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:

• 

  my pontiac - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By 2004 Aztek - February 15 - 1:20 pm

  Had to replace wheel covers while under 12000 miles feels kinda top heavy when applying sudden break

• 

  Pontiac Can Kiss It - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By staple - February 15 - 5:10 am

  I no Longer will buy a GM product. i got rid of my 05 Pontiac G6 because it was falling apart at only 40,000 miles also i need a commuter car that would get better gas mileage. so first off bad gas mileage in my 08 g5. lucky to get 24 mpg higway. been in the shop about 5 time. engine sounds like a 1950 vw beetle. it all makes wind noise. also rattles and in the dash. rough shifting transmission. brakes squeak all ready. as soon as i can it is gone.

• 

  I love my G5, but... - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Brooke - February 14 - 11:46 pm

  Dont get me wrong, I love my G5. Love the exterior looks. Black leather, heated seats (Thats what sold me.) But the windshield wipers are horrible, I can see better without turning them on. Rear spoiler blocks view, but you get used to it. I dont how anyone gets 36 mpg with it. I get 21 in the city(moderate traffic) and the best i have ever gotten is 26 on hwy. (Im delicate with my car). And biggest concern, only after 30k mi. Both of my front tires blew out, on the same day. It was like something cut them in a perfect circle on the inside of the tire. I was stuck in BFE Arkansas at a gas station. Dangerous! also having problems with my remote keyless entry

• 

  Owned long time - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By TB - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owed this vehicle for a long time. It look goods nice interior design except for cup holder placement. The vehicle is reliable overall but requires intake manifold gasket replacement every 2-3 year. Back window motors stop working at 100k miles. Front brakes do all the work. Car has good ride a control on road. Major engine issue at 165K if you dont count gasket replacement mention above every 2-3 years.

• 

  No trouble with mine - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Mark - February 6 - 10:50 pm

  I bought mine in 2005. I would tell anyone that it is a good starter car. Easy to drive and fun. Streeing it tight and I have only done normal work on the car. Oil, brakes, rotors, normal everyday car work. Good luck with yours.

• 

  Good car for many years - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Whateverusay600 - February 6 - 3:00 pm

  I drove my 97 Grand Am for 7 years and it was very reliable, I did have problems with the window motor, brakes and a few minor things. Traded it in at 186,000 miles and it was really starting to make some scary noises. Cheap stereo system had to be replaced. Front wheel drive went through tires like nobodys business.

• 

  I love my grand Slam - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ii good - February 6 - 10:00 am

  Treat this car with care and it will love you back!!!

• 

  Fun Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Lucy - February 6 - 2:53 am

  The car is both sporty and practical. It has lots of pep. I drove it in a snow storm and felt very safe. Front seats are comfy. Rear seats not so comfy for adults.

• 

  T-REX - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By HOVEN - February 5 - 5:06 pm

  I have recently purchased a 2001 convertible. I know it is old and has a few miles on it. I bought it with the prospect of fixing it up into a mean machine. The car is one of a kind.

• 

  Not so great. - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ashtyn - February 5 - 8:53 am

  Ive had mine for about 2 years now and have had nothing but problems with it. It did have 89,000 miles on it, but still should not have had that many issues. Ive had to replace the breaks, roaders, some of the wiring and tires since buying it.I currently need to replace a head gasget and have oil leaking into my anti-freeze, which is a repair that is going to cost me a little over a thousand dollars. I was told that most Grand-Prixs start having mechanical problems once they reach about 65,000 miles.