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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  Very nice ride! - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By kcwilson05 - January 13 - 4:56 pm

  This car drives great and rides very smooth. The interior is very sleek and with the black and chrome, it just cant be beat! Overall, this car is wonderful. It handles very good and the gas mileage is great as well.

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  Good Riddance! - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jimdes - January 13 - 3:23 pm

  I thought Id be stuck with this car, but fortunately, I totaled it. It was nothing but trouble from day 3. First, the radio had to be replaced because it was draining the battery when the car was parked. Then there was a series of electrical issues, primarily with the brake warning lights coming on indicating the ABS and ETS were not functioning. Pontiac didnt know how to fix this and just told me to keep driving it. Finally, on the 5th attempt, it was fixed. Theres also a common issue that the blinker sound will come on while driving. Thank God I purchased a 60K warranty on this when I bought it brand new! My partner, on the other, hand purchased a 2002 Grand Am SE1 and had 0 probs

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  Dont Believe all the ratings - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ron - January 12 - 10:26 pm

  I just read that the newer Grand Prixs were considered one of the worst for resale value of the current cars manufactured. I wonder what in the calculation skewed this model to that conclusion. I have owned a 2004 GT2 loaded, (new design) since 2/05 and I love it. I own 3 newer vehicles, and am always buying or trading newer cars. This style GP gives me everything I want and need in a vehicle, along with 20 mpg city and 30.5 highway at 75 to 80 mph with the air on. I usually get bored with my vehicles within 6 to 9 months, but this one handles like a sports car, sounds powerful when accelerating, has all the amentities, and draws all kind of looks and admiring glances. Really like it.

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  Lovin Every Minute of It!!!!! - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By LimoBarbie - January 12 - 3:13 pm

  I love this car! 1 sexy machine with a huge "hey BABY" factor. Im 50 and it makes me feel 16 again! Has every option available, wicked fast even with the auto tranny and Ive shown a lot of STUNNED Stangs and BMWs tire smoke and tail lights (got the performance upgrade so its hotter than the reg one) and I had to buy a radar detector because Im a very bad girl!! Loved my Town Car but after driving TCs for a decade I wanted something HOT-smooth sexy curves and the adorable eager-to-run expression on its little buck-toothed face makes me smile every time I see it. A real head-turner that folks swear must be an import and blazing speed to keep this old gal happy! I love him SO MUCH!!!!!!

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  07 Vibe - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Robin - January 11 - 7:33 pm

  Great car. Has over 30,000 miles and no problems. Roomier than what you would think when you see it and comfortable.

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  The Best Ride - 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
  By Great Vehicle - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for 6 years now, the only problem with it was that the radio went out. We love taking it on trips its great on the road most recently we came back from Mexico where we drove for over 35hrs only stopping for gas vehicle performed well and was very comfortable to drive. The reliable V6 has power when you need it. Just a Great vehicle overall!

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  Fun but big problems - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Danfish85 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Its been a fun car that im forced to get rid of. Its been plagued with random problems since i bought it. Lots and lots of electrical problems. Ive replaced alternator multiple times, battery countless times, starter, random sensors and wires, ball join, etc.

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  aztek review - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By coaker - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love it. It is a good mix between a mini van and a suv. It was something both my husband and I could agree on and it drives like a dream! He likes the fact he can take it fishing and use the seats on the tail gate. This comment is for EVERY vehical, I just wish the back seats tilt back. At fist the back end looks funny and it takes some time getting use to looking out the back but once you get over that it is the best thing in the world and I would defentaly buy another in a heart beat!

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  decent transportation and cool looks - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By redsharkrodney - January 10 - 10:00 am

  reliable...few bugs...cd player went out...and my parents have same car and there cd player went out as well...nice sporty looking car. monsoon sound system is a plus. drives nice. good gas mileage.

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  98GP Still Going Strong - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By stragger - January 10 - 10:00 am

  My Grand Prix came to me as a company car, but I feel in love with it and bought it when it reached 36,000 miles, the company limit. I have always felt like this car fit me like a glove, and its performance, while not a sports car, has always been more than adequate. Aside from some quirky electronic anomolies, it has been totally problem free. My best surprise is that I still get 28 mpg on a the highway at a steady 70 mph. I cant see buying a new car yet, since this baby still meets all my needs.