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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LOVIN MY CAR💓 - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Debbie - January 3 - 10:12 pmBeen a GREAT CAR!!
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Surprisingly fun - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Toyota Boy - December 27 - 3:20 pmI rented this car for a week on Maui and was pleasantly surprised. Ive always liked the looks of the Grand Prix, and after sitting behind the wheel I really began to dig it. It took a little getting used to the layout of the cabin but once I did, I found myself loving the feel of the car. Smooth power, great in the twisties (driving up& down the switchbacks to the Haleakala crater at 10,000 ft). The interior feels a little cheap but Id only place it a little below the 08 Camry. Overall, Id say this is a fun car for a good price and definitely worth a look if youre in the market for a sedan.
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Honest Review of the Grand Prix GXP - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By pontiac owner jim - December 25 - 5:56 pmIm a young professional and I need a car to take clients out. I test drove a gently used maxima, a tsx,and an IS 250. Liked them all. I test drove the GP GXP and was pleasantly surprised. The V8 power,options,and handling of this car far outperformed the others above. And it was ~ $8,000 less. The car is not perfect. Fuel economy is not good and there are some cheap materials on the interior. There is torque steer due to front wheel drive but its not intolerable. But the performance and options you get for the value far outweighs the negatives.
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Best Car on the Road - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Dr. Mike - December 25 - 4:36 pmTo the idiot writing the first review: brakes,tires and ROTORS, are normal wear items on any vehicle. My Grand Prix is the best purchase I have ever made. The Pontiac 3.8 L engine is by far the best production engine ever made. If it is well mantained it will never wear out. Ive had mechanics tell me theyve seen 3.8s with the oil run out of them and seize not even need new rings! They run strong with excellent fuel economy and power - what more is there to want??
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nice car but............ - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By RAN1506 - December 15 - 10:00 amim not going to mention the dealer, but the dealer didnt put the right sticker in the window. the car is missing options that were on the sticker like abs an traction control. an the dealer an gm are not doing anything to make a dissatified person happy. i would of never picked the car would of picked the car out if it didnt have those options, due to the climate i live in. the dealer states i didnt pay for them but i think there pulling my leg. other then that the car is nice but i dont think gm is that great anymore i have a feelin that audi will be my next car.
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If It Wasnt For the Windows - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By lmojo - December 15 - 10:00 amThis has been a great car EXCEPT for the 2 window and now 3 window mechanisms Ive had to replace. Without warning, my windows stopped going up they only went down and stayed there. Now, I trying to decide whether I want to replace another window mechanism or just bou another vehicle!
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Runs and Drives but not much more. - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By driverEd! - December 13 - 10:00 amPurchased this with 30K on it and was excited for the 100K warranty. Too bad it does not cover anything that went wrong with this car. Fun to drive, exterior looks somewhat dated, but cool, interior is junk. Shift linkage jammed up and could not put car in drive, had to be towed. Heater vent fell out and split in half. Window seals on driver door leaks water, drips on window switches. Glove box handle broke and fell off, $165 for that part. Trunk seal leaks water, trunk gets moldy smell. Once and a while the engine wont start without cranking for over 1 FULL minute. Just another Union made piece of junk. Its for sale as of today!
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2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By WURLITZERMAN - December 9 - 2:00 amA GREAT ALL-AROUND CAR. GOOD COMBINATION OF RIDE AND HANDLING. POWER IS MORE THAN ADEQUATE IN MOST SITUATIONS. GREAT STYLING INSIDE AND OUT. COMFORTABLE, ROOMY INTERIOR.
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Grand Prix for 99 - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Rambler - December 7 - 2:00 amWith 10 trips to the dealer to get a rattle in the dash fixed (which is still there), 3 HUDs and numerous other dash parts replaced, the build quality is poor. The door panels have also pulled away from the doors. The floor shift lever has broken twice. Look to the Europeons or Japanese for your next car.
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Very Happy - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Simon - December 7 - 2:00 amI wasnt hestitant at all when buying this car(GT 4dr sedan). I knew I was getting a car I could be comfortable in. Its big yet very quick, agile and comes with dual airbags for safety. So far I have been getting 24 to 25 miles per gallon, not sure if I am misreading other websites that claim 28 to 30. So far this car has given me exactly what I needed, comfort, acceleration, safety and did I say comfort.
