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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  2002 Pontiac Grand AM GT - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mityhid - September 16 - 2:00 am

  The Grand AM overall is a very nice car. Other than brake rotors needing to be resurfaced at 41000 miles, and the fuel pump at 47000 miles, I have had no problems mechanically with the car. The fuel mileage is somewhat less than expected, I generally average about 20-24mpg. I have gotten 31mpg on a freeway stretch, but I have never seen mileage that high again.

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  Awsome new design - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Everett - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the car for one month, but it is the best car for long term driving that I bought to date. I travel over 750 miles weekly and have not been uncomfortable yet. Should have bumped up the stereo option, but Ill just get an aftermarket one itstalled for less. Love the power to pass on the highway.

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  NICE CAR COOL COLOUR - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By the boss - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Love the gp first new GM product for me the fusion orange is great, and one of the reasons I leased this car. Good ride, gas mileage, room, no complaints in over 7000 miles over 11,000 km.

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  Comp G Package - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bob-onit - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Great car,highly recommend,fast,dependable,fun to drive

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  Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Pontiac Fan 19 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I recently traded a 02 BMW 330Ci for a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, I am extremly satisfied with the performance and build quality. I feel it is better than the BMW, and certainly a better value.

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  RGs Bonneville - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By RG - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Since purchasing this vehicle I have made a round trip from CT to CA and also from CT to FL. The car was very comfortable handled well and gas mileage was almost 29 MPG

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  diggin the vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By jpt - September 13 - 1:53 pm

  I have really enjoyed owning a my Vibe. I love the affordability and the versatility of it. Especially, for the limited driving I do. If I spent a great deal of time in the car, I probably would not have chosen the Vibe because it is underpowered. It has been a great car and completely reliable. I most definitely would recommend it and would likely buy one again. I would love to see it with a more powerful engine and am sorry to see that they have discontinued the AWD....which is sure footed here in Michigan. The best part is that it is an American nameplate with Japanese reliability.

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  Never Again - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By HMB - September 13 - 6:36 am

  I have had my G6 for almost 3 years. It has 63K on it right now and the transmission slips/jerks sometimes when it switches gears. I have had it looked at 4 times and the last time they told me it needed a computer update and that would fix the problem. Hate to break it to them, but that didnt fix anything. PPl I talked to says it may be the trans fluid, but theres not anywhere to check it, you HAVE to take it to the dealership to have that checked. They said that wasnt the problem either. When you turn the car to the left the steering makes a clicking sound too. My CD player is starting to mess up on me, Im just tired of having issues with my car. Ill never own another Pontiac!!!

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  why i didnt buy a new Porsche - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By henry schwartz - September 12 - 10:20 am

  Detroit, you are back! This car is fun fun fun pontiac i am 60 years old but when in my gxp all i can think about is zero to 60. dont let your corvette owners drive this one- you will never be able to produce enough

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  2004 Sunfire!! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Linda Owens - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased our sunfire 1 week ago and loved it the first drive!!! Surprisingly smooth and very comfortable ride for such a light- weight car and only 4 cylinders...havent had to shift gears in years but HOW can I miss w/ that cute little arrow to remind me if im not sure when to!!! It is GREAT!!!! (Wonder if Detroit Dragway still has the powder-puff derby ? ;-)