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:
Showing 121 through 130 of 1,601.00-
Awesome Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By mrsfink - February 22 - 10:00 amLove this car! Style, speed and up-to- date features. Comfort is a big asset to this car. Luxury in a Pontiac is all I can say!
-
Happy First Timer! - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Brent - February 21 - 3:23 amThis is the first Pontiac my wife and myself have owned. I can honestly say we could not have chosen a better car for the money. The cars comfort is excellent and interior layout is well thought. The car gives a great ride while hugging the road very well. 200hp gets the job done for the cars size and it seems as though more would be scary to drive. The car is well appointed even at base model. Ours has the premium package with heated leather. So nice! So enough said, well be buying Pontiac again.
-
Great Value - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By the_squizz - February 15 - 5:15 amI just want to start by saying I love this car. I bought this car with 94K miles for under $5K. I am very handy with a wrench ( I actually used to be a mechanic ), but this car is absolutely horrid to work on in the driveway. It is simply not made to be serviced outside of a professional shop environment. A great car, just be prepared to spend all day for seemingly simple repair jobs OR actually break down and drop it off at a shop for repairs. Other than that, the car is great. I have spent ~$1500 in a year and a half for repairs thus far. Remember, even tho the L67 is bulletproof, the outside accessories and sensors have a shelf life and will fail eventually. This goes for all cars.
-
Great fun car -little things at 6 years - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Charles Low - February 15 - 1:46 amI have loved owning and driving this car. Little things at 6 years like transmission sometimes stuck in Park (requiring an easy maneuver with a screwdriver, but still..), radio LCDs malfunctioning. But generally a very good, reliable vehicle, incredible sound system, very tight, responsive handling, low driving position, extremely "sticky" on the road. Some gaskets have needed work. I think the major Asian producers are indeed better for reliability, so its time to switch, but I have really enjoyed this car. I know the GTP is noticeably peppier, but I have never felt short-changed for power in the GT.
-
nice! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By trunt ozares - February 13 - 2:00 ammy first car and i love it. Great power. The engine could have been a little more technologicaly advanced.
-
Fun Drive w/rattles - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GT - February 6 - 2:10 pmFun drive! I had a 2000 Grand Prix GT that I loved & traded in at 70,000 mi. The 200HP non supercharged got 20 city- 29 HWY mpg.The 06 260 HP/SC gets 10 city- 24 Hwy,"overall lousy mpg." Dealer cannot get rid of rattles in rear door panel and sunroof.Anyway, I should have kept the 2000.
-
Slightly Disappointed - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Sad about GP - February 2 - 10:00 amOverall, I have loved my GP GT. Style,fun,etc. However, after numerous trips to the shop (replaced rotors, tie rods ends,etc. more than once) am getting disappointed fast. Has numerous rattles on the inside and the door panels are not on tight. I hoped this would be a car that would last me 5 -6 years (150,000 - 180,000 miles) but we are getting ready to sell it just because of all of the little problems, rattles and fear of whats next. Wont wont buy another one. Have test driven the new model and it seems to have the same poor interior build problems.
-
Love my car! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Zaida - February 1 - 10:40 amThis is the 2nd Pontiac I have owned. I love this car! It drives great, I havent had any problems, except that the gas mileage isnt all that great. If it were possible, I would def get another. The car is not only comfortable but has a great sound system for being stock and looks nice!
-
Transmission failed - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Tranny problem - January 27 - 10:00 amI love my 2000 GT, and was very happy with the car until at 72,000 miles my transmission went. I had every scheduled maintenance (including the tranny fluid and filter being changed at 50K) done on the car as scheduled. Transmission place said the seal on the tranny was cracked, thus causing the fluid to leak out and burn out the transmission. $2200.00 later, I am the proud owner of a rebuilt tranny. I was sold on these cars until this, and now question the quality of Pontiacs cars. I called Pontiac about this, and got blown off. I would strongly suggest you have this checked on your next maintenance, and save yourself a big expense.
-
Will it last 3 years? Doubt it. - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Kita - January 27 - 10:00 amNOT a good value. Afraid this car wont make it through my 3 year lease. Already had serviced a few times. Hearing more troubling sounds from the engine, doors, and other places. Had in for RECALL. Only a few months of driving (less than 5K miles) my GTP seems to be losing its gusto. "Power on demand" was right- on at first but now seems like "power when it wants to not when I want to." Stalled twice coming down driveway with a few more close calls. Watch out for jerky take offs. Monsoon speakers sound blown without ever blaring the stereo. Not worth it if its not crisp and clear. What happened to taking a little pride in ones work? Shame on you GM.
