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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  NEVER A PONTIAC AGAIN!!!!!!!! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By pah75045 - June 23 - 6:30 pm

  This car was a piece of junk!!! I bought this car with only 28,000 mi. The car came with its original bumper to bumper warranty. At 29,000 mi I had grinding in my steering wheel 36,000 mi everything really went to heck. My steering wheel once again stared making the grinding sound again. The car started to loose its power and the car started to get horrible on gas. By the time I traded it in I fill up at least 4 and to some time 4 times a week. At 38,000 I had to replace the brakes and let me tell you it like rocket science to replace those brakes. At 40,000 my struts were out and it was going to cost me 1200 to get them replaced.

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  Cant Ask For More - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By jyanis - June 23 - 7:53 am

  Bought this Gem almost 3 years ago at 140K+ miles. I was hesitant because of the very high mileage but I was told it took routing trips that stretched several states by the owner. He also had done a lot of work to get it ready for its next owner. Well, I am at 196K+ and I have only changed the oil. Very reliable and still strong even though it is a senior citizen mileage wise. I drive it hard and still get 22 MPG on EVERY tank. That is an accomplishment because I burn gasoline...lol! She is very comfortable and roomy...I am 61" and 270lbs. Not confined at all. Another BIG plus! If you can find one in good condition, you will be pleased. The push-rod motor will run forever!!

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  Sporty G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By ju - June 23 - 12:40 am

  Had the car for 4 months, runs great, very quiet. Overall a great car, wonderful style, excellent performance, engine is very quiet, good size trunk. Would like better mileage, getting 21/22mpg overall. Also two to three more inches of head space in the back seat

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  Love my G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By lovemypontiacg6 - June 22 - 12:20 pm

  I absolutely love my new "used" Pontiac G6. I have driven many cars in the last 35 years and this one is one of the best.

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  Awesome - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - June 22 - 6:03 am

  I was in my early 20s in the 70s Muscle car era. I had some of the best. The G8 GT brings back the thrill of driving that those cars gave back then. You know you have some thing special when a sheriffs Deputy follows you for 4 mile just to ask you how you like the car, and BMW 5 series driver parks next to you so he can get a close look at the G8. The car is very comfortable, and am still getting use to where all the switches are but so far has been a great experience. Mine is Panther Black, and with the stance of the G8 I have nick named it VADER.

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  Overall decent car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JoeDub - June 20 - 10:50 pm

  This car has been good so far with only a few major repair jobs. I love the power of the engine and the quick acceleration. Even with over 100k miles on it the car still pulls strong.

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  Still solid after 49,000 miles - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brian - June 20 - 5:50 am

  Ive driven this car 49,000 miles in two and a half years, and I cant complain. Still rides and drives like new, and problems thus far have been minimal (warped window moldings, brake rotors and a slight electrical issue, all fixed under warranty). Easy to maintain, and mechanics have nothing but good things to say about its future. Good gas mileage (30+ highway), solid ride and comfortable overall. No regrets.

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  what a awesome car! hold on to it! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By southernguy27 - June 19 - 9:33 pm

  I have enjoyed this car since day one, I would hold on to this one since they dont make Pontiac anymore. I bought my GTP with 90k and now has 102k and runs great, the 3.8L is bulletproof, but if you get one, make sure you replace the intake manifold gaskets! they are made of plasic and leak. But GM has corrected the gaskets with aluminum ones and make sure you get the GM ones! DO NOT GET THE AFTERMARKET FEL-PRO ONES! they are also made of plasic! the car has been very reliable and extremely fun to drive. The car still looks new for a 97. Ive replace a few sensors and the gaskets since I bought it but thats it. Also parts are cheap, fairly easy to work on. Find one and get it!

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  I Love this Car - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Orion - June 19 - 1:23 pm

  I work for a company that has me on the road a lot, usually 50 - 75K a year. They let us choose what we want to drive, we buy it finance it and they give a very fair reimbursment for the miles. I bought the base GT with a few extras, keyless entry etc.. I have constantly gotten 32+ mpg on the highway with this car, I am also not afraid to pass with it. I have had ZERO problems with it. It had replaced a 2005 Elantra that was also a reliable car. This car "feels" safe you are fit and surrounded by its seat (Im 61 and 190 lbs) I LOVE THE LOOKS, I LOVE THE FEEL (like a sports car) Plenty of back seat comfort (a note to GM) WHY KILL PONTIAC WHEN YOU FINALLY GOT IT RIGHT!!!!!

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  Not too bad. - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kyle78 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  So far, I havent had any real problems with this car. It has 67,000 miles on it and the only problem I have had is with the tail lights not working. I got that fixed at the dealership. No other problems.