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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  i love my fire - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By sunfireredhot - March 24 - 2:00 am

  i have had my car since it was brand new only 5 miles on it when bought it now has a lil over 110,000 and still going strong looks great and still sporty never had a major problem yet they are built to last thanks for such a great car

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  Never again GM - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Russ K. - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Alternator bearing failed(in Warranty) Water pump failed (36000 miles) Engine light on (42000 miles)Was told EGR valve def.but was told could be cleaned ($200)-Fixed. Told engine control module needed replacement. Was told air conditioner comnpressor bearing was failing-should be replaced soon (part cost $687)If bearing freezes belt will jump off, disabling car. Fingers crossed re.intake manifold gasket failure.

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  Beware of sliding door falling off!! - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By NJ Montana owner - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this van for 3 1/2 yrs, 36k. No major problems until the drivers side sliding door fell right off as I went to close it. It was night time and 20 degress and I had a door in my hand. The dealership states the problem was due to excessive rust on the rollers causing rollers and hinge to break . GM states it was our fault because we didnt maintain our doors by having them lubricated every 15k. I have never heard of doors falling off because of lack of lubrication and I dont think a 3 1/2 yr old van should have excessive rust. This was a regular slider (non- powered) If anyone else has encountered this problem, please post it.

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  My First New Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Joyce Malloy - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the nicest car Ive ever owned also the most reliable. I have not even slid once this winter and I live in Pittsburgh, Pa. and this is one of the worst winters we have had in about 5 years.

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  Better than my VM or Nissan - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By al22 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  It handles really well. Great traction. Roomy yet nimble. Powerful - accelerates quickly. Many features that others charge more for. The best car for the price. Four years and not one problem. Knock on wood.

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  My Pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jenifer - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a really fun car to drive. My husband and I love it. Its loaded with features and rides great.

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  Bimmer 550 in Sheeps Clothing - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Gr8GT - March 23 - 5:30 am

  I bought this car (G8 GT) 2 months ago after test driving my fathers and just loving it. I got an excellent price from the Pontiac dealership who seemed to want to give these cars away. This car has everything I admire about the BMW 5-series: power to spare, aggressive styling, refined ride, an extremely rich set of features, and even a little cachet (I still dont see too many of these models on the road). And just as important, it doesnt have the one thing that is synonomous with all BMWs, a large price tag. Anyone who is interested in owning a BMW 550 at half the price should seriously consider the G8 GT.

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  1999 Grand Am SE Review - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By paramedic423 - March 23 - 4:53 am

  I have owned my 1999 Grand Am since 2000. It now has 72,000 miles on it. Having problem with rust along the side by the rear wheel wells. At about 50,000 miles the intake gasket went out and needed replacement. Mechanic said that is a typical problem for this car about every 50,000 miles. Radiator also started to leak around 55,000 mile. The front and rear spring rusted thru and broke around 65,000 mile also another typical problem for this car. Have had to replace 2 fuel injectors also. Radio control knob does not work very well any more. My car likes to go thru brakes also. Dont know why. Will be getting rid of this car soon. Other than that not to bad of a car.

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  Nothing but PROBLEMS - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By MissLaura - March 22 - 11:20 am

  I bought this car in November of 2008. One month later it was in the shop for a leak in the sunroof. I opened my car door only to find the floorboards in the front SOAKED with about an inch of water. Took the dealership two times and about two weeks with leaving my car there to find out it was the sunroof leaking. Also the lights on the dash and cd player flashed on and off and the cd player would stop working about every other week. About two months after I bought it, I started it one day and my wheel was completely locked up. I had to re start my car in order for it to be okay again but no check engine light came on. Now a year later I am having power steering and vibrating issues

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  A nice car - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By boblaca - March 22 - 10:00 am

  My ex worked for Toyota, so I drove new Toyotas for years. I was leary of a GM product, but it has been great. I had one problem with the fuel pump - it was towed for free and I was supplied with a free loaner under the warranty - I am somewhat baffled by the complaints I see. The cup holders arent great, but that isnt how I evaluate a car. The tires are about shot after 27K - maybe I should have rotated them once or twice. Duh.