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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  Transmission failed - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tranny problem - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2000 GT, and was very happy with the car until at 72,000 miles my transmission went. I had every scheduled maintenance (including the tranny fluid and filter being changed at 50K) done on the car as scheduled. Transmission place said the seal on the tranny was cracked, thus causing the fluid to leak out and burn out the transmission. $2200.00 later, I am the proud owner of a rebuilt tranny. I was sold on these cars until this, and now question the quality of Pontiacs cars. I called Pontiac about this, and got blown off. I would strongly suggest you have this checked on your next maintenance, and save yourself a big expense.

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  montana - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By tjak - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great Van. Well designed. The 8 passenger option is a must. Good miledge. No quality problems.

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  Fun to drive with minor problems - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Bus ODoyle - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Grand Am GT1 with 40,000 miles. Its the nicest car I have ever owned so far even better then my 95 Camaro. Lots of power through out the power curve. But around 50,000 miles I started experiencing the typ. rubbing brake noise, tire pressure light comes on(tires are fully inflated),CD player display doesnt work, fan setting 1-3 dont work, new battery, leaks water if parked at a angle (3 inched of water by my gas peddle),paint is pealing between my door window and back window, Other then that it has been a good car.

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  Steering Problems - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By alank - January 27 - 10:00 am

  1st problem was steering rack replaced at 9000 miles. 2nd problem steering pump replaced at 15000 miles. 3rd problem sensor for variable rate steering replaced at 19000 miles. Car now has 23000 miles. At 16000 miles also replaced front brake pads and rotors. This is the most troublesome car I have ever owned. I plan to trade it in. Lemon Law also crossed my mind.

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  Will it last 3 years? Doubt it. - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kita - January 27 - 10:00 am

  NOT a good value. Afraid this car wont make it through my 3 year lease. Already had serviced a few times. Hearing more troubling sounds from the engine, doors, and other places. Had in for RECALL. Only a few months of driving (less than 5K miles) my GTP seems to be losing its gusto. "Power on demand" was right- on at first but now seems like "power when it wants to not when I want to." Stalled twice coming down driveway with a few more close calls. Watch out for jerky take offs. Monsoon speakers sound blown without ever blaring the stereo. Not worth it if its not crisp and clear. What happened to taking a little pride in ones work? Shame on you GM.

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  2005 Pontiac G6 4 Dr - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Waleska H - January 26 - 2:43 pm

  I purchased this car in 2005 new. Now it has 107,230 miles. It has been a great car. Mine has the 4 panel sunroof, which I love. The 6 CD in- dash 300 Watt stereo is really nice. Mine is metallic silver, which shines like a new dime in the sunlight. The performance is great! 200 HP with plenty of torque. The gas mileage is 36-38 at 60 MPH. To and from work in traffic I receive 24-26 MPG. The car is the perfect size and has plenty of room for everything. I need to get the 100,000 mile tune-up, but it runs fine. I have only had to replace the tires and oil. I am sick that Pontiac is going to quit making this car.

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  New buyer needs help with quirk! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By rodgerramjet47 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Just bought for 15 yr old Son for him to drive in a 6 months, and wife now after some brainless driver side- swiped her beloved 2005 Screeming Yellow mustang! Bought cheap and car is absolutely like new red/black GT AWD. Got from original owner who has regularly documented maint hx and new guaranteed trans. SUV has intermittent very loud intermittent rattle that seems to come from left front. Rattle comes on more when air is on, maybe(?) Thought at first to be worn/loose shocks, but with all the A/C comments, wondering if condenser is failing and making grinding noise-- RPM drop? Note: Air bolws VERY cold!?

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  Great Car - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Cassie - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Bonneville with 140,000 miles on it. It now has 158,000. The person I bought it from replaced the transmission and struts. Its a really great car. I had to replace the water pump (really cheap part, and fairly easy to repair). I love driving it. Its been extremely reliable, and its nice and roomy.

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  130,000 and it is dead - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Kasten - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I have my Pont for 7 years had no problem. When it hit 119,450 miles the transmission broke down. I sent it to mechanick and he said it was factory defect. He showed to me that old transmission and I could see that it cracked exacly in the middle all round the transmission. OK I asked him to change and get another one with 80,000 on it. Which hi did. I was driving it for a year. Big oil consumption. In 3000 miles i had to add 2.5 quars of oil. When it was 130,000 My motor broke down in the middle of the higway. I barely got to my brothers house. And I am not fixing it. What, Do i have to change motor and transmission every 130,000 Miles?

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  Great Car, Greater Value - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By harpo - January 22 - 2:16 pm

  Purchased the car new for $25,999. Has been absolutely bullet proof ever since. Maintenance costs are nothing. Reliability has been perfect. Enjoy this car thoroughly. Installed an aftermarket transmission and bolted on plenty of Holden parts from Australia. Get positive comments from passers by constantly. Have no idea why this car wasnt a huge success for GM.