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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  great car, very reliable - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By pst - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Here I am at 81,350 miles and all Ive done is change to oil faithfully, and the routine maintenance. It is very reliable and fun to drive. Most of my driving has been on the highway, and this car has power to spare. The trunk has plenty of space for luggage. My only gripe is my rear window refuses to roll down sometimes.

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  Firebirds Forever - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Tyler - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2002 Standard Firebird with the Sport Appearance Package, It is a GREAT car for summer cruising with the T-tops out. My car is Pewter Metallic and 4 speed automatic transmission. This car is perfect for a teenager who wants to be seen. I would recomend this car everyone and make sure to get one before there all gone!!

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  Review after 4 years of reliable and fun performance - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 218 - May 24 - 10:17 pm

  I aquired my 2006 Grand Prix(base) in March 2009 and I have to say it is an excellent performer and reliable daily driver. In the time that I have owned my Gp, I have had little to no problems with it. The car can definitely makes a daily drive exciting with its 200hp-230 torque as it has defeated many a foe. It also responds very well to modifications, Ive placed a CAI, ZZP 304 SS headers, downpipe, and catback with Flowmaster Super 44s. It sounds badass to finalize. My friends praise its quickness and superb ride quality on the road, its a bliss to drive daily and a joy when the go-pedal is abused. In short, it is an excellent car and I would reccomend one to all.

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  Severe engine problems - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By multani4 - May 21 - 10:31 pm

  Great when bought brand new. but beware of engine problems. #1 lower intake leaks. Head Gasket leaks. hard on brakes. stay away from this vehicle or any other gm vehicle with the 3.4l and 3.6l and 3.8l engines they all have issues with leaks.

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  So far so good - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By lbalb - May 21 - 6:06 am

  I purchased my Pontiac Vibe in 2006. I have yet to have a problem with it. It has been an extremely reliable car. Not one problem to report. It seems that the car gets better gas mileage as it gets older. I am averaging around 31 miles per gallon on highway which is most of my time.

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  Beat to hell, Runs like hell - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fisher580 - May 20 - 3:34 pm

  We bought the car with 15x,xxx miles and sold it to my friend with 205,xxx and it ran great, only left us stranded once, it overheated and boiled coolant out, but we were going 90+ mph through oklahoma during 95+ degree heat. we seen that coming. drove it on a 2500 mile trip and went 3000-5000 miles between oil changes, like said beat to hell in every way and always started and rarely got stuck. he now has 225,xxx miles on it and said it runs perfect

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  2003 Grand Prix GT - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ran Lafferty - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Excellent response frm 3800 engine. Much much better than the 3100 in the 2001 model I traded. Leatherinterior is comfortable and sporty.

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  Lease Is Over And Im Buying It - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By Cleveburg - May 20 - 10:00 am

  We had one of the first on the street in 2000 and opted to lease as a safer option that purchasing given the car was the first crossover design. People tell me its ugly but for the money, its been a great value and practical in too many ways to list. The lease is just about up and were thinking about purchasing it given the buy-out price is less than the residual lease value. We did just have some major warranty work - A/C compressor and a head gasket so Im probably going to go with an extended warranty to address the anxiety factor. Besides, if you want unique, you see fewer of these on the road than those new SUV crossovers costing over fifty grand!

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  Only ugly people drive "beautiful" cars - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Attractive Aztek - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have never regretted buying my Aztek. Its a very useful car, with lots of room and better gas mileage than I expected. I originally entered the market with intentions of buying one of the "typical" SUVs (Trailblazer or Explorer) but soon realized I would be overpaying by at least $5K if I bought anything other than an Aztek. Its exterior styling is much improved over its first year design and I get comments weekly from people impressed with the cars looks. And for those who arent I say, "Only ugly people need beautiful cars to feel better about themselves."

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  fast and looks good in my garage - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kyler kelley - May 20 - 9:50 am

  car is awesome. very fast. mustang guys think you got some v6 car when you pull up until they see the v8 badge on the back as you pass them. i also have not driven it in 6 weeks due to crappy weather it looks great in my garage