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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  It was a good investment - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By SedanMan - June 22 - 3:00 pm

  I just passed the 8 year mark of my Grand Prix GT sedan purchase and am a few hundred miles away from 110k. Its been a fun car to drive over the years. Ive had my share of issues, but nothing too major. The alternator failed around 90,000 miles. The power drivers window quit working around 100k. The A/C needed recharged earlier this summer ($180) The LED display on the radio quit working between 90-100k. The car still gets around 19-20mpg in day-to-day city driving but I often get over 30 mpg on road trips - and thats with a family of 5 and a full trunk. I just test drove a Sienna but really dont know if I want to give up the power/handling of the Grand Prix.

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  Good Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Grand Am - June 22 - 7:23 am

  This is a a really good car to drive! I love the look of the outside..especially the spoiler on the back. The radio is great and the interior is sporty looking. The 4 cylinder engine is pretty powerful and is fun in driving around corners and quick turns. Overall great car!

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  Still Going Strong - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By 123me - June 20 - 12:08 pm

  I bought the Pontiac Vibe after reading it was the 2nd least stolen car in the Central Valley of California. We have a bit of a problem with theft here and having seen my neighbors Hondas picked off annually I decided I was going to look for something thieves were not interested in. The Vibe has proved to be a terrific car, and anyone looking to invest in it as a use vehicle I say you won’t regret the choice. The Pontiac Vibe is the sister car to the Toyota Matrix. Take a look inside and you will see the same dashboard in each. There is plenty of headroom and with the speaker sound system I have no complaints

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  Intense research paid off!!! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Michelle - June 20 - 8:50 am

  Couldnt be more pleased w/ this vehicle, unlike the "second car" for cash I bought at the same time (1996 Ford Contour) - weve stuck thousands into that lemon! The Vibe however, is a delight. There have been a few fixes...oxygen sensor, broken outside door handle (thats one thing which I found was true, plastic on interior and exterior on the cheaper side). We have grown our family fast, and I can actually put 3 car seats across the back. Its deceivingly roomy. The cargo area is decent and even my 63" husband doesnt feel cramped in the front seat. Remember when servicing this car, take it to someone who knows Toyota engines (Tuffy replaced some fluids), I was told this is a no no.

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  Great Car, going on 6 years, no problems - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By saxguyck - June 19 - 9:36 am

  We have had this car in our family since new in 2003 and have have absolutely no problems with it. Runs perfect, starts right up, minimal maintenance and no repairs necessary. We got a great deal on it; $13,000 fully loaded (dual exhaust, power windows, doors, sunroof, spoiler, 6 speaker monsoon sound system). considering that this is an entry level, commuter car, it has been worth every penny. Great gas milage too. 27-31 (normal driving.. some highway, some back roads, some bumper to bumper traffic)

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  o4 grand am gt - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mike - June 18 - 2:33 pm

  good no major problems . 40,000 wheel hub bearing went out on the left side . It roared like a truck but it was under Waranty. fun car to drive but this is one of those cars you want a warranty that why I have the 100,000 mile power train.I have no problems since the wheel bearing. Put ventis hr II tires on. at 54615 mile she runs great. May trade her in though for a gas sipper and not a guzzler.

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  Nice Ride - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Scott - June 15 - 5:10 pm

  This car rides smooth and engine is high performing. Its easy to do much higher than speed limit due to how smooth ride is. Handles very well. Sporty feel while still able to bring the kids along with four doors. I checked on Nissan Altima but no head room for a 62" person. I had a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GT for 7 years before I bought this car. I was not impressed with new Grand Prix models and the engines offered. Was very impressed that I could get the 224 HP engine in the G6. I get compliments on the look of car all the time. Real sharp with the nice alloy 17 inch rims. Only wish this version had the manual shift option like the GTP. Sporty car with plenty of style.

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  04 GP GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By blue1 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a 99 GP and liked it so much I wanted another one. I like the idea of having a warranty. I wasnt crazy about having 4 doors, but Im almost over that.

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  More than a navy blue toy - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Ben Painter - June 7 - 11:40 am

  We purchased car new with the notion it would a toy for us retired folk. We live mid-way between the Carolina coast and Blue Ridge and soon learned that, despite small size, it is a competent and comfortable. The GXP is equally at home going up steep, curvy grades or cruising flat interstates. It is short on luggage space but, carrying only essentials is a worth- while trade for the fun. First gear is a bit short and abrupt for stop-go traffic. Third is wonderfully long which makes city driving easy. Fourth is good to 65 MPH. The car communicates. Dont look at the tach; listen to engine, feel with the seat of your pants and feet. It will tell you what it likes.

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  Third Bonneville - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By cap - June 3 - 9:56 am

  I just purchased this Bonneville after owning a 1994 and a 1997. I enjoyed both prior cars for their gas mileage, size, and durability. This one has me worried, as I have already replaced both rear window regulators. I did find them online for $50 apiece, so it didnt hurt too bad. After reading other reviews, I am concerned about the steering and rotors. I plan to replace the front rotor soon. I would really like to find a decent repair manual, but cant locate one. I changed the wires and plugs, and it took three hours because of the back three cylinders. I hope this one works as well as the other two. Ill just have to wait and see.