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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  Don"t buy it!!! Unreliable - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By hflood - February 2 - 8:46 pm

  I have owned this car since 2002 and it has had muliple problems. Last year the engine went out at only 70,000 miles. It has been sitting for a year now. TOTAL LEMON!!!

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  Problems problems problems - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Kempster - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car 3 years now and its been nothing but a headache. Traction control light and ABS sensors have been replaced 2 times and now the lights are back on again. Struts needed to be replaced, intake manifold cracked and there is now a problem with the steering box. Chrome wheels started pitting day one. Fortunately the warranty covered all repairs but the time the cars been in the shop is to much for a 3 year old car with less than 34,000 miles. Cant wait for my company to replace this car, I hope it lasts to October.

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  Slightly Disappointed - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Sad about GP - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I have loved my GP GT. Style,fun,etc. However, after numerous trips to the shop (replaced rotors, tie rods ends,etc. more than once) am getting disappointed fast. Has numerous rattles on the inside and the door panels are not on tight. I hoped this would be a car that would last me 5 -6 years (150,000 - 180,000 miles) but we are getting ready to sell it just because of all of the little problems, rattles and fear of whats next. Wont wont buy another one. Have test driven the new model and it seems to have the same poor interior build problems.

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  Get the extended warranty! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By vsnow - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Two years after purchasing, the altenator needed to be replaced. The brakes have been replaced several times and even with heavy duty brake pads, it still makes noise. This year, the steering rack and pump needed to be replaced and the springs have broken off the struts. The rubber molding around the windows leaks when it rains hard. Get the extended warranty, youre going to need it.

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  Did i pay too much? - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By rich - February 2 - 9:40 am

  I bought a red g8gt last week. List with options was $31,345. I got it for $30,000 even. I was expecting more of a discount, this close to year end. So far my questions/gripes - weird noises when you put it in reverse, especially from the steering gear and rear suspension. No satellite radio available. Faux carbon fiber dash doesnt like Armour all. The seat controls are chintzy. The radio off button isnt on the knob. Interior is a bit dark and depressing. Acceleration and braking are terrific though. The paint is normal red, not metallic?

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  Traded my CTS for this baby - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Jenn - February 1 - 6:03 pm

  I was sold on this vehicle the first test drive. There was no lag in the response to the gas like in my CTS. I do not feel the roll as stated in some reviews, maybe I need to try the turns a little faster :) Most work days I spend 6-8 hours driving. This car is comfortable. The strong support of the seats makes you feel like the seat was handcrafted with you in mind. Fast, fun and made in America, what else can a girl say!

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  pleasant todrive, smooth - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Taylor - February 1 - 3:46 pm

  I have had an enjoyable travels and no problems that were major and is very stylish and kept fairly clean,car is a one owner seller,has given me great service and still has a while to go will be a pleasure to a new driver has been on many long smooth sailing and as of today I am still cruising it along.

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  Love my car! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Zaida - February 1 - 10:40 am

  This is the 2nd Pontiac I have owned. I love this car! It drives great, I havent had any problems, except that the gas mileage isnt all that great. If it were possible, I would def get another. The car is not only comfortable but has a great sound system for being stock and looks nice!

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  Best Bang For The Buck Sedan/Sports Car - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By SRG963 - January 31 - 1:13 pm

  Nothing can touch the Pontiac G8 GT in the same price range for overall performance and comfort. The G8 is Pontiacs 7-series sized, 5-series handling, 1-series priced, 3-series BMW. With time it would have gone from a very good car to a great car. GM dropped the ball, big time, when they canceled the Pontiac brand. I only hope that they will bring the Australian Beast back. Regardless what brand it would fall under, or what they called it, I would purchase another one. Out of the 20 vehicles Ive owned, the G8 one is by far my favorite. It doesnt matter if Im looking at her in my garage, detailing her, or drifting her around some corners, she always brings a big smile to my face.

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  matts review - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By matt - January 31 - 8:16 am

  For being an SE, not the sportier GT, it handles quite nicely, and has a smooth ride too. The v6 makes enough power to smoke the tires if youre interested to know. Mine happens to have 130,000 miles on it and I get throttle happy with it sometimes anyway. It makes Tauruses look lethargic, and Honda Civic, hah, is that a sedated hamster under the hood of those things? In all seriousness, for being rated at a rather low 170HP, the 207c.i. v6 has more than enough torque to compensate. Theres also performance parts if stock just isnt good enough. If you think American cars are crap, youre wrong. Ive had no problems since Ive had it. Pros- its quick, girls like it Cons- still FWD