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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  excellent - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By FST - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Fun , lot of space , good vision , confortable , I will buy an other one , buy in leather and full package or you will be disappointed , On star should be improved

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  Awesome 2K2 WS6 - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By kikit2 - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car! I have a 2002 T/A WS6, 6-speed Hurst of course! I owned a 2001 F-150 Lariat Ext. Cab Off-Road 4X4(which I dearly loved) and one night I drove by the Pontiac dealership to see the Trans Ams and fell in love. The next day I went in and drove what was soon to be my new Pewter Trans AM. Then on 7-25-01 I bought her! No regrets!!!

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  First Grand Prix, but not the last - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Captain - February 3 - 10:00 am

  We have owned practically every Pontiac made from the Sunbird to Bonneville. We purchased a 02 GP 4dr and absolutely LOVE IT! The gas mileage can be outstanding, but with even minimal "heavy foot syndrome" it cuts into the old average. I have had mpg as high as 37, but other times we experienced 22 (winter months town driving). The engine is rock solid, but there seems to be some excessive noise coming from the alternator. I have heard this on other Pontiacs and it isnt going to be a problem, just is a little noisy and then goes away. Should have heated mirrors and passenger seat. Cup holders too small.

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  Love it - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Larry - February 2 - 5:46 am

  Best riding car that I have ever owned. Plenty of trunk space, and enough power in the V6.

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  poor - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Brenda - February 2 - 12:46 am

  I thought this was a nice looking vehicle, loved the sporty look, but I have had nothing but problems with CD player, sunroof to replace Power Steering pump over 800$ I called GM said there was recall but would not help me with replacing power steering pump, no one would return my call and had to stay on line for a long period of time to talk to anyone.

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  Drivers dream - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Dean - February 1 - 5:13 pm

  Great driving experience, handles super in the corners and accelerates like a dream

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  Ripped off - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By ANGRY - February 1 - 9:36 am

  I am very disappointed in this minivan. I bought only 4 months ago, have had it in the service dept 8 times with sliding door problems, overhead console breakage, bounce in front end, starter is messing up, and got a message "service due soon". I have 1800 miles on vehicle. I got ripped off royally, being a woman they took advantage and dumped a bad car on me. I was talked into buying it before I knew it was a 2006, 2 year old van being sold as new. I was given a phony story by the salesman. I think they saw me coming with "Sucker" written on my forehead! I am thoroughly disappointed in it and the dealership attitude about it. Service dept helpful & nice, but I wish I had my Dodge van back!

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  Not Too Bad - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By chasenally - January 31 - 5:20 pm

  I am reading about the repairs that people are having done. When the gasket went out due to the type of antifreeze, my mechanic fixed it for under $500, I have had the car into the shop a few times in the five years I have been driving it and it hasnt cost more than $500 each time. I have driven 75K miles on it and am now selling it, but only to get a car with less mileage. Just maintain it well. I have no problem with how it was built or how it runs. The antifreeze problem was unfortunate, but not expensive.

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  This car is stylin!! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Kyle Brautigan - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a cool compact car! It has both good looks on outside and inside. It has a roomy and versatile interior. It handles very well and has a good confident feeling when driving plus the fuel economy is awesome. On the negative the ride is fairly harsh and the engine though economical is loud and underpowered. It is quiet at highway speeds though. The sad thin is this is one of the best quality vehicles GM makes which is sad because it cost around 20,000 dollars. The reason for this is because it is mainly done by Toyota. No surprize!!

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  Very good buy! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By michaelc720 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Probably the most reliable car Ive ever owned.