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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  Best car for a college student. - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tjcollinsku - August 14 - 7:06 pm

  I am a college student that lived about 200 miles from home an this car got me through with no problems. It as plenty of room to move tv, sound system, computer, and all my cloths. I love the power of the GT but wished Id went for the GTP. Ive done several long (500+ mile) trips and there is nothing more comfortable. Handles great in the snow, no problems driving through western Pennsylvanias 5 inches of lake effect snow. Only had a few problems. Alternator went out at 75,000 miles, need new brakes at 80,000 miles and I just had to replace the water pump and hoses at 95,000 mile. All in all I love this car and wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  Falling apart - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By spiffy - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Have had the transmition replaced twice, alternator, water pump, air compressor, brake callipers, starter, etc...all replaced at least once in 2 years. I could go on forever. The thing falls apart. I will never buy a ponitac again, and i wont let anyone i know get one either. warranty was good but my car was in the shop more than i drove it.

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  GP ROCKS - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GPTCOMPGKills - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is The BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED I love this car better then all the others in it class

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  So far So good - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By new car owner - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with the notion that GM products suck. But I couldnt pass the deal that I could get on this vehicle. I like the car a lot and have had no problems so far. The only concern I do have is on Fuel economy. The sticker says 19/29. So far it has been about 16.5 city and 24 hwy. Not what I was expecting.

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  been a pretty good car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By shadetreemechanic - August 6 - 1:50 pm

  Bought vehicle @50k repair trans pressure solenoid @75k change plugs, wires, hoses, battery, tires, front wheel bearings @100k replace water in headlamps @110k change coolant and trans fluid @125k ac leak @145k squirrel cage fan squeal @150k lower intake manifold and valve covers @160k replace front brakes every 25k and rear every 50k change oil every 6k change air filter every 12k car has been maintained pretty well, and has performed acceptable. I have enjoyed the car, but am getting tired of it. The car now has significant squeak and rattle and the exterior is showing signs of rust. I will drive the vehicle until the next transmission failure, which I anticipate at 200k.

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  So far, very good. - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By syvmj - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Runs strong for a non-GTP GranPrix. Some interior build miscues but good paint and great styling. Long drives can be a bit uncomfortable especially in the back seat.

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  Mid Life Dream Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jammerman - July 28 - 5:03 am

  Saw the Grand Prix GT at Auto Show, loved the sportiness, but didnt buy - boy am I glad! When GM offered the employee pricing, discovered Pontiac had released a more sporty, upscale GXP - basically a GT with the V8 and all the sporty options (mags, chrome highlights, etc.) with the slightly lowered profile, this car screams speed! Everyone on my friends are green with envy. Nice throatty growl, instrument cluster well placed. TAP shifter makes it a fun cruiser.

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  love my GT - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By aubs - July 26 - 4:56 am

  very fun to drive, has nice acceleration, love the heater in chairs, great exterior and interior design. Also love the very large trunk!

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  poor design - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By snowburd - July 25 - 6:23 am

  This car has three absolute blind spots...also,the reae window is so wide may look good but without a rear wiper when it rains. its impossible to see out of it. There is a quirky sound from the exhaust that the dealership insist ... is by design? from GMC? They also say the RPMs do not go past certain point because manufactur installed regulator? the blind spots and rear window issue are going to cause accidents, its seriously an issue that no one seems interested in. I wish I had kept the car a day or two before paying so much for it. WOULD NEVER BUY THIS CAR AGAIN

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  Love this car! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Liz K - July 17 - 6:26 pm

  I love this car. It has a very smooth ride, and very quick pick up! Sometimes I dont even realize that Im speeding because of the smoothness. The dashboard is very easy to read/see and I love the drivers info center. I also like the way the console with the DIC and radio are tilted towards the driver for easy access. Having the radio controls on the steering wheel also are great. It took me a little bit of time to get used to the placement of the cruise control. Having it low on the steering wheel was difficult to use at first, but I got the hang of it within a week or two. The trunk is huge and I love the split rear seats. Much better than my last GP that had only had a pass through.