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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  More reliable than moms 00 Accord - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By J. Holliday - September 10 - 6:46 am

  IÂ’m the original owner and I now have 7 years and 95k on my GP. I disagree with othersÂ’ statements that this car has a poor build quality. My problems have been few and far between: all electronics are fully functional, havenÂ’t had to replace window motors, no problems with AC, leather seats in great condition, transmission shifts seamlessly, no squeaks or squeals or other undesirable noises, no badges or moldings have ever fallen off, no engine troubles or bad oxygen sensors, sound system better than the premium system in my DadÂ’s Lexus.

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  So Far So Great. - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By oneasante - September 7 - 7:26 pm

  After driving a 98 malibu for a brief minute....literally, I gave GM one more chance especially for the affordability. The G6 is a great comeback! Once you get past the initial annoying defects (rack n pinion, paper brakes, and front wheel bearing) you have a car that floats at 80mph yet feels sturdy and reliable. I pray it stays this way!

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  Highly recommend GXP - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Brad - September 7 - 3:46 pm

  This is one fast little SUV. The six speed auto tranny helps with fuel enconomy while not hurting performance. The manual mode of the transmission has about a 1 second lag between the time you shift up or down to the time it actually does it. Seats are very comfortable over a long trip.

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  1997 Pontiac Sunfire - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Travis Johnson - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is a good car. Its little but really for its size its roomy inside. Its got good styling. A overall great car.

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  SUPERB CAR!!! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cigardave - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this 1997 Grand prix GT new in October 1997, the first year for the "Wide Track" model. This has been one fine automobile. The handling is superb. It is such a great road car. My daily commute consists of approximately 50 miles per day, all interstate. I really appreciate the "get-up-and-go" and responsiveness of this car. I would buy another one if I was ready to unload my 97. My kids tell me they want it if I decide to get rid of it.

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  Tell me it can last as long as Toyota - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By johnny - September 6 - 7:03 pm

  Bought the car in Aug 05. 3.5l G6. Love the handling and the performance. Traded my 03 GrandAm. The G6 is a huge leap forward compared to the GrandAm. My only complaint is at 5k the car needed new brakes and rotars. Factory defect defect I was told by the dealership. A fair amount of body roll when cornering. With a new job my annual mileage will jump to the neighborhood of 50k. My only question is: Given GMs quality record will my G6 make to 200K.

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  Great Car - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Mary Todd - September 6 - 10:43 am

  I bought this car new and have had very good luck with it overall. Gas mileage averages 33 MPG. It always starts and runs very well.

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  Great sports Car - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By Thomas Schetter - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car that I have ever owned. Out of all of the usage that I have on this car I have only replaced the alternater after nearly 100000 miles. The car is now 6 years old and it feels the same as it did when I bought it brand new. Every where I go people are always turning their heads and looking at my car. I get compliments on my car all of the time.

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  What a Great Car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By drwgaliv - September 2 - 5:43 am

  I have the 2006 GT fully loaded 4 dr. I started out with the basic V6 Sedan and I had already knew that I wanted the GT, but unfortunately at the time I couldnt afford it. So now I have the GT, and I absoulutely love it! It drives beautifully, I love the shifter option when I need to pass someone. The Crimson Red color, with the panoramic roof really gets people to turn there heads. I get so many looks when its just washed and detailed. If you decided to get this vehicle, get the remote start, what a great feature on this vehicle. I have had many a cold nights, and hot days that this has been a wonderful option that I have.

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  GXP Happy Owner - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Greg Podbielski - September 1 - 9:23 pm

  I have had four Bonneville SSE and SSEi s before this car and the GXP is without a doubt the best one that I owned. The V8 is powerful and smooth, the car has tight handling and the comfort of a full size GM car.