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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2004 Pontiac GP/GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Tom - March 9 - 4:40 pmI have owned mine for two years and have 33k on the odometer. I have not had any problems at all other than a bad seal on the gas cap. I do a lot of highway driving. The midrange acceleration is very good with the super charger for merging & passing. I average 22.5 miles a gallon (combined city/highway) No bad, the only drawback is premium fuel is required. In a nutshell, I have been satisified with the car & probably will look at another Pontiac (or other GM products) the next time around.
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GM Cheated Us - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GMMan - March 9 - 10:00 amWE bought a used pontiac grand prix se from Iron Trail Motors in Virginia Mn with 26,000 miles on it. The day after we got it the car started to have problems. The dealer fixed a few thing but not the major issues like the paint falling off. thats right the car now has 49,972 miles and the paint is falling off. i called GM and took it to get looked at, they told us it was in an accident and repainted and now delamination has began.GM said they cant help us but there is no proof of any accident on the title. They said theres nothing they can do. So in all dont go to a Gm dealer or you might get a car thats been smashed then GM says "sorry we cant help you"and so did the dealership that did it.
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Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Heather - March 7 - 9:26 pmMy car has alot to offer. We travel alot so w/ 2 kids we need alot of room. The trunk is great the way we pack we needed the room. The kids have plenty of leg room in the back. I myself have plenty of room in the driver seat. Overall great car w/alot of room.
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Lots of looks - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Larry Carson - March 5 - 8:03 pmI bought my GXP in Octber of 2005. I love this car. I get a lot of looks and finger pointing. My wife said it makes me look and act younger. Very fun car to drive.
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Excelent car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By donmal - March 5 - 2:00 amThe car is good. I usually bought foreign cars, but after test driving the GTP in 1998 I fell in love, and; no- more foreign cars for me. The 04 Grand Prix is not the best looking car on the market one must admit but it worth the price for the package
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Great Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By silver bullet - March 4 - 1:20 amI purchased this car from my sister-in- law who purchased it new! I have owned it for about 3 yrs and have great luck with it. I just replaced the original battery (8 1/2 yrs old) not bad. i have had trouble with the psgr window but everything cant be perfect all the time, heck they cant even get my pizza order right 1/2 the time :) just relocated, drove the car 550 miles averaged 34.9 miles on hwy and get 23-24 around town. Currently have 75K and looking forward to another 75K!
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Excellent car at an excellent price - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Vince - March 1 - 6:50 pmI was a very content foreign car owner until I purchased the Grand Prix GT1. The few American cars I had never seemed to peak my interest. Until I saw the Grand Prix. Not only does it have the feel and the ride of a high end luxury car, it grips the road like no other car in its class. The roomy interior and sporty exterior make this car an excellent car at an excellent price!
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my gtp - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By chris5 - February 27 - 2:00 ami have owned my gtp for a year and a half now, and i have been extremely happy with my car so far.
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I love it - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By bojo - February 27 - 2:00 amThis has been a great car for me and my family...roomy..comfortable...and fast
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Fun Car with a load of go - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By albertschmitz - February 22 - 10:00 amGreat car so far. The only major item was the fuel pump that is inside of the tank however 400$ and 2 days later running fine again. It is nice to see that they put an access in the trunk so that the tank did not have to be removed from the car. That I am sure kept the $ down also. Car is a pleasure to drive for extended miles and the fuel economy on the road is in the 24-25 range and 19-20 around town type of driving. Good for the type of engine in it.
