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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  2007 Pontiac Solstice - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Kenneth R - August 31 - 1:33 pm

  This is an enjoyable car to drive, it hugs the road with ease, besides the excellent design features its also comfortable. At 240 pounds and 61", and 56 y/o I slide in and out of this compact with ease. The 2.4 liter engine is a little loud but it does have excellent acceleration. I have had an issue once with the differential leaking fluid, the dealer replaced it with any problems, the service department stated that this has been a problem and the new differential should correct the problem. At times I smell fuel, but Im unsure if its coming from my vehicle or from other cars on the road. Curious if anyone else have had these problems?

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  Amazing Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cole_graham - August 31 - 1:06 pm

  This car is one of the best I have ever owned. Good bang for buck. The best MPG I have got is an average of 33MPG highway at a speed of 66MPH. But I average 20 city and 29 highway. Great performence as a daily drive. The only down side is that is is hard to find performance part for this car.

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  Money Pit (not starring Tom Hanks) - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jager - August 31 - 10:03 am

  Heads up about the 3.4s, they have a known problem with the head gasket. Mine was faulty, leaked antifreeze into engine, brokedown oil and screwed my engine. $4000 (no warranty)later I have a new engine and no confidence in the rest of the car. Also, I had to have the electronic brake control module changed ($2000, but under warranty still). I desperately want to like Pontiacs but my faith is weakening in them.

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  Lovin It so far - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By lickiss - August 30 - 11:56 pm

  We recently purchased a 04 extended model and I love it! Its roomy and comfortable and is perfect for our two young children. The DVD system is great. Still trying to get the best gas mileage but its tons better than our old 95 Blazer. I do wish that it had more cubby holes and the climate station like my Blazer. Drives great, even my husband likes it and hes anti- minivan!

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  Over the long haul - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By DLW - August 30 - 10:20 pm

  Bought the car two years ago, commute 320 miles round trip daily. We average 30 mpg, some days better, some days worse. Im a bigger fellow, small cars dont cut it, not on this commute! Only car I have that comes close to the comfort is my 91 Grand Marquis, and in the winter, the front wheel drive is a must over the mountain passes we traverse. In hot weather, the car quits. Always at speed on the interstate. Put it in neutral while coasting, and the engine comes back to life, and away we go. Just turned 255 thousand miles, and I dont know what to do to kill this car. Love it, but its been around too long. Just dont know what Id replace it with!

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  Wow What A Ride - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By ltlbt0101 - August 30 - 1:10 pm

  Thank You so much for making this van. Not only is it fun to drive, but the looks that this van gets and all the awes! I have had the van for almost a month now and cant find anything wrong, I drive a lot and back roads that wind the van handles very well and seems to form to the road. The traction control is another great feature the other day I found it to be very handy and I didnt have to kick it in, in just kicked in on its own. I have to depend on a dependable ride and I know that ive found it. Again thank you for such a great Van. PS: The leather interior is really sharp and all the extra features are wonderful.

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  Sunfire - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Ronnysrv - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Over the course of owning the vehicle, I have had several major problems with it. The keyed ignition has consistantly had trouble unlocking at random times when I insert the key and I cant turn it. Usually after fiddling with it, it would turn. Twice it never would, and I had to have it towed to the dealer. The alternator has failed twice and I had to have it rebuilt. The compressor has been replaced.

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  97 trans am ws - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By art hicks - August 30 - 2:00 am

  terrible in snow. computer (ses) light is very sensative to aftermarket modifications, otherwise no major problems at 37000 miles.

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  Aztek Rules - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Claras GaGa - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Im a loyal Pontiac consumer...have been for the past 15 years. When I first saw the Aztek - first year of production - I wasnt impressed. Since that time my opinion has drastically changed! I love my 2003 model. Fun car for me and my family! Follow-up care at the dealership is, as usual, superb!

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  03 Aztek - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By goldie - August 30 - 2:00 am

  It is a minivan on steroids!