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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  Excellent Purchase - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Stan - December 1 - 8:33 am

  I drove the GXP for a couple of weeks and thoroughly enjoyed the 303 hp and all the gadgets this model comes with. However, with gas prices high, I opted for the 260 hp v6. Still plenty of power and the car is nice looking with comfortable seats.

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  The Grand Car Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Thom Morrison - November 28 - 10:00 am

  For the past five years I have driven the Prix line Pontiacs as my company cars.I have had a total of eight in five years 75k and on to the next car.Excellent on gas,fun to drive,great traction on snow or wet pavement.I have driven just about everyones mid-size as rental cars but can not wait to get back to the airport to pick up my Prix!

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  Fun to Drive But. . . . - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Antelope Mike - November 23 - 1:20 am

  First 50K this car was a blast! Had a 1997 Mustang V6 before, but traded it in for a family car when my daughter was born. I wanted a more pratical car yet sporty as I had only owed sport coupes (all sticks)before. The GP-GT was the perfect car for me. I chose it over an Accord, Maxima and Camry. However, the last 44K (currently has 94K on it)has been another story. First the transmission (seems like a popular complaint) went out. Unfortunately, didnt have extended warranty. Then a power window, the ABS is malfunctioning causing the brakes to shudder when applied until the ABS turns itself off. I have also gone through 3 "seven year" batteries. Too bad, because the GP-GT is so fun to drive!

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  Great car, Bad transmission - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Fire Red - November 23 - 12:40 am

  The transmission is the only thing that is bad on this particular vehicle. Everything else gets exceptionally high marks. The transmission failed approximately 6 months ago. I took it into my local dealership and they quoted me $2,500.00 I contacted Pontiac and they told me to send them the information. As of this writing they have yet to respond to my enquiries. Since this happened to me I started Googling this issue and have since found many strings speaking very poorly of these transmissions.

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  Awesome car for the right price! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By big kev in a 98 - November 19 - 6:40 pm

  Its a great car that loves to be a car! The thing will not quit on you! One of my favorite cars I have owned, and Ive had a lot of them.

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  Grand Prix GT Coupe - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By antihero70 - November 18 - 10:36 am

  This car has been amazing since the date of purchase. Currently at 200,000 Km. Ive only owned rear wheel drive vehicles before so going into a front wheel drive was going to require an adjustment but this car feels like it is RWD with power on tap and it never lets me down. Only repair issue was the front end snapped ($2000 repair job from GM) but thats been it for 6 years of ownership. Not like the average GM vehicle, brakes actually last for a long time, no head gasket issues, transmission doesnt kick, interior plastic parts havent snapped off yet!! Another great thing is the amount of aftermarket parts for this car (projector headlights, body skirts, spoilers...)

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  My Cherry GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By AL - November 17 - 11:16 pm

  My family has always liked the Pontiac brand. The 303 hp V-8 in the GXP has a sound that reminds me of the 50s and it is great experience to drive. Not as fast as my 1984 Trans-am and not as great as my 2000 Bonneville SSEI, but for the money spent it has it all. I would recommend this car as a family grocery getter for a sports car guy.

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  Too much maintenence - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Matt - November 14 - 7:43 pm

  Bought the car with 62k miles, have only driven it for 20k and have spent close to $2,000 in repairs already. New wheel bearing, intake manifold, electronic repair to ignition because it wouldnt release the key out the the hole, fixed wipers twice! When the car is running, I like the smooth ride, decent power and the roomy comfortable interior. The sound system is good, but the interior is made up of cheap plastic parts, much like the rest of the car. I would like the car a lot more had it not broken down so much. Ill never buy a pontiac again.

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  Best performance sedan value period. - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Family man - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this Pontiac GTP. No car is perfect, this one comes close if you want low cost high performance. Stock, the GTP run hard. With small changes like a reduced diameter supercharger pulley and K&N intake you can run with Z-28s and Mustang Cobras. The GTP is the Grand National of the 90s. Im on my 3rd GTP and I couldnt be happier.

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  My first Pontiac - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Dre - November 13 - 3:16 pm

  My first Pontiac and I love it. The power this thing has along with the ride comfort is just amazing. Me constantly driving to the coast, a good 300 miles, I get great gas mileage. The city on the other hand the mileage just drops to about half of what I get on the highway. All in all its a great ride.