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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  Worst Car Ive ever owned!! - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By allierockette - May 10 - 11:51 pm

  Bought this car used with low miles. LOVED the power and pep of the engine. but in a little over 30 days both back window motors broke at the same time. Then my gas and oil gauges quit working, the gas compartment hinge got stuck all the time, constantly replaced head/taillights, trunk leaked, transmission started shifting hard, had problems with front end alignment alot so new tires were needed more often than they shouldve been, front cv joint/axle replaced twice, and bc the gas gauge didnt work it constantly made the "warning" ringing sound. Was embarrased to be seen driving this. . .worst piece of crap ever!

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  260 hp supercharged& super fast - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By raceman - May 10 - 3:06 pm

  This is my first Grand prix. I absoulutly love it. Who would have thought a 260 horsepower v6 0-60 in 6.5 the monsoon system will rock your socks off the super charger will snap your neck and the outside apperance will turn heads. All of this and I still get 20.4 mpg in city driving. I cant believe that 2008 is the last year for this power house

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  No Problems - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By llcutejoe - May 9 - 7:33 am

  I bought my Vibe used with 20000 miles on it. Used it for moving, it was great for the trip. Taken several long trips and been stuck in traffic for hours. The seats remain comfortable. Gas mileage about what I expected, slightly below EPA ratings in city. Automatic is very smooth and well matched to the engine. Base radio is only ok.

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  Six week update - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Larry - May 9 - 7:20 am

  Initial review 9-08, since then I purchased a G8 19in rim & tire, fits perfectly in the spare well. Love the seats & seatbelts very comfortable. Still averageing about 20mpg in mixed very easy driving. One tire air pressure sensor failed, quickly replaced by dealer. Only have 1k so far

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  Very happy - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By Brian - May 9 - 1:30 am

  This was a good looking, easy to drive van. Tons of room and very flexible seating setup.

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  Nice job Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Ray - May 8 - 9:20 pm

  Great gas mileage for a V6. A great improvement over the Grand AM. They still have too much plastic on the dash. The sides of the seats are a little to firm for my tastes. Lots of interior room. Im 63" and fit in this car with no problem. The back seat still has plenty of room. Rating - When looking at my numbers remember this - I would not give any car a 10.

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  G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Scott - May 8 - 12:13 pm

  Fun to drive, good power, reliable, great handling, good looks, and great features.

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  best money buy - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By fireblite - May 8 - 10:00 am

  no problems yet.

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  Dont but this car - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By john729 - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is an ok car but i wouldnt recommend buying it. I have had many problems with it. I had to get new front brake rotors at 20,000 miles and now the brakes are squeaking. The 3.8L engine has a lot of power but it seems like the transmission is holding it back. The engine also runs very rough and is very loud, but when you are inside the car you cant hear anything. I also think the car has horrible handleing. The interior of the car is very comfortable except for the headrests and head room. I dont like leather so the cloth seat option was nice.

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  Dont but this car - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By jesse 97 - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is an ok car but i wouldnt recommend buying it. I have had many problems with it. I had to get new front brake rotors at 20,000 miles and now the brakes are squeaking. The 3.8L engine has a lot of power but it seems like the transmission is holding it back. The engine also runs very rough and is very loud, but when you are inside the car you cant hear anything. I also think the car has horrible handleing. The interior of the car is very comfortable except for the headrests and head room. I dont like leather so the cloth seat option was nice.