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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  Great car all around - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Rich of Ballwin - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! Fun to drive because it handles so great. Very comfortable and very good gas mileage. About 20 around town and 29-33 on the road. Many compliments on looks, etc. We do all our travelling in it with the longest trip being about 6000 miles. No problem with 4 adults on long trip. Very reliable so far. We have 25000 miles on it. The 3.8 is a fabulous engine. Plenty of zip and great mileage. I usually trade every 3-4 years but my wife would kill me if I sold this one.

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  Gran Prix GTP Limited Edition, 2004 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By J. M. Miller - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought my first Grand Prix because I wanted a sports sedan instead of a sports car. The Grand Prix fit all the requirements: looks and sounds like a sports car yet can carry another couple when necessary. The wide track handling reduces body roll and, with the supercharged engine, makes it a fun car to drive. As my husband says, "It really scoots!"

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  SWEET RIDE - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By B Niemi - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the first pontiac i bought. I love the car, glad i bought it. Dont understand some of the reviews complaining about loud road noise. I think the road noise is very quiet. More than enough headroom and the back seat is huge. performance and handling excellent.

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  Refined, yet beastly! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Jonathan F - April 12 - 10:00 pm

  I had test drove many different sporty cars before approaching the GTO. I tried out a STI, WRX, BMW 330i, Evo, a G35, 350z Then, after the advice of my father, I choose to test drive a GTO. That was all that was needed to seal the deal. While the G35 was probably the nicest out of the bunch, it still lacked any ummmppphhhhh. I got into the GTO and whoa, talk about making your neck sore. I wish more people would just test drive it. Realize it is NOT an American car and that it was built out of Holden in Australia who has a following of quality that is like the BMW and Hondas, just in a different country.

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  Pontiac GP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MICHY - April 11 - 10:13 am

  Within 6 months of purchase I had a warranty replacement of the rack and pinion steering that also caused me to have to replace the tires, which was not covered. I also had a warranty replacement of the a/c condensor. Other than that, it has been basic maintenance, but with the warranty issues, the quality expected just was not there.

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  my grand am - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By squeakers - April 10 - 10:53 pm

  my mother bought this car one year after it came out, in 1997, it is now 2007, when i got my license she gave me this car, and it still runs like new..even though it has almost 300,000 miles on it...in a few months i am going to be trading it in for a new one, because the quality is outstanding....

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  my 99 formula - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By brt blue bird - April 10 - 2:00 am

  my formula is used as a dry weather cruiser/driver which is why the miles are low.only repair to date is leaking rear axle.

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  Fun 2003 Aztec - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By BKS - April 10 - 2:00 am

  When I told my husband I wanted to test drive an Aztec, he said thought I was crazy. But we went anyway because I was looking for car with some ameneties for around $20,000. What we found was a car with a sense of humor. From the take it along cooler/console to the sliding storage unit to the removable seats. Plus, it was a good drive. It impressed him enough that it is the car I ended up with after test driving a Ford Escape, an Isuzu Rodeo, a Saturn Vue and a Hyandia Santa Fe. I can store my products to sell in the back, keep a seat out for my dog to travel with me and still have room for passengers.

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  1999 Grand Am 4 dr Sedan - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By softy042000 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I had a car reck and a 1996 Grand Am saved my life. Iwould also trust my life with a 1999 Grand Am 4 dr Sedan.

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  Rating Pontiac G6GT - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By M.Horn(pur for wife) - April 9 - 9:00 am

  We have only had this car for two months but have thoroughly enjoyed it. A very comfortable car that rides and handles well on both highway and city streets. The 3.5 V6 is more than adequate considering the size of this car. Mileage has been averaging 22 mpg with approximately 33% of all driving on a freeway. The GT model purchased came with almost everything we wanted as standard. Back seats very comfortable with plenty of floor space. Trunk space is large and can be expanded with fold down rear seating. The car is designed with very attractive lines. At this point we are very pleased with our decision to buy it.