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:

• 

  2004 GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By sparke - August 15 - 5:56 am

  I bought this car as a 30th bday present to myself. Got it in silver, had only 800 miles on it for an awesome price! Wasnt too impressed with the looks until I drove it. Also looked at other cars in similar class but realized this car was in a class of its own. Love that there arent very many around town. I have only seen 5 others during all my travels in various states. I am the only one in town. Had it up to 156 at the last glance against an 06 GTO. The car has alot of power and a good driver is a great combination. Love this car.

• 

  Dependable, Powerful, Comfortable... - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ravenking - August 14 - 9:16 pm

  ...What more could you want? My car has given me nothing but joy since I bought it. I commute 30 minutes to and from school every day, and this car makes it much more comfortable and fun than any other I have driven. It is fast, smooth, and very useful. I opted for the four door because it is more practical, but it is actually the same size and has the same looks as the coupe, just more convenient.

• 

  GM is closing the Gap!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By intimid8tor3 - August 13 - 12:53 pm

  Ive had my 06 GTP Coupe for 1600 miles now, and I love it. The 3.9L 240hp V-6 makes this car a blasat to drive. It lets you mess with cars costing a lot more. The gas mileage is good, around 22.0 mpg in mixed driving. The big 18" tires provide plenty of grip, handling, and a good ride. Interior and exterior build quality is on par with more expensive German and Japanese models. I would recommend a look at this car to anyone who does not want to go broke, but does want to have a lot of fun in an every-day-driver.

• 

  Great new ride - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By pontiac lover - August 12 - 3:00 am

  This is great vehicle. I test drove the roadster, which was great, but when I test drove the GXP I just couldnt resist. I was set on a new sedan until I got behind the wheel. Its even peppier than my 04 Grand Prix GT and handles great. Very fun, very unique. I just wonder what it will be like in the winter.

• 

  Wheel Bearing Trouble - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jim - August 11 - 10:50 am

  We bought our AWD Vibe used in 2007. We have put approximately 45,000 miles on it since, due to our work travel. In July of this year (2008) we replaced both front wheel bearings which cost us over $500.00 and this month, (October) we have replaced both rear bearings which cost us over $700.00. Is this normal for AWD?

• 

  5 Speed, 4 Cyl, 4 Dr GT - Water pump! - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GMUser - August 11 - 2:00 am

  OK, overall I have enjoyed this car which I bought new, but the mechanical reliability is questionable. The worst design flaw is the water pump it is driven from the cam chain and requires a MAJOR stripdown of one side of the engine to replace. For a water pump!!! They cost over $500 to replace and last about 40000 miles - Pontiac this was not a smart idea.

• 

  Just what I was looking for! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Robert Willis - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is impressive. Refined, & fun to drive too. Engine is smooth, great interior w/lots of thoughtful touches and a killer sound system. Have had my Grand Prix about 2 months. Looked at Nissan, Hyundai & Saturn & know I made the right decision. Im proud to say its a great American car!

• 

  love it - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Rolando - August 10 - 8:36 pm

  I am the second owner and there has not been any major repair to the car other than the water pump since i bought it and the previous owner did only tune-ups and tire change nothing major either. real good car to drive and is fast too, my car has the 3.8L and it keeps up with a lot of suppose sports cars i love this car!!

• 

  Fun Car to Drive - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JSD - August 9 - 8:36 pm

  I bought this car used with 18,000 miles. It is very comfortable. but the best feature is the acceleration. This car has pick-up like no other sedan I have owned. I drive over 20,000 miles a year and this car is great on the highway. Gas mileage is good--around 27 mpg. I like the radio controls and dash slanted to the driver. The only thing I wish GM would improve is the quietness-raod noise is a bit loud.

• 

  Its a winner for GM - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By nonstopjoe - August 9 - 7:23 pm

  Car is attractive, roomy, and has lots of pep - all with great mpg (expect 35 mpg highway or more). Sound system is average. For the money, you cant go wrong - and, basically, its a Toyota in disguise.