Overview & Reviews
The Pontiac Grand Prix started out as a personal luxury car in the early 1960s. Back then, personal luxury meant a big coupe with a big V8 and a stylish interior, usually featuring plush bucket seats and a floor shifter. Exterior design bordered on flamboyant at times, but the Grand Prix made no apologies for its unabashed sense of American style and performance.
In more recent times, the Pontiac Grand Prix offered consumers a sensibly sized family coupe or sedan, with plenty of performance on tap thanks to the availability of peppy V6 engines or even a powerful V8. Styling continued to be a draw, with a sweeping roof line and the signature twin-grille nose. Unfortunately, another hallmark of the Grand Prix was an overly plasticky interior, with various switches and knobs typically rendered in gray plastic that looked more Fisher-Price than General Motors. Pontiac improved the interior toward the end of the Grand Prix's run, but it still couldn't hold a candle to the high-quality interiors of its import-brand rivals.
Would the Grand Prix be a good choice for a family vehicle? That depends on what dad (or mom) wants. If performance is paramount and a smallish backseat is not a problem, then a used GP deserves a look. On the other hand, if high-quality fit and finish and roomy rear quarters are more important, then the import competition will be a better match.
Most Recent Pontiac Grand Prix
The last-generation Pontiac Grand Prix debuted in 2004 and was terminated after 2008. It benefited from a refined engine lineup, fine-tuned ride and handling characteristics and a more driver-friendly cockpit with large gauges and, for the most part, simple controls. The coupe was dropped, leaving the sedan as the lone body style.
There were two trim levels for the Grand Prix's last year of production in 2008 -- base and GXP. The base model came with a 200-horsepower V6 as well as 16-inch wheels, OnStar, a CD player, cruise control, air-conditioning, keyless entry, and power windows and mirrors. The GXP included a 303-hp V8, firmer suspension tuning, performance tires, a head-up display, unique trim and 18-inch alloys. Leather seating and automatic dual-zone climate control were optional.
Performance, even in the base model, was satisfying, and got quite a bit stronger from there. Although the V8-powered GXP provided a thrilling rush of power, torque steer was a problem with this front-drive chassis. Sadly, the abundant power infusion wasn't enough to keep the Grand Prix wholly competitive. Compared to the top sport-oriented sedans, the Pontiac felt unrefined in terms of handling dynamics and cabin fitments.
Prior to the 2008 model year, the last-generation Grand Prix was available in a GT trim level that featured a supercharged 260-hp V6, 17-inch wheels and some features that were options on the base model. For buyers interested in a used Grand Prix, we would recommend the GT over the other trims because of its balance of power, fuel economy and handling.
Past Pontiac Grand Prix Models
The previous-generation Pontiac Grand Prix was built from 1997-2003. Available as either a sleek coupe or a handsome four-door sedan, this Grand Prix offered brisk acceleration and a tight suspension for a relatively affordable price. The supercharged 3800 V6 debuted with this generation (in the GTP trim) and offers a great combination of power and fuel efficiency. Downsides include a somewhat raucous power delivery, a harsh ride over rough surfaces (in GT and GTP models), cheap interior materials and needlessly complex controls. Still, consumers have given this generation high marks in terms of performance, handling, fuel economy and style. It should be noted that this generation's base model had slightly different (and less sporty) front and rear styling from the GT and GTP models.
Prior to that, there was the 1988-'96 generation, available in both coupe and sedan body styles. This car was a bit smaller and its styling went overboard in the body-cladding area. Typical of many GM products, this Grand Prix's strengths lay in its powertrains and performance, while weak points included cheap interior materials, overly busy controls and mediocre rear seat comfort.
From 1978-'87, the Pontiac Grand Prix was offered solely as a personal luxury coupe, which had been downsized from the excessively large cruisers of the '60s and '70s. But like those earlier GPs, this era's priorities were flashy styling and plush interiors. From a collector's standpoint, the 1962-'72 Grand Prix are most worthy of consideration, as powerful engines (such as the 421 V8 with tri-power carburetion) and eye-catching styling make them cruise-night favorites.
