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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  Little flaws that drive me crazy! - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By Minivan Mom - May 24 - 10:00 am

  We take our Montana back to the dealership to fix something once every two months. Ive had old junkers that have needed less service! In the first year, it was recalled 5 times - twice for the automatic door, twice for the rear seatbelt and once for the GPS. The little things drive me crazy - broken drink holder,burnt out light in the radio, airbag light that keeps coming on, oil change indicator that wont turn off, module for headsets that comes completely out of the counsel when you remove the headset, broken strap for the rear hatch etc. Ive always owned Toyotas and I think Ill go back after this vehicle.

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  Wish Id never seen this car - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BadCar - May 24 - 5:30 am

  When I bought the car, it was just a few months old. It had been a fleet car and had only 11,000 miles on it. The main problem I have had is with the electrical system. It has gone out countless times at almost $400 a pop to get it fixed. The dash warning lights all come on at any given time, but then I can shut it off and restart it and they go out. The passenger side mirror fell off. The brakes need replacing every year. The drivers side power window went out. I was driving down the highway at 70 mph. and it just quit for no apparent reason. Of course it had no power steering or brakes, so that was fun trying to pull off the road. Also my CD player went out within a year of purchase.

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  G5 is a great car - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Kim - May 21 - 6:50 pm

  What a fun car to drive! This is a nice car that is a 4 cylinder but seems like a 6 cylinder. It has a great suspension system and handles bumps and curves nicely! It doesnt hesitate to get up and go when necessary!

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  My Vibalicious Vibe! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By freemary - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I am extremely please with my Vibe. It has 23,900 miles on it. The only minuses (so far): When I had the oil changed at 19,000 miles, the technician told me there was a lotof metal in the transmission fluid. He said it was common in new vehicles, but at 19,000 miles, it should have cleared up. I took it to the dealer for the next oil change, so I could mention the potential problem. The transmission fluid again had lots of metal in it. They "strongly suggested" a fluid flush (to the tune of $90). I expressed my concern that a fluid flush is usually recommended at 30,000 miles and my vehicle needed one at 19,000. Well see how it goes...

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  Run Away! - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By jtexas - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Run away from this vehicle as fast as you can. Bought new, loved the features, but then the problems started. Power sliding door opened while vehicle in motion! Fixed by recall, but then 2 months later same problem, dealer wanted us to pay for repair! Raised heck and GM covered it. Intermitent electrical faults. Consumed 2 quarts oil per 3,000 miles; GM says this is "normal" consumption. Then I found oil in the coolant; discovered this is a cronic problem with this engine which GM refused to acknowlege.

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  Best Kept Secret - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Peter M - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I replaced my FORD "91" Aerostar XL with the Aztec. Being a musician and daddy I needed all the room, (to keep my musical gear:(2 300watt PA speakers, 1 effect rack, 2 guitars, 1 full size keyboard applicable stands and my 3 year olds necessary toys and supplies to get around town while shopping with the wife)I could get. I looked around for at least 3 months and I stumbled on the Aztec. As soon as I sat in it I needed to take it for a ride and then I was sold. Its a working mans cadillac. I am glad I found it, really.

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  drive the heck out of it - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By captnjjpub - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my office on wheels at about 750 miles a week most cars get old I really like this van seats are comfortable (leather full power)not bad fuel mileage mid twenties average, great pickup, the only thing I dont like its a little touchy in cross winds at high speeds

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  Its a hot car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By purgmc - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt have been happier with this car for all the reasons listed above. Not only that but it was an eye- catcher too. Great looks, great price, reliable and fun to dirve, what more could you ask of a car.

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  Rating my Grand AM - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Grand AM - May 20 - 4:50 pm

  Other than a problem (on going) with computer saying "engine needs service, which can not be turned off, the car runs great needing only new batteries. Takes life out of them quicker in hot Florida.

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  first 1000 miles down - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By admonite - May 20 - 1:36 pm

  I love the car. It has excellent looks. Has the best quality feel of any car Ive owned American or Import. The power is excellent. I opted for the 6 cylinder and it is actually more powerful than I need. I took a drive this morning with 5 full grown adults in the car and it still pushes everyone back into their seats accelerating with normal driving.