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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  GT is a great look on the Outside - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Marcus - September 6 - 4:03 pm

  The pontiac Grand Prix GT is an awesome looking car and a great buy because it looks so good. However, as you drvie this car daily the one thing you realize is the drivers seat is extremely uncomfortable and has a gap in the head rest, WHY PONTIAC? I have the premium sound system and it sounds great except when I hit a bump and I realize I will eventually need to buy a new cd player because this one skips so much. The guy I bought this car from said it got up to 30 m.p.g. and it DOES NOT. It gets maybe 23 and thats on the highway. I have had no problems with my car since I have bought it, so my recommendation is if you want a good car for about 5 grand this is a great buy.

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  GXP Has Great Power - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By n costabilo - September 5 - 6:53 am

  This review on edmunds does not do the GXP model justice. It is fun to drive and is faster than the 300c/Hemi Charger. Driven a few 300s w/ and w/o Hemi and have not been impressed with performance and handling. The GXP has a lot to offer nad is a joy to drive.

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  Nice ride if you like the looks. - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Jmamadei - September 4 - 8:43 am

  I never even considered an Aztek when I was shopping for a car but there it was with low miles and a good price so I was sold and I really love it. Everything about it is convenient and easy to use also, it sits high enough to give a good view of the road without being difficult to climb into. Gas mileage is acceptable (19-20mpg) and reliability has been good during my first 500 miles. However, if you change your own oil its really hard to get the filter out because of the front frame crossmember so plan on wearing half of your oil the first time you change it.

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  Had a few problems - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By gators - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I know many people who have owned this vehicle. It is usually very dependable. The traction control and heavyness of the car is a plus. It is fast, but eats gas. I purchased this car used. I should have bought and extended warranty. I had problems with the stearing. Which if not under warranty can cost over $1000.

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  Wife loves it - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By rmbmt - September 4 - 2:00 am

  My wife drives almost 20k a year and loves this. We sold our Durango and am happpy we did as this gets around 23mpg and the Durango got 14. My main complaint so far is that the temp gauge will often appear as if the car is running warm. The dealer has checked it several times and said it is ok - so I guess we all should believe the dealers - right?

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  Dare to be different! - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By LORI - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This car rocks! I am so happy I bought it, I couldn;t have picked a better auto! If you care about what others say or keeping up with the Jones, this is not the car for you. You will not get a lot of compliments on its looks, but when you have to load it up with stuff and carry things around, its outstanding carrying capacity comes through. Besides, its great when you come down the road and see another Aztec (rare, though it has happened), smile at the driver and know that you just met someone daring and original like yourself!

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  Great Value For The Money - 2003 Pontiac Montana
  By keithss1 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Replaced 1994 Lumina APV with this vehicle. I love it. Has 800 miles on it and get 25-26 on the highway and 21-22 combined. Has the Montanavision and is great for trips. My van has seating for 8 and hold them comfortably and still has plenty of cargo room with all seats occupied. This vehicle is loaded. Would buy again.

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  And I paid money for this? - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Very Disappointed - September 3 - 5:26 am

  This is a fun car to drive when it runs. That is key. The car has stalled on me numerous times while driving, coasting, or waiting at a stop light. Other times, it simply wont start. I cannot count how many times the grand prix left me stranded. If you purchase this car, be sure to have a cell phone handy to call friends/family for a ride. Mechanics say that it is fine, but problem persists. Electrical problems abound. I will definitely do my homework before my next car purchase. When I do, quality and reliability will be at the top of my list. This car seriously lacks both. There is no worse feeling than not knowing if your car will take you from A to B without any trouble

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  What a Car!!!! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By GTOgirl - September 2 - 6:50 pm

  This is an unbelievable machine. It never ceases to amaze me with its power. The drive is just plain awesome. The 6-speed manual is a must. Just a few practicality cons, only because I use it for an everyday vehicle (which by the way I highly recommend). Access to the back seat is pretty close to impossible, in the rain the car is all over the place (which adds to the fun but takes away safety), and the trunk barely has room for groceries. But let me tell you Id much rather have that engine than trunk space. Its such a monster. Better snatch em up while you can. Unless the decide to re-release at a later date, the 2006 is the last model.

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  Great Car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By K Dub - August 31 - 10:23 pm

  I bought my car brand spanking new with only 2 miles on it. Ive had a few issues with it with a bad fuel pump the catalytic converter went out which was replaced under warranty. Ive also had to have the battery replaced. Other than that ive had no other problems with my car I usually change the oil at regular intervals and recently had a coolant flush. It rides great.