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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  Excellent Value - Great Used Car! - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By Jim - December 14 - 10:53 pm

  I purchased my loaded Montana that was gently used by a retired couple. The car was showroom clean with about 27,000 miles. It currently just broke 80,000 miles (an average of 12k/year). The van has done everything Ive asked it to do. It had industry/segment leading cargo capacity and volume at the time. Its driving dynamics are excellent for a van. It was much better than the previous generation Toyota Sienna we compared it to. I think it will bring me many years of reliable service. I plan to keep it until about 220,000 miles. Buy one of these severly depreciated vehicles at a fire sale price and you wont be disappointed. Ive had minor problems not worth mentioning.

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  I do love my car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tiffykc07 - December 14 - 6:56 pm

  Ive had my car going on 3 years now, for almost a year Ive had trouble with the key getting stuck in the ignition to where i had to use a nail to put underneath the steering wheel compartment and stick it inside this hole to get my key to come out, Im not really sure why this happens but someone I know who has the same car as I do has the same problem. To roll down the passenger window from my driver side sometimes it doesnt work and then a few minutes later it does, but other than these problems I do love my car I just recently got brakes for it and the tires were still in great shape. I love the look of it and it is my first vehicle, I got it when I turned 18.

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  Loving it - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By jen - December 10 - 10:53 pm

  I did my shopping around and the G6 is the best overall buy I could find. I test drove a lot of cars out there. The G6 won. I got a great price, haggled and got leather for free. Totally loving the XM! I only wish that it had radio options on the steering wheel.

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  Never Again - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By rarrr - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Grand Am almost 2 years now and Id never buy another. Beginning about 3 months ago, my Grand Am has been nothing but trouble. Ive put almost $1000 into repairs. The fuel pump died, the ignition switch died, and now the a/c isnt working properly. On top of that, the turn signals only work when they feel like it, the interior lights only work when they feel like it, and the gauges dont register as they should. General Motors has surely let me down.

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  smooth and fast - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By squirt03_25 - December 6 - 2:40 pm

  Purchased mine as a lease turn in with 30,000 miles on it. I now have 45,000 on it and its just as good now as it was then. Very good car for the driving enthusiast or just as a daily driver. Affordable power and handling in a stylish design that is well put together and balanced. Good fit and finish overall. 127 mph top speed is impressive for a sedan.

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  Good car with minor problems - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Peter Harris - December 5 - 7:38 am

  The front wheel bearings went just two years after buying the car. There was a minor electrical problem with the radiator fan. And, just recently, after ten years, the three major electrical components failed: battery, alternator, and starter. Peter Harris

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  My 2004 Grand AM - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By fl41 - December 4 - 12:54 pm

  This was my last car. It served me well. Wasnt exactly the best car I ever had though. Head gasket went on it shortly after I bought it (used). My aunt bought me a remote starter for it. Wich the car was not to reliable with. Every time I used the remote, I would have to check to see if the car actually started or not. All lights (running lights ect.) gave an indication that it did start, but the engine did otherwise. It would however start every time with the key (sometime a rough start). It was surprisingly good in the snow even with cheap black label tires. I will admit, it never left me stranded any where. I would not recommend this car for a tall person.

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  Good value for your dollar - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Greg - December 3 - 11:43 am

  Purchased for $12,000 (Thanks, GM Card dollars!). At that price nothing really competes. I was able to get the dealer to add cruise, and for those that really want remote locks that can be added as well. Note the gas mileage will be less if the car has the 3.91 axle ratio, but will have more pep. So if you are shooting for 30 MPG be aware of the "optional" axle ratio issue. Easy to drive, but a little hard to get in and out of as doors are narrow top to bottom. I do 90% highway cruising, and this is quite and very smooth for its size. I understand wiper blades are expensive, so try and get covered under bumper-to- bumper warranty. Also, no key hole on passenger door, seems odd.

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  So far so good - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By zero - December 3 - 1:23 am

  So far so good. No real problems. A couple of defects upon purchase. But nothing crazy or unable to be repaired by myself. 4500 miles and nothing has changed. I know its not a lot of miles. But I havent had it long enought to foget those problems i might have had in the beginning.. which happen to be none in this case. the styling is the styling.. think of it what you will. I think its very euro GT. Gets great mileage for the engine class, but thats not really an excuse for running an average of 20 mpg back and forth to work.

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  losing confidence - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By loams - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought new and now have 52000 miles. The car is well cared for but have already replaced an alloy wheel, two blower motors, one blower resistor, tensioner bracket (total of about $1100 to date) ans have an on going problem with the a/c drain causing water to flood the front passenger seat carpeting. I think this will be my last Pontiac.