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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  Thumbs Up - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By TChicago - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I waited until I got some miles on my new GTO before submitting a review. I now have over three thousands miles on the odometer and I have not had one problem or any squeaks/rattles with this car. The car is very quick (I have the automatic) and comfortable. I can drive the GTO like a regular car 98% of the time (freeway commuting) I even have room for a baby’s seat in the back. When I want a sports car all I have to do is hit the throttle. This is the best car I have ever had in my driveway. I think the GTO most practical sports car on the market. I made the right choice.

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  Love it, but Hate it as well... - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By jen - September 12 - 9:36 am

  Purchased a red one, with a 6 speed, so it has the power I like and looks great. But within days of owning they needed it back for a recall to fix the sunroof. Then a couple months later I had a waterfall in the car. Sunroof is very loud when closed. Then the lock broke off. I had to get the rotors rotated at 20,000 miles. Will this cause more issues later? A sensor in the door must be going bad that sends the signal saying it is open or shut. The window is suppose to drop down when open & move up when closed. It moves back up before being closed & makes a horrible noise. Afraid it will break the glass. Also the radio doesnt always go off when the door is open.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By mrbpmb - September 11 - 11:00 pm

  Bought the base G6 as a third car, to save gas and wear on my 04 Envoy, then pass to my kid in about 5 years. Love the looks, veery roomy inside for a smaller car, especially the rear seat. Performance has been better than I expected from the 4-cyl. The tires arent the best, and the wheel covers are cheap plastic, but they do ride on 16" rims. Many features that are optional or unavailable in a Civic or Corolla are standard here, but I find the manual locks to be an unnecessary complication. You cannot lock/unlock all doors with the key from the outside. I wish I could add keyless remote entry without having to get a package that includes 17" alloys and cruise control.

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  2005 GTO - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By peterpoway - September 11 - 7:10 pm

  I just bought a 2005 GTO and have had it for about a week and it is great. I had a 1994 Z28 6spd. before this, and the GTO is more refined and considerably more powerful. This car is fun to drive, sold and begs to be flogged.

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  My new G5 - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Karen P. - September 11 - 2:10 pm

  I have had my G5 for two weeks now and this is an excellent vehicle in so many ways! I had the Vibe before this and the G5 has a lot of zip and is GREAT on gas! The black interior is very sharp and the bright yellow paint provokes all kinds of comments from people when I drive around. I have the 1st one sold in my small city and I couldnt be more pleased!! I choose to buy American made vehicles, have driven in similar sized imports that belong to friends and this GM car is FAR superior!! The 12 months of XM, music downloads and cool interior accents are just an awesome bonus!!

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  Great first car!!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Tj Keen - September 10 - 1:17 pm

  I bought a 04 Grand Am GT1 Coupe a few months ago, and so far besides a few issues it has been very reliable for me. I bought it with just over 100,000 miles, and the fuel pump went around 103,000 miles but $250 I think it was isnt bad. Now at almost 105,000 I had to get the ignition switch changed because the car wouldnt turn over a couple times. All in all I love this car, Ive always wanted one of these since I was a kid lol. It is a blast to drive I havent driven it in the winter yet obviously but hopefully it is as good as people are saying it is. The one thing that kind of bugs me is the turn signal ticking when Im not using it. But that doesnt bother me as much because I either have the radio turned up or the windows/sunroof open or both. I do also love the fact I have Sirius XM as well. I can now listen to hard rock music besides just alternative crap around here by Chicago. But overall Id recommend this car for any first experience drivers who are looking for a affordable sports car.

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  Never any Problems - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ksm - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I have always loved my pontiac... have had it for two years, have driven it all over (absolutely love it on the highway) and find myself easily accelerating, turning, and simply buzzing about town. I never have problems getting around in snow and my children are always saying "Go faster!" I got premium wheels on my car with a maroon shiny finish that gets a weekly car wash (It shows well)... Used to drive a Bonneville, dont like the new style.. this styling fits my personality entirely!

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  strong runner - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By bigpop - September 9 - 11:33 pm

  We have been happy with our Pontiac Montana. My wife is the primary driver and drives mostly around town carrying our three children to and fro. We have taken long trips (CA to TX) in it and enjoyed the ride, highway gas mileage, TV screen and VHS player. We bought an inverter and hookup the PS2 for long journeys. Beyond oil changes, we have replaced the tires (crappy Generals), the front brakes, and the battery. We would buy another Pontiac or GM van in the future. Smooth shifting transmission, good low-end torque, lots of toys inside, looks good.

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  Excellent value - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By borych - September 8 - 4:16 pm

  Have had car for 7 years now and have been more than satisfied. Recently had a few significant repairs. Over all am quite happy with the purchase. Runs well. Good gas mileage 18-24 mpg for a 6 cyl AWD model. Excellent in deep snow! This car lives in New England outside and has served well. Only minor cosmetic drawback is that it does not come with gas cover. Many people over the years have asked what happened to it. I keep needing to explained that this is the way it was designed. If they still made them I would buy a new one.

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  Totally sweet, I love it. - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Greg Pin - September 8 - 3:23 am

  I only have one complaint with this car, the dead pedal in the car (the foot pad on the left for your left foot). I find it makes my knee sore after driving a couple hours. I have to constantly adjust my left leg. Maybe it is the angle the dead pedal puts your foot and leg in. Not sure but I do know it gives my left knee discomfort. I am working on creating a solution. Other that that the seating is very comfortable and room is very good. I feel safe in this car and that is a key feature for all buyers out their. Safety first, if you feel safe it must be good.