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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  Love the room...watch out for manifold - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By Cold Weather Guy - April 28 - 8:26 pm

  Bought this van when we started having a family...its a perfect family vehicle. The EXT offers seating for 8 AND room for cargo. Have used it like a truck (with seats out) and of course as the family vanster on extended trips... have really been pleased with everything - except chronic problems with the intake manifold gasket. Original plastic part couldnt be torqued properly... extreme temp changes in northern climates led to expansion/contraction which caused leaks. Replaced manifold gasket at 47,000 and again at 66,000 mi (thankfully before antifreeze could gum up engine). GM has re-engineered the part (and assure this chronic problem has been fixed)... the second repair GM paid 80%.)

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  Ignition problem - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By RainaJoi - April 28 - 4:56 pm

  This is my second car. I bought it for the price and the fuel economy. I have a 5-speed and get 29mpg City. I would highly recommend it as a stylish alternative to the "bubbly" fuel economy cars. It rides beautifully and quietly for a standard. However, I have had it back to the dealer TWICE because of problems with the ignition and my keys not being recognized by the car. They said it was not a "recall" on the car, but there is a "bulliten" on this problem. So, beware.

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  Supercharged Excitement - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jduff72 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I upgraded my GTP to the SLP Ram Air GTX, with the added exhaust. This car is about the most fun you can have for under $35,000! There was a recall on the starter, which had already failed in my vehicle at 10,000 miles. The transmission blew at 65,000 miles. Fortunately, I have an extended warranty. Anyway - the car is blast to drive, but I question the reliability of the vehicle. If you drive it like a sportscar, expect high maintenance costs. The paint also chips very easily. Its the best car with 6 cylinders made by an American company.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Birdman - April 25 - 9:50 pm

  I traded in an 05 Corvette Coupe for this car, due to relocation and change of jobs. (Yeah-huge task of competing with a Vette!) But seriously, this car has beat all my expectations. The gas mileage is great! I bought the electric blue color, and love it. I knew it would be an adjustment going from a vette, to a G6, but this car has made it pretty easy! Im very pleased with the way it drives and handles, and the leather seats (in my opinion) are better than the vettes were! Very Happy!! and i would recommend!!

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  Great deal - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ANJERS - April 24 - 5:10 pm

  This is my 2nd Sunfire (1st one was totaled in an accident). It now has 120,000 miles on it and it still runs beautifully! I had my tranny serviced on it the other day just to keep it healthy and my mechanic was very much impressed w/my car. Had it looked over completely and it is still in amazing condition. The takeoff from a stop is suprisingly quick and has lots of balls for such a small engine. Love it!!

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  Good Car for the Money - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Robert Hodges - April 23 - 1:40 am

  This car is a good value. The interior is comfy and it gets great gas mileage. Best of all I have only had minor problems with it and they have been really cheap to fix.

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  4 Doors Can br Sporty! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By KensGT - April 20 - 7:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive! With the heads up display to the nice quality sound system. The car rides very well and handles 3 adults and 2 kids in good comfort and gets up and goes extremely well. The car is 7 years old and I must say it has held up well, Pontiac did a good job on this model. I give it 2 thumbs up for is looks too!

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  07 Grand Prix N/A - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kruzy - April 17 - 1:46 am

  3rd Grand Prix after owning an 01 GT, and an 03 GTP. The gtp was ballsier, but the 07 n/a really puts you in the seat just as hard upon acceleration. Body lean doesnt seem bad at all, and body design is nice.

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  Hoping for an exchange - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Princess PITA - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I got the car kind of quickly didnt do any research onit, honestly I love it a few changes to make would be to get rid of that removable cooler, its loose and clatters !!! I have a lot of problems, been to the dealer apprx 8 times, I am hoping GM takes this one back and gives me a new one It drives good, roomy for the kids

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  2002ta - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By dickmone - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Always wanted a T/A but never had the chance until now. The performance has to be felt to be believed. That 5.7L WS6 engine just sings when you give it the gas. People dont even bother to try and cut you off when they see it on the road