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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Alot of car for little money - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By JLaws - November 17 - 12:20 amPicked up my gorgeous stealth gray Grand Prix with 84000 miles on it for $5800. After I did the brakes and purge valve, which is a common thing to fail, it drove like a brand new car. Still feels tight after all the miles and very quiet with the windows rolled up. Ive owned higher end luxury car, i.e Lexus, Audi, Cadillac STS, so I can see the drop off in the quality of materials, but the GPs base V6 performance feels as powerful as the 300hp+ engines I am used too.I am on a budget and this car satisfies my needs for the time being. I plan to drive it to the ground!
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Good looks and comfort - Bad Tranny - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By hamlir - November 10 - 9:06 amThe car looks great and feels great to sit in. It was well made for comfort. The Tranny totally blew up with 129k on it. Reg service was done and even serviced the tranny at 50k & 100k. The think is nothing more than yard art since it wont move.
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Rocky Start for a 19yo second car. - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jon - November 7 - 1:43 pmI bought this car in December from GM with $64,000kms and it did well for the first 1500kms (so I thought). The car was sitting on the dealers lot for months and as a result the calipers seized and wore out my pads and rotors. I ended up having to replace front and rear calipers, rotors and pads in the first 2 months I had the car. Once that was done I havent had any more trouble with the car. It is a awesome car to drive, Lots of power, Handles excellent, and the it turns many heads. I LOVE the interior of the car, Its not boring like the impala or century, The car as of aug has 96,000 kms and I am taking a road trip with friends of around 10,000kms and I have no fear of it failing.
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Dependable, sporty, but a little ho-hum too - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By fnash - November 5 - 11:55 pmI bought my GP GT2 used with about 32,000 miles on it and now have 115,000. I have not had to have any major service done on it, ever. I have had to replace normal wear and tear items like brake pads or rotors, and have oddball issues that occur still. The fuel pump seal is bad so when the car sits for a bit the fuel drains down the line. Turn the key to ON a couple of times before going to START and youre fine. Exhaust sound is outstanding, handling is great, and power is nice but a little lacking by todays standards. Fit and finish is OK but kind of bland and cheap looking. Overall though, an excellent purchase. Well worth the money.
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Awesome - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Zapote21 - November 3 - 10:00 amAfter months of looking at various vehicles, including imports, we settled on a Grand Prix. Best decision we ever made! Sporty, powerful, and great fun to drive. Anyone looking at ANY 4 door family sedan should take a long, hard, serious look at this vehicle. Beats any Honda, Toyota, Nissan offering out there.
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Sunroof - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By sexxy1969 - November 2 - 3:16 amIve own my Pontiac Grand Prix GTP supercharge since 2002. I bought it with 21,000 miles.
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Im in love - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jordanface - October 30 - 8:32 pmI dont know much about cars, and from what I hear, Pontiac isnt the greatest kind of car....but I must say that Ive grown to fall in love with my car. I bought it in 2009 when it had 30,000+ miles on it. Since then, Ive put about 20,000+ miles on it and Ive had absolutely no issues with my car. My only issue is that the front end bumper is so low, it end up scraping when I park. Ive also got a minor leak in my oil pan, but thats nothing major. All in all, shes gotten me to numerous states and back with no issues. Its more of a "small person" car, but I dont have issues driving it.
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I like it - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By grand prix - October 29 - 1:43 amexcellent vehicle, and one I would recommend to others. I bought the base GP, but it has everything I want. I would like the roof to be a little higher to make it easier to enter and exit. Powerful engine and smooth ride, much better than Focus I traded in. Gas mileage is good, but could be better.
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Very good vehicle overall - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Scott Allen - October 28 - 2:00 amThis car has been very good thus far. The engine is strong and will move the car well when pushed. The steering and suspension are tight, although the car will float at times over major undulations in the pavement. The only downside to having a motor with this much torque is that it does have a degree of torque steer. That and a few squeeks and rattles (that only appear on rough pavement) are the only real issues that I have with the car. Other than that, this car has been very good.
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Most bang for the Buck! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By tjherber2 - October 28 - 2:00 amI shopped this vehicle and compared against the Nissian products and prices. It was an easy decision to pick the GP when GM is offering great incentives. Rebate, GM card points, dealer discount. When all said and done I saved 29.6% off MSRP. The GP isnt as refined as the Altima but at less then 18K this car offers the most "bang for the buck!" This is a small price to pay to sacrifice refinement which is over rated any way.
