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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  Great Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By paintdude - September 24 - 2:40 pm

  I bought this car as a used program unit..What a great car. Comfort is bar none, the seats are awesome. Brakes are excellent,steering is excellent. The electronic features are just awesome...The more I drive it the more I like it..We just love this car..

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  Great Purchase - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Brian Sharrett - September 23 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car to replace my 04 Mustang Cobra. I really needed more room. This auto provides that and more! The performance is very good overall for the size and weight of the car. A lot of people complain about "Atari type gauges" but you do get used to them. After owning and driving this car for three months, I realize, I have made a great purchase and I am not looking back!

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  Huge disappointment - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By NoMoreGM - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had EXTENSIVE problems (complete electrical system meltdown was the main one) with this vehicle. It had been in the shop 12 times in less than 15 months and 20000 miles. This car was recalled for a "battery discharge condition" (see NHTSA website for details). The dealership was useless to fix the problem; they just kept replacing the battery and cleaning the spilled battery acid off the engine and sending me on my way. I complained to GM and they refused to fix the car also. There are many good reviews from Aztek owners on Edmunds, so my case must be an isolated incident. But after my horrible experience, I can’t see myself buying another one.

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  We just call it the - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Mokole - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have a white GT 2001 and it was the best deal ever. Some people may not like the looks but the advantage to its unique design is that it is real easy to find it in the parking lot. ;) Superior handling, gas mileage and safety compared to other SUVs. Cooler and extra cigarette outlets make trips easier (for accessories like laptops). Rear flip, fold and removing rear sets opens up allot of room. Mine also came with the cargo tray which is useful for travel luggage and groceries. This car is fun to drive because it rides nice and silent. Everyone I know who has been in my car has learned to appreciate it if not really like it.

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  Setting the pace - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jeffery A. Lowery - September 22 - 2:00 am

  The engine preformance is great for a V6, it will put you back in your seat. Cup holders are needed in the rear seating area and an arm rest, ashtry would also be nice. I cant say enough about the sedan, Im 41 years old and would never think about owning anything other than a coupe but this machine did win me over!

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  Good Value - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dmy - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Grand Prix. I bought my 97 because it was a good value and the 04 GTP comp remains a good value. I looked at the G35 and Maxima but when negotiating a deal GM remained the most competitive with a ton of rebates. The car is still fun to drive and practical when traveling. Still find the tires to be slippery in rain like the 97 but a set of Coopers will fix that in time. Had a difficult time selling the 97...hope the 04 grows on me as well.

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  Great GTP Sedan - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mallified - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my GTP since I bought it. The performance is awesome. Upgrade to the Borla exhaust system and a Thrush cold air induction system to get a significant increase in accelleration. I love driving my GTP. Plenty of room front and back. Very comfortable on long hauls too.

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  Excellence - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Stacy - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I didnt buy one, but I drove my aunts that she was using from a rent a car place. The driving is so smooth, and its just an overall awesome experience.

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  Reliable as a Model T - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By Poor quality - September 21 - 7:00 am

  First thing the car did was the breaking and snapping off of the plastic parts inside the car. Cupholders, knobs, ect. Then the tail and brake lights. They dont just burn out, they fuse (melt) to the plastic tail lamps. This happens every 10,000 mi or so. Did I mention oil consumption? How about a quart every 2,000 mi. The electric rear windows leak also. Thats why there is huge stain on the rear carpet. A nice rusty color to boot. The radiator began overheating too (83,000 mi). When the van is started warm or cold, it likes to rev to 1500 rpm, so you have to turn it off and restart till it stays at 800 rpm. A mind of its own for sure. Will be buying anything but this, next time around

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  I loved her til the end - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Athena - September 20 - 8:56 am

  I recently turned in my 02 Grand Prix GT Sedan. It was my 3rd Grand Prix in a row since I lease every 3 years. It was a wonderful car - great pickup, good in the snow, roomy inside, big trunk, good sound system & overall fun to drive! I had to have a few items replaced near the end of my lease (water pump, door hinge, entire new sunroof) - but nothing was earth shattering & all was covered under the warranty. I would have purchased it when my lease was over but the price GM wanted me to pay was $3,000 over blue book value!!! Wake up GM!!!