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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  Sun and Fun Package - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Joe76 - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car in Feb. of 2004, the only problems I have had are the turn signals stopped working, the right rear speaker rattles, drivers side mirror shakes at high speeds, and the hood also shakes at high speeds. The only major problem that I have had, is the passenger side seat is starting to fray. They have fixed all the little problems except the seat. It’s a cheap car and I knew that when I bought it. But I didn’t expect the seats to be so cheaply made the material is so thin the cavy has better quality seats. But all in all you get what you pay for.

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  Poor Quality - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Phil - May 17 - 1:10 pm

  Ive had this 2003 grand am for 1 1/2 years now and have had nothing but problems with it. The turn signal/4-way clicks more than occasionally. Especially when it is cold outside. Ive had to replace both front hubs, a cv joint, the fuel pump, an ignition control module, and on 3 separate occasions, have had 3 rocker arms come loose on the rear head (by loose I mean they were lying on top of the head when I opened the valve cover). Ive replaced the brakes and rotors twice since I bought the car and have to do them again soon due to warped rotors. I do not intend to buy another grand am. Ever. And I do not recommend anyone else buying one. Unless they like to work on vehicles a lot.

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  So disappointed - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By jnellky - May 16 - 6:03 pm

  Was in love with this car bought it, and have been incredibly disappointed since Ive had it. I love everything about it except its had so many problems. Steering issue, oil leaks, waterpump leak, steering fluid leak, rodars changed, breaks changed, battery changed. Only has 40,000 miles should not be having all these problems & only owned for 1 year, used. Very sad but have to get rid of the car before I become anymore upside down in it. Do not buy this car even as attractive as it may be you will regret it!

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  Not my top choice - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By keith - May 15 - 6:53 am

  I liked this car when I bought it in 2005 with 70000 miles, thats where the fun stopped. Now has 92000. My biggest peeve is the bad gas mileage. You can hear your money thrown away in the guzzle sound the motor makes. The window motors are crap. They make weird noises and seem like they will break, already replaced one. The interior is just plain ugly. Sound system is great though. Single CD with equalizer. Amazing bass as stock. And I cant go anywhere without the front end bottoming out. Steep driveways, curbs, you name it. But the car gets me where I need to go. Just not very high quality of a car. I like the new g6 coupe, but my car makes me think twice about another Pontiac.

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  The Things We Would Do Differently - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By KDidles - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car since January of 1997. The car has had chronic electrical problems for the past eight years. The power windows stopped working in March of 1998 and rather than fixing the problem, the dealership let the problem remain until after the car was out of warranty then stated "oh, your windows dont work." We have gone through 4 factory radios all of which were replaced for free because they were defective. The car has also had chronic water pump problems. What would I have done differently? Never bought this car. This vehicle invokes a love/hate relationship but it seems as if the hate part is a lot stronger

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  Hate it! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By hate it - April 28 - 6:53 pm

  I bought my G6 in May, since then it has been in the shop 4 times and its only early June!! It only starts when it feels like it!! I have have brake problems as well, the rotors got warped within the first 2 weeks and they squeak all the time. I am very unhappy and am trading in for a Corolla S. GM should stick to what they know, trucks!

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  Intake Manifold - Why Plastic? - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By bobwill@Sask - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used at 140,000 kms, now at 186,000 kms, only minor mechanical work required - new plugs and wire set. However, one large problem as others have eluded to, the plastic intake manifold (upper plenum) which corrodes and leaks coolant into the combustion chamber. Despite being documented by GM dealerships under a service bulletin, GM has not recalled these vehicles (1995 - 1998 Bonnes and other GMs), have not redesigned the part and will provide no financial assistance. Next car will be an Acura TL.

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  its ok - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By chasmat - April 10 - 2:00 am

  this van started out rock solid with no rattles. now after 20,000 miles, the rattles are making me NUTZZ! the seats are a bear to remove and this thing sucks gas big time.

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  Falling apart - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jaws - April 2 - 12:03 am

  I have had the transmission rebuilt twice. The fuel economy is poor. I have had numerous electrical problems including window motors and heating vent motors and brake lights, all very expensive. I also have a Pontiac Bonneville and would never buy another GM car.

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  HATRED FOR THE FIREBIRD - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By willson_slp - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I HATE THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It breaks down constantly and is more of a burdon than a pleasure to own. Thank God they discontinued this car model. I made a huge mistake buying this car and if you are looking at one then cover your eyes. Youll thank me later.