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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  Low cost transportation - 2009 Pontiac G3
  By doug casey - January 18 - 1:36 pm

  I bought this car with the cash for clunkers program, so the price was $7600 and my now crushed Cherokee. The only option I bought was the AC. The first tank of gas I got 32 combined MPG, mostly highway. I am a conservative driver. All I wanted was good cheap transportation, and I am VERY happy with this purchase. If you want a Cadillac, buy a Cadillac. This car rides and handle fine, good headroom, and is kind of cute. The engine RPM seems high on the highway, but it rides good and is not very noisy. If it is reliable for years, I would buy another.

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  was suprised - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By klthomson - January 18 - 11:06 am

  Im a "traditional" SUV type person and I was kinda skeptical about the Aztek (looks a lil funny), even after we test drove and decided to buy it. Acceleration is very good, and out performs my Tahoe when it comes to gas mileage. Over the course of a weekend trip I was averaging aprox 27 mpg hwy, with the ac running too. WOW! My chevy, as much as I love it, wouldnt have done much better than 18 mpg at best. so on fuel economy, I have no complaints. The interior is fairly user friendly, and is a comfy ride. About the only thing I dont like is that its AWD and not 4WD. Visibility all around isnt bad.

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  Diamond in the Rough - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By AGP5000 - January 18 - 6:06 am

  I purchased my 08 G6 GT Sedan in April 09. It had 20,000 miles on it. I must say that I have had nothing but compliments so far about the vehicle. I have put 17,000 on it in the first year, and it has rode like a champ. Gas mileage Avg. for me has been about 20 city/32 highway. That is a mix of city and highway. For those who say this car has bad gas mileage, let off the gas lead foot! It is a quick car even with a slow steady acceleration. One recommendation to ALL OWNERS: Get a strut tower bar for the front. It improves handling, gas mpg, and reduces tire wear. I have 36.5k on the original tires, and it still has 50-60% tread life left. Recommended Cold Tire Pressures:33-35F, 30-32R.

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  One of the best Cars I have ever owned! - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By daveinsc - January 17 - 4:56 am

  My Sunfire is a beautiful, reliable, fuel effiecient little car. With the spoilers, and front air dam, it looks and drives like a sports car. I am not sure how much horse power 4 cylinder engine puts out, but this is a very fast car for having such a small stock engine. I can cruise at 70 to 80 depending on the speed limit and still get great gas mileage. I can drive 1000 miles on 3 tanks of gas, and still have 1/2 to 3/4 of a tank left. If I were asked to recommend this car I would definitly say buy it! I am buying a new pickup, but I am keeping the Sunfire. It is a very reliable car, and I expect to get at least another 100,000 miles out of it or more. It has 34,000 now and no problems

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  Best car I have ever owned. - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By Twins Plus One Mom - January 16 - 3:23 pm

  I love my Montana. I only wish that there were better cup holders in the front. This van has NEVER broken down in the 11 years I have owned it. I did have an issue with after market S-belt tensioners. One of the two is not right. I went through 3 belts and tensioners before my current machanic found the issue. We drove two cross country trips, and had a great time. I love the power sliding door! The rear cargo space. The sound system is still bursting ear drums. I wish I werent so envriomently involved. I need to get better EPA ratings. I am going to try to sell it in the next 3 to 6 months. I already have 3 people that want it. Love it. Love it.. LOVE THIS VAN. My kids are sad to say bye.

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  Sporty Mom Tells All - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By Heidi in Florida - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I am a 30yrold momma with 3 boys age 3-13 and the van has withstood them wonderfully! However,I have had it in the shop for:Alternator 2x for a grounding recall,passenger mirror vibrates out 4 times,intake valve, broken cup holder,Seatbelt light broken,Seatbelt locking mech broken,cracked 3rd brake light, sliding door guts stuck,A/C-Heater Duct stuck in defrost position.BUT it was all under warranty,I have no complaints.GM has always given me 1st rate service!The sound system is great,Pontiac has always had a wonderful sound system!This is my 3rd Pontiac.My van is powerful and can outrun all other vans that have dared to race with me,my kids love this!

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  Good Luck So Far - 2003 Pontiac Montana
  By Pontiac Owner - January 16 - 2:00 am

  We have had our van for over 1 year, it has 21,000 miles on it. We enjoy driving it on trips with the two kids and two dogs. Everyone has enough room. We have not experienced any mechanical or cosmetic problems. Just regular oil changes.

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  I Came Back, Glad I Did!!! - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By Roger - January 15 - 9:10 pm

  I had a 99 Montana. Loved it. But when the lease was up, I traded it for a Rendezvous. Big mistake. It was a long 3 years! Ive had my 2005 SV6 since March 1st. Its wonderful. It rides better, handles better, has fewer blind spots, than the Buick. Im so glad I came back to Pontiac.

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  Nothing Special - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Angela - January 15 - 1:53 am

  Mediocre. Ok to drive and looks ok, but nothing to get excited about. Like 4 drs, not too small inside, gd size trunk, 4 cyl engine gd on fuel and has some zip, water pump went at 80,000mi and costs approx $800. to replace because of intense labor chg, replaced struts,lcd on stereo shot, otherwise mechanically ok.

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  Love my GXP - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By balckgxp - January 14 - 12:20 pm

  Great car. Lots of room, has lots of power. Really comfortable....no major problems. Northstar V8 is great.