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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  MY GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GERALD BRAY - May 20 - 4:56 am

  Of all the words theres none so fine as these last three, i got mine. We love love love our gxp. Test drove an ss impala, theres no comparison. The suspension and brake differences in the gxp are destined to give this car a reputation head and shoulders above the rest.12 In town 20 highway came as a surprise, but were still happy with our choice. Comfort,speed, handling, and style are a cut above the rest. It will even outrun last years 5.7Liter gto.

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  So great I bought a 2nd one! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By crystal - May 19 - 8:53 pm

  This is my 2nd Grand Am. The first I had was a 2000, then we traded it in for the newer 2004 with V6. We love our Grand Am. Its a sporty enough car that you still feel young, but its big enough that it fits the family. The V6 option provides great pickup, and the car handles very well at any speed.

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  Love It !!! Sad It"sGoing Away.. - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Love my Aztek - May 18 - 8:43 pm

  First car I picked out myself and the best of both worlds. Easy to get in and out of and fun to drive. Aways asked by people how I like it and I am forever showing off the inside. The space is awsome. This is our second one and was sadend to hear that I wont be able to get my huband a new one for himself next year. We have a New Yorker that my husband drives but it doesnt get any miles on it if we are going together. We always jump in the AZTEK. Would really like to see a few more years of this car around. This year along in our small town we have gone from our Aztek driving the streets of 3500 people to seeing 8. Love my Aztek Sue.

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  2001 Aztek GT - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By billduffy - May 18 - 7:43 pm

  I like this car, Ive owned mine for about 3 months. Lots of interior room and features. Gas mileage is awesome for a big vehicle, Im averaging 24 MPG. With all the bad press about this car, I thought people would be laughing at me while I drive, but nothing like that has happened. Everyone I talk to about the car like it. I have some problems with build quality, but these problems should be easy fixes and be covered by warranty. This car has been great!

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  Great car - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By TheWhiteGuyFromTulsa - May 17 - 7:16 pm

  i have one of these cars and they are fun to drive. i would recommend them to anyone

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  Let the muscle car live.... - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Staab - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had nothing but fun with my Ram Air. Since Ive bought it, all Ive had to do is change the oil; and tires of course :)

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  Looking to Sell - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Unhappy Bonny Owner - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Well, its a year and a half old and Im looking to sell. The final straw was the transmission going at 38k. Pontiac had me pay $500 of the cost which to some people is nice, but I dont think the tranny should go at 1 1/2 years! The radio which shuts off when the car door opens, actually stays on 1/2 the time. Ive never been really comfortable with the design of the brake and gas pedal positions. I dont know if its because I sit in traffic alot and Im tall, but its a VERY uncomfortable design. Im pretty sure Ill never buy another GM again...

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  rattles noises and squeeks - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By boots - May 17 - 2:00 am

  The slider doors squeek. The tailgate squeeks and rattles!!! Brake lines, etc. rattle underneath. Annoying squeek in the front end. Every day there is a new noise.

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  Great All Around Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mortons - May 17 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought this car used (rental). To our surprise the four cyl. version was just as powerful at a lower price. Some of the interior bits are less than perfect (cupholders??), but shouldnt deter someone from buying the car if they dont have to have a drink with them all the time.

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  Loving it - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By phantom505 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is a nice ride for the front and back passengers. Nice style in and out. The V6 is good, but better yet with a little bit of tinkering with the intakes and exhaust. The only gripe most Grand AM GT owners have is the fact that GM decided to put a 4T45 transmission. The GT simply needs more. A manual would be nice too.