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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  This car has been great to me. - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By seiichi79 - October 1 - 1:43 pm

  This car definitely served its purpose. Have 3 kids now so Im going to have to get rid of it. Which kinda stinks. Even though I can fit 3 car seats in the back its a little squished. Great power and pedal response. Lots more interior room than you would think just by looking at it and a lot of trunk space. The only problem I have had with it was the front brake rotors were warped when I purchased it but it only cost about $175 to have them fixed. Other than that this car has been awesome.

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  Spiffy, Sporty but worn out at 60,000 - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Linda - September 30 - 9:36 am

  Still looks good but mechanically is starting to cost me money. Had coolant leak fixed this year ($1,000) and it was not worth it; its leaking again. Also, the power seat feature gave out early.

• 

  2004 Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By bootknife - September 27 - 2:00 am

  We like the roomy interior, and the flexibility to set the seating in many different ways. We have the 17 inch tires and the handling is superb, however it does need more power. I understand a turbo is going to be available, this will help. A great car for the price.

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  Great performance for the buck - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By db - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I moved from an 8 cyl Llincoln LS to this model in order to save money, gain some winter driving performance and not loose the fun. However, you do have to give up a fair amount of luxury also. I also believe that a $30,000 car should have the basic self-dimming rear view mirror, heated side mirrors and climate control. A power passenger seat would also be appreciated; at least offer these as added cost options for those willing to pay. The back seat is also not too comfortable and without any cup holders; luckily I do not have to ever sit back there! With all the rebates and technology is is a good value for the buck.

• 

  95 fb - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Kyjimo - September 22 - 8:36 pm

  Im 20 and I bought a 95 fb convertible last year. It really aint a bad car truthfully. I have had to do some repairs like a engine swap, power steering, headlight motor, ac, still need to do a convertible motor, and other odds and ends. Truthfully if the guy I bought it from might have taken care of it it would still be a nice car. Just wish it had better fuel mileage for it to not have as much power as it should

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  Bonneville not reliable - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By rnckr - September 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car that constantly breaks down. I am done with GM.

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  head turner - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By e3usmcoif - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2004 GTP, its quick and I am thrilled with the interior I understand the complaints about the head room, but I am only 57" and I probably would not of bought the car if I was much taller. I dont like the fact that you have to turn on the fog lights every time you start the car, and that stupid light that comes on when they are on, how annoying at night. Also the "Stealth Mode" is cool, but my heads up display showes when my high beams are on so why the BRIGHT light! Its a distraction. But to end on a positive note, I love my new car and get compliments on it all the time, the 17" chrome rims are a great option worth every penny!

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  I switched from a BMW 545i - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By JSBMWMAN - September 20 - 4:13 pm

  Just purchased a Panther Metalic Black Onix/Red G8 GT. Did a lot of research and test driving prior to buying on 3- 30-09. I am 52 Yrs old and owned/driven nothing but Porsche,BMW, and Mercedes most of my adult life. I am a total Car Fanatic and love to drive. For the overall driver the BMW is by far the best, but it comes at a price. My most recent BMW was a 545i which I purchased new in 05. I started getting tired of the cost of owning these cars and drove the G8 GT two months ago, and was hooked. It is far from a BMW or Mercedes in terms of luxury and overall ride, but for the $ the G8 GT was good enough to convert me. It is a total buyers market, now is a great time to buy.

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  It gets looks - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jzone2020 - September 16 - 12:16 pm

  I have the 2 door GTP special edition. The hood scoops and roof racing rails are a nice touch and along with the 4 tailpipe dual exhaust system make the car looks meaner than the 240hp it has. The only problem I had is rain leaked in from the passenger side door, which wet the back carpet. Dealer fixed and everything else has been great. I wonder about the transmission though as I read other reviews here. Thus far all is good. Car rides smooth and the supercharger sure provides awesome pickup. I love the way it looks (unlike the 2004- models) as well as rides.

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  Needs more torque! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By DJ Miller - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I have the GT model with 6-speed manual gearbox. Either the engine should have more torque or higher ratio first gear. It takes good foot coordination from stop or youll sit embarrased in traffic restarting the engine. Reverse also needs a higher ratio. I have to back up a hill into my garage. I have to do this faster than I care to just to keep from killing the engine. Engine is great if you get it above 4400 RPM. It likes to rev fast, like driving a motorcycle. Above 6000 RPMs is a "kick-in-the-pants". Of course fuel mileage will suffer. Still you can drive quick and fast while still getting 25 mpg. If you drive sensible 32 mpg.