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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  First van - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By lucyp - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the first time Ive owned a van and I love it. The handling and performance is much better than the other brands I tested. The Chrysler version worked too hard to shift and was not comfortable even though it had more features. It is so much easier to get in and out of than a low car. Visibility is improved because of the higher profile, especially for night time driving. I am concerned about the handling in winter driving as this one is not equipped with the traction control.

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  Great car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Brian in Dallas - August 15 - 7:26 pm

  Ive owned my G6 3 years now. Purchased a fully-loaded GT with leather, panoramic roof, chrome wheels, etc. Closing in on 66k with nothing but routine maintenance. Daily driving is highway driving in Dallas rush hour 22 miles each way and average 29 mpg. Extended trips average 32 mpg as long as I stay below 70 mph. Panoramic roof is great in spring/fall.

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  Fun car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dangerxx - August 13 - 2:40 pm

  i loved this car. the only problem we had was the transmission went at about 130K. but this is a great car. its big enough for a family of 4. its pretty quick. and its fun to drive. ours got totaled last year cause some idiot hit it, and i still miss it.

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  Decent Car, has some repairs - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tito12384 - August 12 - 3:16 am

  This car was pretty good to me. Bought it off my brother with 97k, who bought it 2 years before with 70k. Overall was a great looking car until I totalled it (just over 104k). When I bought it, I had to replace the fuel tank, which had a leak. Then found a rusted hole in the firewall, which was a pain to fix. Never had electrical problems. My brother had to replace the fuel injectors shortly after he bought it, and ever since then it kind of hesitated when first started. After about a minute it was fine. Has good acceleration for a 4 cyl. Fun to drive. The ets button definately needs to be in a better place, very easy to hit with either hand or knee.

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  Grand Prix GTP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Sheila - August 10 - 10:33 pm

  Car is fun to drive; many of the options I didnt really think I needed, but now love them. Particularly the supercharged engine. However, am disappointed in the size (too small) and ride - not the soft, cushy ride I am used to in other GM products. Overall, am happy with car.

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  Pretty decent car - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jamie - August 9 - 8:26 pm

  I received this car in mid-2006 and have had it ever since. It just hit 200,000 miles and has still kept going (knock on wood!) I am pleased with the way it has held up. I drive an average of 25,000 miles each year so I am pretty hard on cars.

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  Vehicle Good, Service Stinks - 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
  By Wonder Woman - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Purchased with 58,000 km (Canada). We also purchased warranty to cover electronic gizmos. Biggest problem, power sliding door. Took to be serviced, dealership claimed the motor was dead - replacement cost $1,800Cdn or cut the power cables. What about the extended warranty, oops, not covered. Surprise. We cut the cables. A few weeks later someone pushes the door open button and surprise, the motor is running. Probably not a motor problem but a problem getting power to the motor. Too late now, the cables are cut. Other than this weve done some normal maintenance, but nothing major. Did replace one of the headlight covers. Now has 107,000 km.

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  Beauty is only skin deep - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By yesbill - August 3 - 10:00 am

  My first look at this vehicle consisted of a four letter word and no way hoe say. Here we are at the San Diego auto show earlier this year, I lose my wife among the throngs of people, I consider this my chance to check out the Porsches, then I hear "Oh Bill look at this." I turn around and see this thing. Heres Angela sitting in an Aztek. Its black, its angular, its so different. She says sit so I sit. My GOD what perfect seats. The look outside is perfect. The front cockpit is extraordinarly ergonomical!!

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  Too New To Rate But Liking So Far!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RMCLECMBS - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I am not a GM fan but bought this car for my wife who absolutley loves her new GT2 with leather and sunroof. Fit an finish is excellent. New styling is well done. Re-do from previous model hits the mark. Avoid the cloth interior. Seats are very firm and take some adjusting to get used to but lateral support is excellent. The 90 degree openings rear doors and forward folding front passenger seat are well engineeered and practical. Ample interior room and spacious trunk. Tight and quiet - firm handling.

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  pretty car with frequent problems - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tahayah - July 27 - 10:00 am

  When I first bouhgt my car, I loved it. It was fast, reliable, fun to drive. Within the year that I had it, problems began to occur. I assumed that if I kept up the maintenance that I would have no worries. In chronological order: the motors in 2 windows went out, the fuel sensor had to be replaced, the LCD screen on the radio becomes illegible, the trunk light went out, the door panels are loose, the cup holders only fit one size of cups, sometimes it wont start up and now the transmission is slipping. For a car thats five years old, it sure doesnt hold up like one.