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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  I wish I could use my window! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kitkay - December 10 - 9:23 pm

  I bought my Grand Am in 2000 with 5,000 miles on it. It was all fine until 2003. If you have automatic windows they are terrible. All that hold them in place is a piece of plastic. Which through all the hot weather in TX make it weak and they break. You of course cant buy just the plastic piece that breaks you have to buy a whole motor replacement which cost between $80- $150. I had to replace both of them within two years of each other. Also the Door just mysteriously started not to open. The rear-view mirror fell off and the headlight bulbs are a pain to change. Also the transmission fliud has to be changed at a dealership.

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  Will it start?? - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By C.T. - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 Sunfire SE, and w/in the first year it had to have a new battery, and a new starter. In 2002 it had to have the computer reprogrammed due to engine lights coming on, and it had to have the whole steering assembly replaced, this all happened 2 weeks before the warranty was up. I do not trust this car and will never buy one again.

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  Buy the extended warranty - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By IndianaDC305 - November 22 - 2:46 am

  This car was purchased used (1 year old, 20500 miles). It was mostly trouble free until 60000 miles. (Except for front brakes only last about 25000 before needing replacement). At approx. 60000 miles the ignition module needed replaced ($200) then about 50 miles later it required a front hub assembly and an O2 sensor ($550). Approx. 100 miles later the timing chain failed (while idling at a stop light) which caused valve damage ($1900). About 75 miles after that problem the SES light is once again on and Im sure that will result in once again many $$$ being spent on this car. It is not abused and it is maintained properly. Service is done by Pontiac dealership. Unreliable Lemon!

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  montana review - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By mkeehender - November 21 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is veratile with good seating. The quality is poor and GMs response has been poor. They failed to replace a transmission solenoid that failed at 31,000 and 72000 miles respectively the second time it failed. The water pump and manifold seal failed at 58,000. The digital displays have intermittant failures. The 3.4 liter engine is not as good as previously offered 3.8 liter engines.

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  BEWARE! - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Joro - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Car seemed to be a good deal for the money and the reviews were positive. Actually later found out that is sucks on the Crash test peformed by experts. Also at 20,000 miles needed a new oxygen sensor, and Now I am having front end problems. Feels and sounds like the front end of my car is going to fall off and that the whole front suspension is giving out! All this at the turn of 20,000 miles. What a YUGO deal!

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  Major Problems - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By moodylicious - November 14 - 2:53 am

  Have had major problems with the brakes suddenly locking up while at hwy speeds while not being able to shift above 3rd gear. Took five dealer visits before problem was even diagonosed. Was very disturbed about how serious a problem could not be reproduced in the shop. Once nearly got steamrollered by a semi while trying to regain power. Problem finally stopped. Also, power window motors have had been replaced 4 times at $300+ a crack. Would I buy this car again? No.

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  nightmare on wheels - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By phil - November 6 - 10:13 am

  If i were to be able to go back in time I would never have looked at this car. My experience has been horrible. The car has been in the shop more times than I can count. I believe it is in the shop more than it is in my driveway. One instance was that the trunk lid would not close properly. Their answer was "all the 02 trunk lids close that way". So they bring another car in and sure enough! This car was poorly engineered from the ground up. In fact I am on my way to get a new one. Save yourself the trouble and buy a honda or a toyota!

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  Montana - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By MBC - November 2 - 2:03 pm

  Doors dont fit properly. Does not keep its value very well. Although much better than the Dodge Mini Van probably will not buy another.

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  Typical GM Junk - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Chuck - October 30 - 6:33 am

  We got our 2006 G6 buy assuming a lease from a family member. Normally I have always bought/leased a foreign auto but since we were paid to assume this lease from our family member, I decided to give it a shot..Yeah that was a MISTAKE. CAUTION: This car has intermittent loss of powersteering while you are driving. I has happened to my wife several times and we have taken it to the GM garage(towed it actually)and then when the car is restarted, the powersteering works for a short time until it stops working again. My wife wont drive the car anymore especially with the kids. Since I have taken it, it happens all the time. Fortunately, my lease ends in a few days so I can get rid of this car

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  Sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Michelle3975 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire and the resale stinks! Its only 4 years old, has only 47,000 miles, is in excellent shape, and only Im being offered $3800 from dealers. Please be very careful when buying this car. Its an awesome car, but as soon as you drive it off the lot, the value is gone. FYI.