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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  Pleased Overall - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Chasing Hazel - February 21 - 9:30 pm

  Ive had this car for almost a year now, bought it used with 38,000 miles on it. I easily put 1500 miles a month on my car driving to work and back, and Wisconsin winters are harsh -- and as of yet I have no major problems to report. Now, at 56,000 miles, the only work Ive had done so far was a front wheel bearing, but I hit a pothole so Im pretty sure that was my fault, not Pontiacs fault. I love my car, and wish Id be able to buy a newer Grand Am when Im done with this one, but sadly they dont make em anymore. It has a nice, smooth ride, and I love the way it looks. So happy that the 2004 doesnt have those ugly "ribbed" side panels!

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  honeymoon is over with the 08 g6 - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By steve - February 21 - 9:30 am

  Bought this 08 g6 back in sept, 2007. At about 9,000 miles the steering system broke and needed to be replaced. Then the brake rotors began to warp shortly afterwards. Service adviser told me that these are some of the common problems with the g6 and Pontiac has no plans to fix or remedy the problem. I traded in the g6 a few months ago for a Honda Civic. Thank you Honda. Buyer beware! Avoid the g6 at all costs!

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  pacific slate has been great - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Larry - February 21 - 8:00 am

  Update from 12-08,purchased new 9- 08.G8 continues to perform flawlessly,was able to do a home oil & filter change(simple no problem d riving on ramps).19 in tires were wearing more on out side of tires. had a 4 wheel allignment done underwarranty, hope that works, tires are pricey.Gas mileage has remained pretty constant averaging about 20 mpg in my mixed driving. Like some other reviews I really hope GM finds a way to save this car(Ihave faith in bob lutz)we have seriously considered a second g8., but at 67 I doubt it.

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  Happy First Timer! - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brent - February 21 - 3:23 am

  This is the first Pontiac my wife and myself have owned. I can honestly say we could not have chosen a better car for the money. The cars comfort is excellent and interior layout is well thought. The car gives a great ride while hugging the road very well. 200hp gets the job done for the cars size and it seems as though more would be scary to drive. The car is well appointed even at base model. Ours has the premium package with heated leather. So nice! So enough said, well be buying Pontiac again.

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  What a Surprise - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By chef357 - February 20 - 10:06 pm

  Hadnt owned a Pontiac since a GTO back in the late 60s. The G-6 is slick! A ton of power, great response, lots of cool electronics and a convertible to boot. Its fun to drive again. Think about the value you get compared to some of the imports in its class. Tough to beat.

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  Great on fuel - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Gary - February 20 - 3:43 pm

  Bought this car used with 66,000 miles on it. Averaging 33 mpg on the highway, average speed about 70 mph. Plenty of power for a 4cyl. Reliability? The jury is still out because I have only had the vehicle a short time but so far so good!

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  Grandy review - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By girl47723 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  its a good car

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  Always breaking! Do not buy! - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By college4life - February 20 - 8:23 am

  This car is the biggest piece of junk ever made! Do not ever buy a Grand Am. Ive replaced so many things in my car I thought a longtime ago there couldnt possible be anything else that could break. I was wrong. Now its the stupid passlock system that just on occassion wont let your car start and you have to turn the key to the on position for 1min. to let it reset then start it. Do not ever buy a Grand Am!

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  LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Joe - February 19 - 4:43 pm

  I love my aztek for its practicality and verstility. There s tons of room for my kids, dog and gear. Unfortunatley its got reliability issues. All the wheel bearing have been replaced, computers have failed. Versatrak rear differential was replaced for $6000. Head gasket leaked. Whats next? I m torn because I like the car so much but I m scared of whats going to break next. My next car is definately not going to be a GM.

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  A Huggable Little Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jack McCormick - February 19 - 5:50 am

  A cute little car thats lots of fun to drive. Just the right size and the engine performance is better than what youve been told. It feels and looks like you got more quality than you paid for.