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:

• 

  Best all-around SUV - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By JeremyH - February 18 - 4:06 pm

  Looking for an SUV I wanted something that was a) all wheel/4 wheel drive b) could pull at least 3,500 lbs c) get decent gas mileage, d) have “cool-wow” features e) have above average build quality & f) not cost me $30-K. I found that the CRV & Rav4 can’t pull a boat & looked “toyish”. The Escape is smaller & gets worse gas mileage. Likewise, the Dodge Nitro/Jeep Liberty twins have lower MPG’s, & they just didn’t have a quality feel. The Torrent feels roomier inside than any of the other SUV’s, & it’s reliability ratings are good. Overall feel is that of a more expensive import. Gas mileage has been what I expected too: 17 city & up to 25 highway.

• 

  One piece of crap!!! - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By jimmy grover - February 16 - 2:00 am

  NIGHTMARE! We have had so many problems with this car that GM gave us a free warranty up to 50,000. We are at 55,550 miles now and the cars sits in the driveway with a bad rear end. This car has been adult driven, maintained and never abused. This is just a partial list of problems: entire instrument cluster and replaced, A/C freezes up, front rotor problems, sensors replaced, headlamp door motor replaced, several suspension parts replaced, hatch support shocks replaced, monsoon stereo replaced, leaking t-tops, a clutch switch replaced, headlight flicker problem that could never be identified, one seatbelt replaced...

• 

  Make Sure You Get A Warranty - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By kate_lyne - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1999 Grand Am SE 4 door about 10 months ago and I have had nothing but trouble since I bought it. So far the transmission has been rebuilt, oxygen censor had to be fixed, brakes had to be replaced, the trunk leaks and the back floors get wet when it rains. I have also had problems when trying to acclerate-the car jumps and sometimes stalls. The dealer hasnt figured out what causes it. Do not get me wrong I like my car-it drives nice (when it isnt acting up) but I dont trust it at all. So do yourself a big favor-do not get a Grand Am and if you do make sure you get a VERY good extended warranty. Chances are youll need it.

• 

  car sucks - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By wolfie47 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  bought the car brand new, after 100 miles, body moldings were falling off, after 3500 miles, tranny was leaking, idiot dealer "mechanic" didnt fill it with fluid and let my wife drive around that way. after 4000 miles, fuel pump went out, after 5000 miles, rack and pinion steering needed replacement. now after 13,500 the battery exploded and ate through my paint, then idiot "mechanic" sprayed acid all over my fender and bumper. (dont use dealer service if you can help it) Now i am just waiting for something else to go wrong.

• 

  My Bonnie is the best car Ive ever had - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Stephiey13 - February 15 - 4:30 am

  I bought this car from an individual, and I am ashamed to say that I was very ruluctant to buy it because of a Grand Am I had before, which was a big piece of junk, but now I am so glad that I did. Its the best and most dependable car that I have ever owned. Rides smooth, the seat adjustments are awesome, very comfortable, has a lot of kick when you need it. She has 230,000 miles on her and shows no signs of stopping. I have had to replace the water pump, a pulley and the belt, and the radiator hose, thats it. Awesome car, and I would love to buy another one but they are getting hard to come by anymore, the 98 models are the best in my opinion.

• 

  Nice Car for under 30K - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By JC - February 14 - 5:46 pm

  I have owned the car for a few weeks now and everything seems to be fine. I do a lot of Highway driving so gas mileage has been good just like my previous car and it is more comfortable that my Toyota Camry which I found extremely surprising. As far as the interior it looks like cheap plastic but like most other cars in the same class and I am not rough on my cars so it should last a long time. If you live in a hot & sunny area I would suggest buying an $8 magic sun-shade due to the fact the dash board is Foam like plastic and you would not want your dashboard to crack. Other than that I am pretty impressed for this is my first brand new car I have ever owned.

• 

  1998 pontiac grand am - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Resstop - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Reliable, plenty of power, red exterior paint has faded in some areas, paint has oxidized badly in some areas.

• 

  been great so far! - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By alan2123 - February 13 - 6:10 pm

  We have owned this car since it was brand new. it now has 209400 miles on it! Ive out in an alternator, window wiper motor, and a new ignition. it still needs a couple things, like a new indicator switch because it makes a ticking noise while off, but for how long its lasted and the little work its needed, it has been a great car! it still runs great, and Ill probably get it up to 250000 miles before I sell it.

• 

  I Love My Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Christine - February 13 - 2:20 am

  Its a great car - sporty, sharp, and classy! Big enough for all your stuff small enough to park in the city. Lots of compartments to store things in the front and the trunk. Great handling - smooth shifting! Great on mileage! Now all it needs is the fridge and the hot/cold cup holders!

• 

  Great Car, Fun to drive!! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Dawna - February 11 - 10:50 pm

  I honestly didnt consider it when i was looking for a new car, but I am sooo glad i got it. I absolutely love it. It handles great on the road, very roomy and comfortable, yet sporty enough to hang with em all. Pontiac did great thinking up this car....