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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  Dont Ever Buy a PontiC G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Nene - December 12 - 6:16 am

  I made the horrible mistake of purchasing this car 6-7 months ago. It was pre-owned with only 16k miles. . . BIG MISTAKE, HUGE! Aesthetically, it is a dream, really cute, but if you need more that cute, this is not the car. Power steering intermittently locks up,transmissions has delayed response, horrible handling, noisy sun roof. Learned today the car has a bum cooling system that leaks. I have been at the dealership so much I should be getting benefits or something. Save yourself time, trouble, money and lost time from work. . .DO NOT BUY A PONTIAC G6. I swear I bought a prototype or maybe Pontiac should still be considered a neophyte car manufacturer

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  Excedllent used car, fun to drive! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GiGi - December 11 - 9:46 pm

  I needed another car, wasnt in a position to buy a new car right, saw this car and liked it right away. Ive always liked the Grand Prix, they look so darn good. Ive only had mine for a couple of months but so far I have put about 1500 miles on it and have had no problems with it even though it is a 9 year old car. The previous owner took care of it and I love to drive it. It has power when I need it. It is roomy enough for my three children, it feels like a big car on the inside but it is sporty looking on the outside. It burns more gas than my previous car, which is to be expected since my Mazda was a 4 cylinder and this is a V6. I just love this car.

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  My first - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ram1957 - December 11 - 6:53 am

  This is my first Grand Prix. I always wanted one and I was not dissappointed with the one I received. I lease this vehicle and will continue with the Grand Prix if they are available in 3 years.

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  Nice package - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 66GTO - December 11 - 2:00 am

  My GTP is the Anniversary edition. I also own a 1997 GTP sedan which has 150,000 miles. That car is bullet proof. Only repairs were alternator and power window motor. Both covered under warranty.Still runs like a champ. My 2002 is a coupe and it has been flawless. These cars are fun to drive, extremely comfortable fairly economic (24mpg)and look good.

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  I enjoyed it but..... - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By formergrandamowner - December 11 - 2:00 am

  The car handled great, and the responsiveness was great. I was not very satisfied with the quality though. Had a leak from day one that the dealer could not find, finally turned out to be sun roof drains. The brakes wore out quickly under normal conditions, as did the struts and related parts. At trade in time, I got less than half the cost of the car, (my fault) but feel the car should have held its value a little better.

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  I wish I could use my window! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kitkay - December 10 - 9:23 pm

  I bought my Grand Am in 2000 with 5,000 miles on it. It was all fine until 2003. If you have automatic windows they are terrible. All that hold them in place is a piece of plastic. Which through all the hot weather in TX make it weak and they break. You of course cant buy just the plastic piece that breaks you have to buy a whole motor replacement which cost between $80- $150. I had to replace both of them within two years of each other. Also the Door just mysteriously started not to open. The rear-view mirror fell off and the headlight bulbs are a pain to change. Also the transmission fliud has to be changed at a dealership.

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  Great buy for performance - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Daniel Goosen - December 10 - 5:33 pm

  Awesome car for the money, solid and fun to drive. I have owned three Grand Prixs 97 to 2000. This is the first Grand Am GT1, great little car with great get up and go!

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  8 months and still loving it - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - December 9 - 11:46 pm

  8 Months and 8000 miles and still love this G8 GT. Last month we had the worst snow storm in Oregon in years. The remote start and the heated seats made it a lot better to get out in it. With $1100 invested in studless snow tires I got every where I needed to go, the limited slip and traction control made driving in the snow no big problem. If GM does close down Pontiac, I hope that they also start importing the Holden Commador SS, or put the G8 in the Buick line-up. This is to good a car to just let die.

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  A Beautiful Vehicle - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Gregory Tocco - December 9 - 11:56 am

  I purchased this Certified Used Vehicle from my local Chevy Dealers Used Car Lot. This 2003 Pontiac Bonneville SLE is easily one of the nicest vehicles I have ever owned (and Im 46). The overall styling is striking and I get a thrill everytime I see it! Im getting almost 24 mpg in mixed (city/hwy) driving. The reliability is exceptional! I simply love this car! I am also very disappointed that GM has discontinued producing the Bonneville (as of the 2005 model year). I will drive this car for quite a long time. In fact, my plan is to drive this car for at least another 5 years, then look for a clean 2005 Bonneville GXP and be in Bonneville Heaven! (I know the 2005 GXP is the best ever!!)

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  Sedan for a teen - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Rob Jones - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I got this car by my own choice, I am 16 and it has good power, speed. Not likeable gas mileage, but a 6-cylinder wouldnt have as good as my former 4- cylinder car. The gas detector has gone out leaving gas gage broken, air conditionar buttons break easily, It does have a stong body in hail storms, and is a slick looking car.