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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  Ok, but could be better - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ssstew - August 24 - 12:30 pm

  I have had my Pontiac Grand Am for 2 and a half years, and I have had a few problems, but nothing drastic. I do have a loud ticking from the engine when it is cold. And the trim on the windshield is coming off. I love the way it drives and handles. Lots of power and corners great. All in all it is a fun car to drive, but there are some quality control issues Pontiac overlooked when making these cars.

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  Great car not reflective of editors rate - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Rick E. - August 24 - 11:53 am

  We have only had the car a few weeks but love the handling, and bought the car because of the great 3.8 engine. Ride is smooth, and engine is not noisy as reflected in editors critique. Back seat is tight, and no molding strips to protect door bangers. But comfortable, fun driving car that looks great.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Avenger - August 24 - 12:53 am

  This car is light years ahead of the Grand Prix we had. Handling, acceleration and great looks make this car very fun to drive. American cars have come a long way. The editors from this website dont give this car its due. The dash could have a bit less plastic, but the design is very good. We dont have the hood scoop and the big spoiler (dont like the spoiler). But the front grill looks great. This car is a head turner and it doesnt look like the million Nissans, Hondas and Toyotas I see everyday.

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  Very Pleasant Surprise! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By MikeG - August 23 - 5:16 am

  I paid $15,700 for this car with employee discount and crazy rebates. All in all, a great new car for a price range in which I was only finding 40-60,000 mile 3.5L Altimas. Engine powerful, but needs a little more oomph against competition. "Touring" suspension in base models make car feel bigger than it is, only reason to pay more for GT. Overall the ride is very good. "Value leader" automatic brings back memories of my Olds Intrigue, not really a sporty feel. Back seat looks huge. Body styling looks import inspired, slightly generic but very sharp. Fit and finish seem great, especially for the price range. Something a little different from GM, and Ive had a lot of GM cars.

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  Drive Train troubles - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By pontiacrod1970 - August 21 - 8:26 am

  For about the last 6 months this car has had cv problems, shifting problems, Have had the front wheel brgs replaced on each side at least twice, now they have to replace the automatic transmission valve body and the 2-3 shift solinoid also replaced! Also had to replace left axle assm. and has had 4 fuel regulators in 2 years!!!!!!!

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  A few dissapointments..but overall happy - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By pr0gr4m - August 21 - 3:20 am

  I really dont like the monsoon sound system, its too boomy. I dont know if thats just mine or if all the monsoon systems sound like that. As Gib mentioned there is a leak problem but its the sunroof, not the windows. The sunroofs drainage hose pops loose. Once reconnected, all is well. I love driving the car but wish it got better mileage. My old V6 (Dodge Avenger) would get 300+ miles per tank full. This one just gets 240-280, unless I take a long highway trip, then the mileage jumps. I like automatic but wish it were a 5 speed, or 4 spd w/overdrive. Theres always gonna be problems, but these arent deal breakers for me. I really do enjoy this car and recommend it. Its FUN!

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  Heartthrob to Headache - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Illinois Girl - August 19 - 4:06 pm

  Purchased 2 1/2 years ago. Loved the vehicle from the beginning. I still like the car, but not the repairs. I have had to replace the thermostat 3 times in the 2 1/2 years, the fuel pump 3 times within the last year, engine replacement, and now my gas cap is leaking air and the temp light is coming on again at times. It gets me to and from where I need to go on a somewhat reliable basis, but everyday I Wonder when will be the next time its not going to start and need yet another tow. I have taken care of the car and still these problems. Makes me wish I didnt still owe so much on it!

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  Impressed - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By StellaGomez - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used from a friend who had bought it used. I have no idea how well it was taken care of before I bought it, but I assume not very well. I have owned it for three years and have yet to have a problem with it. There are interior/cosmetic issues from previous use but it has never been a problem for me. Ive driven two hour trips across Michigan several times and never had a problem. This is one tough car. Perfect for a student/young driver who just drives in town and who is on a budget.

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  2005 GTO - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Mike - August 16 - 5:06 pm

  The GTO is a fun car to drive. It is an everyday car with a very comfortable interior design. With the 6.0, you do not lack performance.

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  Nice Van - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By storm - August 15 - 2:53 pm

  Bought new in Dec. 05. No problems at 43,000 miles of mostly city driving. Only issue is with tire wear, need to rotate every 5,000 miles or rear tires will cup. Overall very nice van for the price.