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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  Awsome, sporty, and perfect for teens - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Alex T - July 30 - 10:00 am

  My parents bought me the SE 4-cylinder after my other car broke down. This car is great to drive and picks up chicks left and right. I had to have the cruise control module replaced after the first 3k miles but have had no other problems. The wiring in the car is a little funny, so have any alarm or keyless entry system done by a pro. This car is very quick even for being 140 horse. Overall I love this car and would reccomend it to anyone!

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  Best Vehicle Ever! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By Best Vehicle Ever - July 30 - 7:16 am

  You must purchase this vehicle! It is hands down the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have purchased brand new vehicles time and time again. This time I thought it would be smart to pay cash for a vehicle. The Azteks are priced low and literally the best vehicle I have ever owned. I work at a large dealership and it literally drives better than a brand new vehicle! Really reliable Ive never had a problem which is amazing with such high mileage. This vehicle is in showroom condition even the leather is like new. Pontiac really made a sound vehicle this time! Really pround of my vehicle, and enjoy driving it each and everyday! After getting out of new vehicles I look forward to mine! Buy 1!

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  Love my car, HATE the windows - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jjsmom - July 30 - 2:53 am

  I love my used car, its fun to drive, and reliable. Im never afraid to jump in and take a weekend road trip, but I do window repairs on it once every few months. Its expensive and unbelievably inconvenient. Ive replaced the headlights, and I have replaced the water pump and the seal that drips antifreeze that likes to leak on these cars. The awesome huge trunk always has moisture in it and smells like a basement, and no one can figure out why. The engine and transmission still run tight and I do not regret buying this car. Ill be passing it on to my son when he gets his license.

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  Unsafe and gm knows this! - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By bandaide - July 29 - 11:37 pm

  Gm has posted a service bulletin on the stabilitrack control steering issue yet choose to overlook it knowing that people have died from this. I bought my car a year ago because I love pontiacs. I regret every day I turn the key as I wonder if it will be my last from driving this car. I cannot take it on long trips as the steering starts going (stabilitrack) which is a well know problem. I have tried to get a dealer to fix this but they say its all on me as gm has not seen fit to deem this known issue as a recall though it is widespread and deadly. Perhaps it is because you no longer make them and figure we will eventially we will all go away. You are right-go away to a ford!!

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  2001 Bonney Super Charged - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Garv0516 - July 28 - 7:06 pm

  This particular car is my third Bonneville!! I have been extremely happy with my ssei!! I have had so many compliments on this vehicle that i cannot remember them all! I have had a few second looks as well. Im very sad that the prodution of the Bonneville has ended. My goal now is to own the last Bonneville produced in 2005...the GXP!! I have had very few problams with my particular model...except for the fact my heated seats have both stopped working at exactly the same time, so if anyone else has had this problem, please let me know what the problem might be (example..a fuse or whatnot). I have owned the 1989 Bonneville, as well as 1999 Bonneville, and now the 2001 Bonneville! Im happy!!

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  Not a happy camper with the G3 mileage - 2009 Pontiac G3
  By John - July 28 - 10:46 am

  I am not satisfied with the gas mileage that I am getting on my new g3. I am only getting 24 in the city and 29 on the highway. The rating on the car when I bought it stated 29 city and 34 highway and in small print at the bottom it stated up to 40 mile per gal. Well I am not coming close and I gave up an hhr which was getting 33 per gal. Not a happy camper. I fell like trading it in but would take too much of a hit.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Melissa - July 27 - 5:30 am

  Fun to drive and very practical. I wasnt wanting to pay $30,000+ for a full size SUV - this fuel efficient car makes for plenty of space. Feels very safe and solid.

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  My grand prix is sweet - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brian123245 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  its hella fast and the laides love it

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  Firebird - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By Jaycee84 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Awesome Car For A V-6... Very Fun To Drive... Overall Reliable, Little Things Here And There... I Would Definatley Recommend This Car To Anyone...

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  00 firebird - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By siamese dream - July 26 - 2:00 am

  the stock spoiler is kind of annoying when it rains because it puddles up, and the door is heavy. other than that its fine