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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  lovin it - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By tyler - October 30 - 11:06 am

  I bought mine about 4 months ago and i love it. i had it supercharged about a month ago so now i have 560 hp and 530 ft lbs of torque. I was blowing the doors off of mustangs right out of the box, but now... i like virtually everything about the car except the shifter as everyone has said and the handling is just a little bit too soft. other than that its an awesome muscle car that can be tuned to beat anything for very little money. you need to get one... quick

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  Best Minivan- Pontiac Montana - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By pjk - October 30 - 3:06 am

  re: true cost to own. 9 years I would like to submit my true cost to own a 1999 Pontiac Montana I sold recently to buy my new Buick. Total repair cost for 9 years. $82 Two rear stop lights... price $12 One tie rod end ... price $50 first part to fail 8.5 years old. 75K miles Charge A/C ..... price $20 one can of refrigerant. total $82 The rest of repairs were two sets of tires two sets of brake shoes oil changes every 3K Thats it. Van bought new $17k plus tax. Van sold 9 years later $5100 $11900 total depreciation $1322 depreciation per year. This Van was driven 95% in the Pgh area .. salt in winter potholes,hills, average trip was about 3 miles. It still looked like new no rust

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  Great Car - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By JP - October 29 - 12:06 pm

  This is one of the greatest cars (and maybe the best engine) GM produces. I have 249,305 miles on it as of this morning and you couldnt ask for a better reliability report. That isnt to say I have never replaced anything on this car. I have. But it has the original "Big Ticket" items. No need to replace the trans or engine. Breaks, tires, oil filters. Almost as good as my 96 Bonnie with 309,000 miles. I would recommend this car to anybody.

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  It sounds great - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Thebigb - October 29 - 1:13 am

  Traded a 2003 Yukon for 2006 Grand Prix GXP. Had read review in various magazines and lived up to all of the hype. Fantastic power, great features, and best of all the $34000. list was reduced to $27,500 out the door. Car is equipped with every available option including Nav and power sun roof. GM dealers are willing to deal big time right now, and you can get those "employee discounts" without the program. This car was on the dealers lot for over 30 days, so he wanted to move it. Got it in black with black interior. Just looks real cool.

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  2000 GPGT - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Scott85 - October 28 - 2:30 pm

  This was a good car in the beginning. Bought it @ 45K , it now has 70K . The GPGT is probably one of the best cars Ive ever driven in the snow, it goes through it without missing a beat. The power is decent, gas mileage is good, looks great! It does very good on long road trips. Now the bad part. Luckily when we (fiancee and I) bought the car, we got the extended warranty. It has helped pay for the $5K in repairs of this car. So far - intake & exhaust manifold gaskets have been replaced, HVAC fan was stuck on high, steering rack & pump replaced, front drivers side ball joint went out and in a "chain reaction" of events - broke the drivers side axle in two, replaced both of the tie rods.

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  poor fuel economy - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By brian - October 28 - 12:33 pm

  This vehicle is poor in the snow.Fuel economy is 20-25 mpg max,dont try to pass a car at hwy speed on two lane rd or you might be dead!!! If you are looking for fuel economy and a good car in snowy areas this is not your your car.

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  First GM Buyer - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By First GM Buyer - October 27 - 12:23 pm

  I bought this car in July with warranty for 5 years or 40,000 miles. The drive is very comfortable however there is a noise problem with the steering wheel (it rattles every time you take a turn). At this moment car is mostly sitting in the garage. The dealer has already replaced the steering column but the noise is still there. GM refuses do anything more, but I am still fighting to get it fixed. I like every other feature though. DonÂ’t expect more in this price range, at least $4000 less than comparing Japanese models and the G5 has better features, look, fuel efficiency. I am not sure why GM took this brand off the market.

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  A Smooth Cruiser - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Sui - October 26 - 12:23 pm

  I know a floaty car that has decent power when I drive one. The Grand Prix is not the largest sedan I have driven nor does it have the most powerful engine, but this car basically drives and feels like a real 4-door sedan - comfy and very easy to drive, good acceleration, and it passes Sunday drivers with authority. Idle is barely noticeable; the road and wind noise is also low. Steering has some play in it, which I prefer because one doesnt have to grip the wheel so hard to keep it in a straight line. Brakes are mushy, but work very well. Interior and body are "dated" but I love the symmetrical look (especially the hood). Dashboard offers many features and functions.

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  Keep the Recall in Mind - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By bike_canoe2 - October 26 - 7:21 am

  I agree with Edumonds it is sluggish, but 32 mpg city is a definate advantage. The seating is comfortable, road noise is average. It is fun to drive but its not a sports car. NOW ABOUT THE RECALL - the PCM (performance control module) has issues, it will leave you stranded on the side of the road when it fails. The recall covers specific years, and specific engines so check yours at NHTSA.GOV and have it replaced if yours is recalled! The recall will cover replacing the PCM, labor, and towing to a GM dealer, but it does not cover a loaner vehicle. The dealer is very confident about the reliablity of this vehicle, this is the only issue they have with this vehicle.

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  Maintain and Gain - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jjgalla - October 26 - 5:50 am

  I purchased as 2nd owner.I have had a few items that were a pain,no car is perfect but I maintain my cars and 105000 miles is current.I did have water from the cowling area and it took time to find it.Normal use items of discs,pads,shoes expected.Always O,L,filter@ 4000mi.Replaced carpet@ 10/09,fuellines,filter@12/09.Windshield and driver window regulator 01/2010. It is great in snow,quick at highway entry, rides steady for shorter wheelbase legnth. I hope to make 200,000 miles.