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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  My Granny Am - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Kayla M - September 27 - 2:13 am

  Since getting my Grand Am in 2004, it has been an overall great ride. Although it may not look sporty or "cool", its reliability is pretty good. Thus far the fuel pump, and shifter are the only real problems I have had. In winter, it is pretty amazing, especially since I live in the country and do lots of highway driving. The car is fairly fuel efficient as well.

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  Reliable 97 Bonnie - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Keith - September 26 - 2:20 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned! It drives and handles great, and the interior is roomy and comfortable. The high mileage 3.8 L. still delivers punch and starts flawlessly every time. All dashboard controls are conveniently located, especially the audio controls located on the steering wheel. Gas mileage is also decent.

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  Typical Mid-80s GM Product - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By LibertyNickel - September 21 - 12:10 pm

  I knew what I was getting into when I bought this 97 GT Sedan, but the price was right. Typical things have gone wrong, but the car has never left me on the side of the road. Heater fan now only works on high, traction control went out (big deal), passengers side base amp is dead (hard to replace) and Ive just observed a coolant leak near the water pump, but I fear its most likely the intake manifold. Clearcoat is peeling off the spoiler. BUT... it still runs great, its comfortable, fast, and handles great. Doesnt use any oil, brakes are fantastic, a/c will put frost on your nose, and the back seat holds all three of my granddaughters. I love the delayed- locking feature, too.

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  Not bad, not bad at all. - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Uncle - September 19 - 11:46 pm

  I must have a good one. In 4 years I havent had any major issues. The one thing I didnt like was the standard equipment tires wore out very quickly. I was lucky to get 15,000 miles out of them. Other than that, its been a good vehicle.

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  RaRas GrandAmSE1Sdn - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Mark R - September 19 - 7:10 am

  We have found the Grand AM SE1 Sedan to be a thrill to drive. We would definitely recommend the V-6, as we are partial to the torgue of the larger engine. The car is very reliable, has a the basic power options, and handles well for a mid-size sedan. Comes with all-season touring tires that are also speed rated, which adds to the handling of cornering. Its a great little performer. Its not the G6 though, its 25 ponies short, although I prefer the Grand Am design over that of the G6.

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  Family necessity - 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
  By mikeametz - September 14 - 10:00 am

  We have taken this vehicle everywhere. It is a great family car and car pools well for school.

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  Fun but reliable? - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cplogic - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car new. Ive had the car a little over two years and 19,000 miles. Ive had four problems: 1) at 9,000 miles - Check engine light - Dealership cleaned injectors. 2) Car wont start - Dealership replaced ignition switch parts (although car turned over fine). 3) 19,000 miles - Check engine light - cleaned injectors 4) Car wont start - replaced battery. So the problems were not serious, yet not starting once a year is a pain.

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  Loops of joy - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By truthforwho - September 8 - 10:00 am

  1st G.P. was a 89,Loved it, side impact totaled it, I got out with only a scratch. Then had a 97 grand am, O.K.but not very sturdy. to many repairs. Traded in for 01 GP. Loved it, handled awesome, good mileage, Sharp looks. Took a corner a little to fast, rolled 4 times, but still walked away. Now looking at an 02 G.P.- G.T.

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  Almost there, but....... - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Floorit - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Turned in my 2002GT. Major improvement, but still needs more. I have put over 8K on it since early September with no problems. My biggest problem is with my lead foot - my gas mileage is not even close to what it should be (20 mpg on my last tank - freeway miles)! Would have preferred a MAJOR restyling, rather than an update, but its still better.

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  I love this car - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By lillovebug09 - September 6 - 10:00 am

  It was a great car I have it right now but will be trading it for a newer car, havent had any problems with it :)