User Reviews:
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Pretty good first car! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By hannie88_07 - May 13 - 7:56 amI was looking for a car in the range of 3000-4500 dollars for my first car and this one my dad said would be awesome! And it is!
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grand prix very nice - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By tygable - May 9 - 5:00 pmbought car used in march 2005 privately for a very good price. nice all around car very comfortable and beautiful styling car has 79,000 miles with 3.1 v6 runs great and starts all the time. looking forward to many years of service. Kudos Pontiac.
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Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By wilbnel - April 17 - 11:45 amI bought my 2007 Grand Prix in early 2008 with around 20k miles on it. It now has 205,000 and I just took it in for my first repair - a small transmission leak that causing a slip. $300 later and it runs as good as the day I bought it. This car is a rock-solid, no-issues, dependable automobile. I drive it over 100 miles every single day and it has never let me down. I have the oil changed every 5k-6k miles and it I would drive it across the country tomorrow.
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Black Beauty 06 GXP - Time to say Goodbye - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Queenie - April 15 - 4:32 pmWhen I first bought this vehicle 6/14 everything seemed fine-until I had it for about 1.5 months and the brakes went bad. Took it back to the dealership and they replaced them without replacing the drilled rotors (I found out much later). Not even 8 months and I dont drive this car hard. I am replacing drilled rotors and premium brake pads. Later on down that line, I have replaced serpentine belts(2x), water pumps, it has accessive oil consumption (small oil leak). There is a noise when I drive under my car that I can not get rid of (no one seems to know what it is). I have replaced throttle, battery (within a year of buying it). Now, the Torque converter clutch is going bad. This is my second grand prix. My first was a GT V6, I had absolutely no problems with that vehicle which I bought used at 75k miles and sold it at 110k miles. I will have to part ways with this current vehicle. Sad to see it go.
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DRIVE EXCITEMENT!!! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By REMTAZ - April 15 - 10:00 amGREAT EXPERIENCE! NO PROBLEMS. VERY FUN TO DRIVE.
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Excellent Car! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Wolfman - April 14 - 8:56 amThis was quite a find at only 68,000 miles. The car handles great and performs even better!
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underrated - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By question00 - April 11 - 10:16 amthe v-8 is fast while still getting great mileage. i average 22 mpg with a good mix of city and hwy driving. as the editors review says, there may be to much torque because of the powerful v-8; however i wouldnt trade down the horsepower. great car. good mix of sports car, fuel economy, and luxury vehicle.
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Disappointed Lemon - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Roger V - April 11 - 10:03 amI was very excited when I bougth this car used. I got the exted=nded warranty on it thank God. Every 6 months a mojor repair. Head gasket, transmission selenoid, intake gaskets, brakes etc. I used to love this car but each year it gets worse and worse.
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Great Car - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Joe - April 8 - 7:43 pmI am the original owner of this car and over the years it has been a very reliable vehicle. Currently, it has 160,000 miles and only minor issues. The HUD display used to dim out, but I fixed that by resoldering the connectors. Also the supercharger coupler required a change ( approx $50 DIY ). Minor leak around the oil pan and A/C needs service. But for a car that is 10yrs old with mileage, not bad and never left me stranded. BTW, for those knocking this car, I have seen new BMW or two stranded along Route 80 at times.
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Huge Fun to Drive - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Naples, FL - April 6 - 4:13 am0-60 in under 6 sec, pretty impressive for a 4 door grocery getter. The engine makes beautiful music, unmistakable V8 growl from the tailpipes. Very responsive handling while not completely sacrificing a comfortable ride-the engineers found a good balance. Pontiac is marketing more stuff to the enthusiast lately, they can be proud of this one.
