in this car for the first time I was hooked. The cockpit reminded me of a jet airplane. Being an engineer, I loved the controls and layout of the interior (especially the instrument panel). The ride and power of the engine are exceptional for this size of car. Lots of room in the back and very comfortable. I opted for the leather seats. Ride and handling are superb. This car is a gem. BTW, Some complain about the lower body- side cladding. I believe it is a plus since it protects the lower part of the car against stone chips and door dings.

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  Good Deal - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BigCoop - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Nice engine, could use more horsepower but lots of torque. Handles well, STICKS to turns. Sound system is great for a stock and steering wheel controls are nice. Reliability needs to be better, so far Ive had a fuel gasket replaced as well as a leak in the radiator and currently I need the brakes machined (get a pulsing when breaking - a common pontiac problem) and my engine is giving me problems as well. Feels like Im dropping it into gear when shifting from neutral to drive and between 1st and 2nd. Apart from the problems, driving it is a blast and it looks sharp.

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  Scott A.Smith - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Scott A Smith - June 12 - 11:46 pm

  I love the g6 sedan after 10 months it is still like new It is so quiet, smooth and very easy to drive. For a Tall person 65" it is one of the most comfortable cars I have ever owned and look foward to the use of this car until the end of my lease.