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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  No compaints - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By mbryan - December 28 - 10:53 pm

  This is my first car, and it still drives fine. Ive had one odd repair needed, where a brake caliper had to be rebuilt, but thats because i ride the brakes, and i did it to myself. Car handles well, and can give you pick up when you need it. Very logical car, and would suggest to anyone looking for a well-priced quality car. People seem to be complaining a lot, but Im a teenager and mine works fine for me. It isnt a Lexus, dont expect one when you buy it, but its a more than capable alternative. Make sure you rotate tires on time with this one though, seeing as how its FWD, and your front wheels do the majority of the braking. Its a good car, dont let others tell you different.

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  Major cooling system problems - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By Laura - December 27 - 10:50 pm

  As soon as this vehicle passed 60k miles it was all downhill. It is a sqeeky, noisy ride. Our fuel gauge went out and we are just waiting for the fuel pump to die, too. We have had problems with the cooling system and have twice replaced the water pump, the thermostat, the intake valve and are about to shell out more money for what remains to be determined. I wont be buying or recommending a GM product to anyone in the ever near future. For all of the people that ranked their vehicle so favorably when it was only 2 to 3 years old, Id be curious to see how their "later years" have panned out.

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  Going to a minivan :( - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jenn - December 27 - 5:23 pm

  My husband bought this car for me right before we got married. It has been a very reliable car, but the traction control system has been a bit of a problem in the snow. Most cars come with a button to turn it off, but not mine. So I have been stuck in an inch of snow. No fun! It is comfortable and fun in the summer. I would like to keep it but due to a growing family I am not able to.

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  Great RELIABLE car that I miss in so many ways - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By moed88 - December 26 - 3:09 pm

  Mine was 4dr automatic trans. Had for 10 years, 135,000 miles. Bought as a commuter car and I give it 5 stars for that purpose. Fit and finish not so great; and cheesy design cues like the body cladding, chrome hub caps, and spoiler werent necessary. But this car ran like a champ. No fluid or oil leaks EVER and timing CHAIN never failed. Mileage was solid 30s in mixed driving (high 20s with a/c on). Any maintenance was very simple and inexpensive. Tires cheap to replace due to small size. Finally sold it b/c P0440 evap code came up and I decided to put money towards a small SUV (Im very outdoorsy). Great Corolla alternative.

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  Hate this freakin car SOOOOOOOOO Much - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By P.O.S. car - December 25 - 11:50 pm

  Had this car for 6 years and have nothing but problems with this car. Initially, the car was fun to drive and fulfilled its purpose. After about a year and a half, everything started going south. This piece of crap has front rotor, rear drum brakes. As such, the brakes wear down pretty quick. Have replaced brakes/pads/rotors 5 times so far. Have also replaced entire ignition system, fuel tank, fuel pump, and various other things. Bought car new for $14k and, so farm have spent about $7- $8k in repairs over the life of ownership. DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT BUYING THIS CAR.

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  My favorite car - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By hawkeye22 - December 25 - 9:29 pm

  I cant afford a BMW or Mercedes like the car magazines want you to, but count me as a Pontiac guy. This is my 3rd one and my 2008 Grand Prix is my favorite car of all time. I got it with 13k mile on it, have 89k on it now. No problems. Lots of horsepower, love the heated leather seats, the tire pressure system has come in handy. Slight hum from the climate control motor (drives my wife nuts, doesnt bother me). Started getting better gas mileage the more I drove it. I thought about trading it in on a 2014 Mustang but I would miss this car too much. Im keeping it for now. (accidentally posted 1rst as comment to another review)

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  Great First Car! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By tco_1994 - December 25 - 5:00 pm

  Bought mine in June 2010 for my first car, it had 81,600 miles on it, Ive had it two months and its been great! and I dont drive it easy, its ramped a ditch and hit a field and nothing broke at all! my only complaint is the sunroof randomly opens as it pleases, and sometimes when it start it keep turning over instead of catching, but no big deal! Im 62" and i have the seat only 1/2 way back and it adjust so that my head doesnt hit the ceiling. I always get compliments on the exterior of it, and thats always nice too:)

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  AWESOME - 2009 Pontiac Solstice
  By Tari - December 25 - 3:20 pm

  After a summer of not enough time to drive this incredible machine I am sad to say I am taking it to the dealership to have it buffed out, oil changed and tuck it in for the salty months in WI. This car is what you want it to be.. pedal to the boards and 10mpg or out on the interstate getting 40 mpg. I had the power up pkg added and will never regret it. The GXP model is def worth the little extra. My other half just got the 2010 Camaro he ordered so now were a transforming couple! LOL He got the 426 hp SS...it goes without saying an incredible car that doesnt disappoint, accept finding a place to really open it up!

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  Been Everything I Wanted...Almost - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By nickf1995 - December 25 - 12:42 pm

  This is the car that I wanted since 7th grade, and finally this past May I had the opportunity to purchase one! I absolutely love the styling, particularly on the exterior. The pearl white shimmers in the sun and is gorgeous to look at. The tan interior is great as well, although I have been a bit disappointed with some of the material qualities, particularly on the ceiling panel and dashboard. I bought the car with 63,000 miles and have put on another 3,000 to date. Other than a couple of major repairs up front (engine mount and instrument panel) this car has been practically problem free. I love the power and handling and plan on keeping it for a very long time!

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  Love this Car! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By puddles027 - December 25 - 5:43 am

  I bought the G6 on a whim. I hated my Sonata, the paint was peeling all over (it was only 2 yrs old). So my husband and I went looking on a gloomy rainy day, and found my car that I so love!