Part I: The Pontiac History
The Pontiac automobile was introduced by General Motors in 1926. In GM’s hierarchy of ascending vehicles ranging from Chevrolet to Cadillac, Pontiac was slotted above Chevrolet but below Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac. This strategy, devised by GM executive Alfred Sloan, meant that the entry level Chevrolet would attract consumers who, over time and increased affluence, might climb up the status “ladder” to Cadillac. Interestingly, Mercedes Benz uses the same approach today with the A-class, C-class, E-class and finally the luxurious S-class. The origin of the Pontiac nomenclature originated from the Odawa chieftain Pontiac who led an indigenous uprising from 1763 around Detroit, Michigan. Of course, today such a name decision would be considered wildly inappropriate.
The halcyon years for Pontiac were the 1960s with classy, flowing and attractive designs based on the “Wide Track” concept and performance characteristics resulting in the tag line, “We build excitement”.
Facing poor sales in the late 2000s, GM discontinued the Pontiac brand.
Part II: My Pontiac History
I just acquired a 20008 Pontiac G5 4-door which is really a branded Chevrolet Cobalt. The final Pontiac was a G6 made in 2010. My Pontiac belonged to a dear family member who recently passed. With just 74,000 kilometres, it’s in great shape: no rust (rocker panels are notorious), perfect interior and complete maintenance records since new. It’s surprisingly quiet, smooth and responsive for a 2.2 L 4 cylinder. It may not be “excitement”, but it still retains some of the Pontiac cachet…
Part III: My Pontiac and Vaughan Auto Service
My dilemma was finding a reliable mechanic for a safety certificate and any necessary repairs. This old blast from the past deserved special treatment! I turned to Vaughan because of my experience with them a few years ago as documented in a Google Review I wrote: caring, professional, friendly, knowledgeable, professional and kind, something I don’t see very often today. I was not disappointed. The G5 exhibited a few obvious problems like the turn signal stalk being kaput and a PW not reliably working, but, given this vehicle’s low mileage over many years, it required deft analysis by Josh and Jamie, the service consultants because often fewer miles is frequently more work, something car owners often don’t get. I found that my input was welcome in the sense that as a customer my general knowledge was both accepted and respected rather than being dismissed as often happens in such discussions. For example, since the brakes were relatively new but rusted from infrequent use, we decided to clean the existing rather than going to the expense of replacing. They allowed me to restore the cloudy headlight lenses myself, something I relished doing What fun! When we did develop a game plan together, Brian their mechanic took on the task, some of it being difficult like changing the rear coils, a failure this car is notorious for. We also developed a next-step protocol together for future work like an antifreeze flush and switch to synthetic oil next change. Maybe new, slippery oil will add some Pontiac excitement!
The other consideration for me is Vaughan’s Customer Care Program which gives rewards dollars (I’ve already acquired some), a national warranty component and 24/7 roadside assistance.
I’ve also got to say that everyone at Vaughan was kind: Haley the shuttle driver was prompt, friendly and caring.
Right now I’ve just completed a paint restoration programme consisting of an iron fallout treatment, a body clay operation, a rubbing compound process and a coat of quality wax. My little Pontiac looks and drives amazingly well. Between my efforts and those of Vaughan Auto Service whom I highly recommend, the G5 looks and runs great! I appreciated the at Vaughan’s honest, caring, thorough, thoughtful and creative approach. I’m fussy. They more than met my high standards.
George Harrod May 5, 2025