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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  Best Car! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Lakhota - July 21 - 8:30 pm

  Ive got the 2.2 Ecotec & Im extremely pleased with it, get almost 40mpg hywy! Very easy to modify ie; added factory spoiler and upgraded to factory monsoon sound system (took some time), fold down seats were a breeze to add, even keyless entry was easy to install. Comfortable, quiet, looks awesome love all the features & most of all, Solid Form Design!

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  A Cheap Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By hannah - July 21 - 2:26 pm

  I bought my Grand Am when I was strapped for cash. It was affordable.In the first 30 days of owning it the alternator and the battery went out. I have since replaced the alternator 3 times.The brakes have also been replaced 3 times. Major overhaul on them each time, costing me several hundred dollars. My transmission leaks badly, the water pump has been replaced, as has the serpentine belt. I also expeience severe vibrations when driving on the highway. I wouldnt by another grand am. I cannot afford to get it fixed every few months.

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  Super! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Impressed! - July 21 - 2:46 am

  Awesome leg room in the front and back seats. Comfortable ride. Excellent power and fuel economy. No problems. Reliable and fun to drive. Ive owned GM vehicles for years and this is the best one yet.

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  good old bonnie - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By woodsy - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This has a terrific car. Its fun to drive, has been reliable, and looks good. My only complaint is a small back seat. Very uncomfortable for adults, and definitely too small for 3 people.

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  Its just not my ol 94 Bonneville - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Its for sale - July 21 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased this car, I was in hopes that it would compare to my 94 Bonneville. Didnt happen. The r&p steering has been replaced twice before fixed. Fan blower motor replaced, still chirps. Dealership trying to find clunking noise near glove box. Have installed a windshield and "three alternators" (not sure why)with the noise still there. Terrible wind/road interior noise in front and back. Front cup holders are too small.

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  2002 GTP - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GTPMAN - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I think this veicle is a really nice car it perfores really well i brought it to the track several times and at first i was geting 14.9 but then after it got broke in and it was a little coller out i was running 14.2 at 98 miles an hour bone stock. now i grew up going to the track every weekend and iv never seen a stock V6 no less run a 14.2

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  fantastic value - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By angel 52 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  this car is a great value for the price.it is very peppy with the base engine.

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  Im in love with my car - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By bendover - July 19 - 10:00 am

  this is my second Bonneville and its not my last !

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  Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bobk - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Great power, smoothness, quietness, fit/finish, gas mileage,,,, did I leave anything out? A ton of value for the money. One thing not noted is how well the safety is in the wet. The traction control is truly a marvel. I fly past people. Great job Pontiac!

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  This car is a step behind the rest - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Courtney - July 18 - 7:26 am

  This is my 1st Pontiac that I traded my Nissan Altima for, big mistake! My Altima drove like a luxory vehicle, this thing is so loud and rough riding. You can hear everything that is going on outside of the car, especially freeway traffic. The inside is pretty basic compared to other sedans in its class (honda, nissan, toyota...) Its getting left in the dust by other competitors styles.