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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  the good and the bad - 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
  By twagner - September 20 - 2:00 am

  powerful engine, good trans, nice techno features in my upper end model, too many rattles and sqeaks, rear suspension terrible and too much road noise in rear, several little things have gone bad

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  New Owner - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By bdchild - September 20 - 2:00 am

  When driving the van I feel its a little tight for me. (the husband) My wife fits in great.This is not the extended version. Aside from that its a great ride. Fun to drive. Great with the kids.

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  bummer - 2003 Pontiac Montana
  By rjk - September 19 - 4:56 am

  an example why GM is having trouble selling cars without steep discounts -- a real disappointment. Needed a new manifold gasket at 40,000 miles, trim is falling part, one window wont close, power window grinds, etc., etc.

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  99 GTP 2door - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Royfact - September 19 - 4:30 am

  For what is otherwise a basic GM offering, the GTP has turned out to be a pretty decent car. The styling will never be classic but it looks reasonable. The interior design is better than average for GM offerings. I especially like the Heads-up display and the steering wheel controls. The seats are comfortable and easily adjusted. The car is good off the line but great in the midrange with its supercharger. The engine isnt sweet-sounding like some, but its rock-solid reliable. Gas mileage is about 22.5 mpg in 40/60 city/highway driving.

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  338,000 Miles, all original, still going strong! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By wuollet - September 18 - 7:00 am

  We bought our 2006 G6 GT in 2007 with 16k miles on it. It currently has 338k miles, and still runs great! I changed spark plugs at 180k miles, and they werent even bad, but just thought it was enough miles on them. One complaint is the suspension, for the last 200k miles, it makes lots of rattles in the suspension. Im sure its an easy fix, but it still works good. We did replace power steering around 250k miles. Other than that, we have had amazing reliability with this car. Just do regular maintenance, wash the car once in a while, and youll have no problems. This is a MN car, and theres lots of salt on our roads in the winter, and the body is just about perfect still. Would buy again.

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  This bonneville is pleasure to drive - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By J.ALLEN - September 18 - 5:10 am

  I purchased this car in 2000 with 22,000 miles for 15k. It has been a terrific car. Very roomy and good acceleration. I have had no major issues except the abs light has come on and off since about 35000 miles. I took it to the dealer few times they would reset it and about 2 months later, back on again. I have the brakes regulary checked and no problems . Overall this car has been one the best i have ever had. A great work and family car. I plan on keeping this one for a long time. American cars have had a bad reputation as not being reliable. I belive cars like this bonneville are closing the gap at a price that the average person could afford

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  I like his car more and more - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By M. Mikesh - September 17 - 9:26 pm

  My Vibe is a great little car, my first ever new car. I wanted a car with great gas mileage that would fit a 6 ladder, and was made in America. I like the fact that the Vibe drive-train and engine are made in a joint-venture with Toyota, which gave me more confidence in the cars performance over the long term. I want to drive this car for 200,000 miles, like I did with my 1990 Honda Civic. The Vibe consistently gets good mileage, has been nearly maintenance free for the first 50,000 miles, and still looks great. It seems slow when its loaded with 4 large passengers and going up a hill at 55 mph, but I can punch the accelerator and it will suck more gas and move right up the hill.

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  Vroom vroom - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Stacey - September 17 - 8:10 pm

  I just bought an 06 Grand Prix GXP and this car is not only gorgeous to look at, but its a blast to drive. Ive had quick vehicles in the past, but the acceleration and power or this car is amazing. I bought a red one with 35,000 miles so its just broken in. I love to small details that make it unique, the red brakes, the mini fog lights, the Monsoon sound system, and the remote start. What a great car!

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  G6 GTP Unreliable - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Dave - September 17 - 5:30 am

  I have had my G6 GTP for a little over 8 months and have had it in for repairs 9 times. I have a manual transmission and am continually having problems with it. I have lost reverse twice and they had to replace the shifter The sun roof (not panoramic) has leaked 3 times and the dealer has had to replace the carpet. When the car works I love to drive it but it doesnt work long before it breaks. I have spoken to 2 different GM reps and they refuse to replace the car. I am just a few days short of meeting the lemon law requirements and will be asking that they buy the car back. It does not appear TO ME that Pontiac stands behind its product or cares about its customers,

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  best car ever!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Viper1234 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  The Pontiac GTO is the best car in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!