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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  Car is bulletproof - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By ikeinpgh - March 12 - 6:50 pm

  Bought the car over 3 years ago new. Dont drive it as much as I would like, because I have too other cars. This car is so pratical, its not even funny. I use it mostly in the summer to haul my two kayaks around. I can get one kayak inside with the front seat folded down and still close the hatch. Amazing. I bought the GM crossbars and have two kayak holders for the top most of the time. Gas mileage is around 30 all the time. Havent got much more than 33. I think its because of the cross bars and the fact that I dont have many miles on it. Looking forward to many more trouble free miles. Only complaints are the plastic body cladding is coming off around the back wheel wells.

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  Not happy - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By rick - March 12 - 6:10 pm

  This car was great in the beginning, well maintained, but consistent front suspension rattling (repaired, but still exists) had to replace intake manifold, catalytic converter and now instrument panel cluster that controls gas gauge, tach etc. I called gm and the "violin" was playing. I work for gm (25 yrs.) and they do build quality products, but they forgot the most important word. "reliability." Just go to technical services bulletins and you will find all the problems. Ive had too many problems that shouldnt be. Come on gm, listen to us or youll lose me and others to you know who!

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  GTP review - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Greg - March 12 - 4:20 pm

  It has been a fun car to drive. Very responsive. good mileage on trips, handles well. I have had a few minor repairs, but otherwise it has been very reliable.

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  It only has 4 cylinders? - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Adam - March 12 - 12:36 pm

  I bought a 94 Grand Am SE sedan as my first car and i LOVE IT! I was a bit upset i could only afford a 4 cylinder but this car can hold its own against most v-6 engines, the car has been forgiving despite my driving habits. The 4 speed auto tranny with a quick pump of the gas will pin you to the seat. The interior is nice, but i wish the front belts werent on the door. I cant really complain, only think about how many tickets a v-6 wouldve gotten me

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  PROBLEMS PROBLEMS AND MORE PROBLEMS - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By montana aztek owner - March 12 - 10:00 am

  VERY PROBLEM PLAGUED FOR A NEW VEHICLE - - GM WONT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

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  Take an Aztek , not a Zantac !!!!!!! - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By BLOSSOM - March 12 - 10:00 am

  We rented one from AVIS,back in October 2002,to go from New Orleans to Houston (which was ~ 5 1/2 hours.).My husband,was a hater,until he saw how much we spent on gas.The incredible price we paid was a total of $14.50.WOW! Then,he turned from being a hater to lover of this suv.We went to this dealership "Brian Harris Autoworld in Slidell,La.".They let us test drive a 2003 Aztek,this weekend.It was an incredible ride,hit a bump you dont really notice, smoooooth turns,it was very spacious,great sound system,etc..... WARNING! Be careful not to fall asleep behind the wheel,its that COMFORTABLE!

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  Awesome - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Bond007 - March 12 - 10:00 am

  The Pontiac Grand AM GT that I purchased has been running great since day one. The smooth and powerfull 3.4 liter V6 engine with Ram Air feature makes the car one of the fastest cars in its comparison group. The interior is clean and modern with features like a monsoon stereo system and leather apolstery. I firmly believe in supporting America, so by buying an American made car I believe I have accomplished this. I recomend this vehicle to every American!

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  nice - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By Preston Oles - March 12 - 7:43 am

  Fun car I can get all my stuff in it or on the roof it does everything I need it to do and then some. Radio is great, head lights are super bright everyone loves the rims (18s on the gt) oh and fun to drive too. Good car for the price. To bad its gone for good. I got one of the last cars with the Pontiac badge and a cool color (orange) I feel lucky!

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  Economy, comfort and reliability - 2009 Pontiac G3
  By Nan - March 11 - 8:00 pm

  Great car for the money. Good pick up and drive..Great visibility..very comfortable. Not alot of space in back seat although would be okay for kids. Great trunk space. Regret we dont have ABS.

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  Nice looks and powerful engine but... - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Josh - March 11 - 6:00 pm

  The looks of this car is what sold me. Beautifal car. I was looking at an 2002 Trans Am, but couldnt find one in good enough shape for the price. Bad things - at 40,000 intermediate steering shaft needed replaced, I guess this is standard as I have seen it many times in other reviews. Leaks from either the windsheild seal or from the antena are common. Water comes through the front dome light, luckily right into the cup holder. Brakes have become horrible, pads are at half wear and squeel noticeably loud, probably due to the drilled rotors. Significant rattle coming from the undercarriage, maybe exhaust? Only happens when in Drive, shift to neutral and the noise disappears.