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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  Falling apart - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jaws - April 2 - 12:03 am

  I have had the transmission rebuilt twice. The fuel economy is poor. I have had numerous electrical problems including window motors and heating vent motors and brake lights, all very expensive. I also have a Pontiac Bonneville and would never buy another GM car.

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  Beat a Mustang Gt & BMW Z3 - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ryan Sloan - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Has 72K miles and still gets OVER 30mpg on trips. Great acceleration and handling, added K&N filter! Use Castrol Syntec Blend oil, always and fuel cleaner added every 3000 miles. Only two problems: Fuel Pump $525 and CV Boots take beating on fast starts. Called GM and received $800 certificate towards next purchase. With care still looks new.

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  2005 Grand Prix GTP Comp G - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By B4crask - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome car with excellent handling. It looks good both inside and out. The supercharged engine has the power to get you around anything on the road. Good old American Muscle! Glad I didnt get the Maxima...... I paid $1500 under MSRP and then got a $2000 rebate on top of that. Dont pay MSRP. You dont have to. Try getting Honda or Toyota to do that for you when buying one of thier boring little cars.

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  Love my GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GTP Enthusiast - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had extremely positive experience with my GTP. I love the styling and very much enjoy driving it. The interior is sporty yet comfortable. I like its peppiness and feel safe driving it.

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  I like my car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kelly - March 30 - 1:43 am

  Fun car to drive

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  Nice car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By riker93 - March 18 - 3:31 am

  I just bought this car Feb. 8, 2013, so I havent had it long enough to report any major problems. It runs great, and was well taken care of by previous owner. It looks almost new, no rust and the engine is so quiet. It handles very well, and takes off quickly. Gas mileage isnt bad, so Im not spending too much there. Its got all the options I could think of, so as long as I continue to take care of it, Im hoping to get a lot of miles out of it.

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  My GTP - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cervellione - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I had a lot of trouble right off the bat with my GTP. With not more than 3000 miles on the car it completely broke down on me. After several trips to the dealership it was finally fixed and I have not had a problem since. I absolutely enjoy the power the car outs out, and the interior cannot be beat. Overall, the grand prix GTP is an outstanding vehicle and my next purchase coming up in about 6 months will be another GTP as well.

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  Good Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By spd98 - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I have loved this car although it was abused before I took ownership. With a little bit of work it turned out to be a great car. I am trading it in on a slightly newer GTP model.

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  S & K Pontiac Sucks!!!! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Frustrated - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first new car in 2000. I replaced a tire that blew at 12,100 miles and the dealership wouldnt back it. This year alone, I replaced front wheel bearings, rear struts and my transmission went out. Not just a little but the planetary gear locked up and came apart, ruining my entire transmission. The dealership and the corporate people offered me 15% of a over $3000 bill. Needless to say this will be the last time I buy a pontiac in Springfield, IL.

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  GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By John - March 10 - 7:50 am

  I love getting behind the wheel of this thing. The power and sound of the exhaust is so sweet, with the heads-up display and the design of the dash. This powerful sedan will be with me for the next few years guaranteed. I am very impressed with what GM did with the 5.3 liter in their newer cars now. This was an awesome step by G.M.