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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  Total Poor Quality - Beware! - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JennyinOhio - March 15 - 12:16 am

  This car has given us nothing but trouble. It is poorly made in every regard. Parts have fallen off the car such as the interior door panel reflector and the wing type material above the window. The front hub bearing had an issue, the fuel pump went out, the electrical is very messed up and lights fill the dash at any given time whether or not there is an issue. The repairs it would take to make this car drivable far exceed its worth. Mechanics will tell you how many issues GMs motors are having. Just DONT DO IT.

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  S & K Pontiac Sucks!!!! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Frustrated - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first new car in 2000. I replaced a tire that blew at 12,100 miles and the dealership wouldnt back it. This year alone, I replaced front wheel bearings, rear struts and my transmission went out. Not just a little but the planetary gear locked up and came apart, ruining my entire transmission. The dealership and the corporate people offered me 15% of a over $3000 bill. Needless to say this will be the last time I buy a pontiac in Springfield, IL.

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  Very satisified - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By handsym - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had 3 trouble-free years of service from this vehicle. The ride is great and extremly quiet. My wife wants to get a new one, but the one we have has been so good, that we are holding off.

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  I loved this car.... - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By maitresse2109 - March 11 - 12:16 am

  This was my 2nd car ever, from April of 2006 to this past Monday (7/2/12) when a monster storm hit and did too much damage to be repaired (total loss). I went from 63,000 to 187,000 between 06/2009-06/2012, if that tells you how good this car is. I about cried when they told me I couldnt have it back. Only things Ive ever had to replace (besides tires/brakes) was the water pump and snake belt, which together was only 250, and the alternator went out this year and was 300. Thats less than 600 for all the wear and tear I figured I have put on it. If it hadnt been for the storm I couldve most likely driven this car another 3-5 years. Gonna miss, that is for sure.

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  GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By John - March 10 - 7:50 am

  I love getting behind the wheel of this thing. The power and sound of the exhaust is so sweet, with the heads-up display and the design of the dash. This powerful sedan will be with me for the next few years guaranteed. I am very impressed with what GM did with the 5.3 liter in their newer cars now. This was an awesome step by G.M.

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  2004 Pontiac GP/GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tom - March 9 - 4:40 pm

  I have owned mine for two years and have 33k on the odometer. I have not had any problems at all other than a bad seal on the gas cap. I do a lot of highway driving. The midrange acceleration is very good with the super charger for merging & passing. I average 22.5 miles a gallon (combined city/highway) No bad, the only drawback is premium fuel is required. In a nutshell, I have been satisified with the car & probably will look at another Pontiac (or other GM products) the next time around.

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  Love this car - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By D J McCue - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought this GXP in Feb 2005; actually bought it for my wife; not only does she love it , but I like to drive it; I grew up in the muscle car era and this reminds me of it. Love the Northstar V8. The car has been very reliable with decent mileage considering the power available City 14.5/Highway about 23. Love the HUD, memory driver features(seats & mirror, plus radio. Ours is Black with Grey interior; its a real head turner. The car is garage kept and has very low mileage (driven to/from grocery store by a little old lady; we are in our late 60s). Her previous car was a 1996 T-Top Camaro RS, with 3.8L V-6, also low mileage, 10 years, 34,000. We plan on keeping the GXP a Long time!

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  GM Cheated Us - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GMMan - March 9 - 10:00 am

  WE bought a used pontiac grand prix se from Iron Trail Motors in Virginia Mn with 26,000 miles on it. The day after we got it the car started to have problems. The dealer fixed a few thing but not the major issues like the paint falling off. thats right the car now has 49,972 miles and the paint is falling off. i called GM and took it to get looked at, they told us it was in an accident and repainted and now delamination has began.GM said they cant help us but there is no proof of any accident on the title. They said theres nothing they can do. So in all dont go to a Gm dealer or you might get a car thats been smashed then GM says "sorry we cant help you"and so did the dealership that did it.

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  Safe, but fun car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By rachel - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had my pontiac G6 for over a year now and i absolutely love it. A month after i bought it a deer jumped onto my windshield (on my side) while i was doing 65 mph, i slammed on my brakes and my car slid off the road. I, as well as my two passengers, walked away without a scratch. I havent had to replace anything on my car since ive had it. I love love love my car and i would recommend it to anyone looking for a safe, sporty, and reliable car.

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  Sad to say bye - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Robert Nolan - March 8 - 9:56 pm

  this silver 4d gt ram air, all leather,monsoon sound, sun roof, power everywhere, really made a statement,especially after I installed Altezza tail lamps and added some pinstriping. Now this is my wifes car, she is a middle aged teenager,and loved the power,and auto daylight headlights, purchased it at 23,000 miles certified, (just traded it off on a 2005 Chrysler pacifica touring) at 57,000 miles,absolutely a problem free car!!!! added brakes in front and protenza tires, thats it! great gas mileage, Id have kept it a lot longer, but my wife has been diagnosed with MS and it is a strain to get in and out now, as a sports car are low to the ground. Fun car..but had to go #&^%*@!