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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  Pontiac Keeps Me Moving - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By averagej0e - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have an uncle that has been driving Pontiacs for probably better than 30 years now. My first Pontiac was a 2000 Grand Am GT, and served me like no other car Ive owned. The 03 Grand Prix GT is simply a fantastic sport-sedan, and so far has surpassed the Grand Am in total satisfaction in my eyes.

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  better than the camry - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tonyc - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I own a Camry - I may sell it and get another one of these. I honestly cant think of one feature I dont like. Very fun, very quiet, impressive build quality

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  Like it, But much rather have a G8. - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By delta125 - January 20 - 3:08 am

  Got mine in August 2010 with 54,000 miles on it and only paid 11000 for it with everything I could Want. Great car, I treat it terribly but have no problems with it. Averaging 18 mpg mostly a city drive for me, Not a big fan of all the exterior plastic and how the Controls are angled toward me. My by far favorite part of this car is the stiching on the leather, makes the interior shine im my opinion.

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  Fooled again!!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BGRPW - January 16 - 4:36 am

  After many weeks of car hunting and test driving the decision was made to purchase the Gran Prix ... a few weeks of driving this vehicle, I was disappointed with the many "gliches" this vehicle came with examples:poor workmanship on the interior, the rattles that came with the under body (only to be told it had something to do with the bracket that held the speaker system in the car I was charged for the "repair cost" AND the tech fees), horrible air conditioning quality...several trips back to the dealership .... let alone the inconvenience it caused me including the "costs" i was responsible for....I would never purchase another nor would I influenece anyone else to purch

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  Worth Waiting For-40th Anniversary Editi - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bowler558 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I wanted to splurge on a new vehicle, and after doing some research, I decided to order a 40th anniversary edition. Ordered in August of 2001, following my order through production, it finally arrived in November of 2001. Always a head turner, I only know of one other in the state of Delaware. It has been a pleasure to drive (been to Texas 3X) and gas milage is exceptional considering the engine size and supercharger. It came fully loaded, but I did get the optional heated seat and sunroof. Surprisingly, these are the only items that have needed repair, and fortunately covered under warranty.

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  2002 GTP - Eat My Dust!!! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MasterGunnerZ - January 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I put a K&N filtercharger and big exhaust pipes. I I love racing other cars, especially Monte Carlos. I just burned a 02 Buick LeSabre w/ the same S/C 3800 Series II engine. This guy was so mad, he wanted some more on the next light, so the next time I pushed my performance shift button, and burned him even more. This car got seroius power, well my has about 260HP and 290 Torgue. Everybody better watch out. I cant wait to buy the 2004 G-Force with the new improved 280HP/280Torgue.

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  Dont Believe all the ratings - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ron - January 12 - 10:26 pm

  I just read that the newer Grand Prixs were considered one of the worst for resale value of the current cars manufactured. I wonder what in the calculation skewed this model to that conclusion. I have owned a 2004 GT2 loaded, (new design) since 2/05 and I love it. I own 3 newer vehicles, and am always buying or trading newer cars. This style GP gives me everything I want and need in a vehicle, along with 20 mpg city and 30.5 highway at 75 to 80 mph with the air on. I usually get bored with my vehicles within 6 to 9 months, but this one handles like a sports car, sounds powerful when accelerating, has all the amentities, and draws all kind of looks and admiring glances. Really like it.

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  98GP Still Going Strong - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By stragger - January 10 - 10:00 am

  My Grand Prix came to me as a company car, but I feel in love with it and bought it when it reached 36,000 miles, the company limit. I have always felt like this car fit me like a glove, and its performance, while not a sports car, has always been more than adequate. Aside from some quirky electronic anomolies, it has been totally problem free. My best surprise is that I still get 28 mpg on a the highway at a steady 70 mph. I cant see buying a new car yet, since this baby still meets all my needs.

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  Im trying to find the positives - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Russell Lewis - January 7 - 6:36 am

  Let me start by saying, Ive only had this car a few days but wow... It is awful. No light in the trunk. Front doors dont unlock when you open the door twice. The odomoter is in a stupid place. The radio has FM text, good luck reading it. The A pillars are in AWFUL locations, visibility out of the car is dangerously deminished. I think Pontiac hired Pablo Picasso to do the interior ergonomics. Im sure someone calls it beautiful, but it doesnt fit any human. The steering wheel is just awkward, has too much slop/play and feels cheap. The seats are also rather bad. As for how the car drives.. Awful. The car I have doesnt have anti-locks!

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  A Joy to Drive - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By DanOPFL - January 5 - 10:00 am

  The test drive sold me. The longer I have this car the more I like it, and I thought it was great to begin with! Comfortable, fast, great handling, good gas mileage (averages better than our Sunfire!). Outstanding car on road trips - long or short. I really enjoy driving this car. Just cant say enough about the acceleration and handling. This car is just a joy to drive! Have had 2 problems - the right rear door requires too much effort to close and dealer cant resolve (the other doors close effortlessly) and had the temperature sensor go at 800 miles (warranty). Since then zero problems. Dont regret this purchase at all. Great car!