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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  Finally Paid Off - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Lance - June 5 - 4:40 pm

  I bought my 2004 with 24,000 miles on it. A factory exhaust system was installed. Good car until the 40,000 mile mark. Took it in for my routine oil change, and was told that there were particles of metal in transmission fluid. I did a trans flush and added Lucas Trans Lube to it. It took 2 full flushes to get all of the metal out of the system. Now at 88,000 miles, I was told, again, by a new mechanic that my trans fluid needs to be changed. The manual calls for 1 trans change at 100,000 miles. This would now make it 3 flushes in 88,000 miles. Check gas cap and check eng light came on at 65,000 miles. Computer says theres a leak in the exhaust manifold. Trading in before I dump money in it.

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  Best Grand Prix Ever - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By DrDre413 - June 1 - 3:13 am

  As the 3rd time owner of a grand prix, I must say this is the best one ever. I had an 01 GT, and 03 GTP, and now an 06 GXP. They just keep getting better. This is just a great car all the way around. Acceleration is great, looks are nice too, and interior is much better this time around. Pontiac really has a winner with this one. Keep up the good work!

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  From 02 Envoy to 05 Grand Prix - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By clamp man - May 30 - 8:43 am

  Grand Prix GT, Great value, a lot of fun to drive, affordable, fast enough, great throaty exhausy sound from the dual tailpipes. Nice and tight bucket seats. A lot of utility included with the fold down rear and front seat.

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  Safety - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fivej - May 29 - 2:00 am

  It was too cold outside to open a window and I had to pick up a solid 8 foot drapery rod. I really appreciated the passthrough. My only disappointment is that I read today that the Grand Prix was on the bottom of the Nat Safety Test. 3 stars only.

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  THIS CAR ROCKS - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Pontiac Fan - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. The styling still looks great after five years. Its got all the power Ive ever needed. I can place it anywhere in traffic that I need to thanks to that engine. The only issue I have is that since Ive passed the 90,000 mile mark, Im starting to have mechanical parts wear out every 4- 6 weeks. If the recent mechanical problems dont continue, Ill be thrilled to own this car for many more years. I wish they were still making this style Grand Prix!

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  grand prix - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By carrie chase - May 22 - 10:00 am

  i have only had my car for less than a year and already had a lot of problems with it.

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  Grand Prix GTP Supercharged - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By gtpprog - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I am the orginal owner of this car. This is a great car to drive and it looks great. Unfortunately the build quatity is poor. This car has been in the shop over 50 times for warranty work. I am very luckly that I purchased an extended warranty on this vehicle.

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  Its been a good car overall - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Duke - May 17 - 10:13 pm

  I got this one with 62,000 miles on it and have 208,000 now. Ive put several alternators on it and two batteries. Just had the struts replaced as well. Ive enjoyed the fuel economy as it has an 18 gallon fuel tank that allows me to drive for 500 miles when on road trips with work before needing to fill up. Gas guage broke a year after I got it, so I just fill up every 350- 400 miles to be safe. I got 224,000 miles out of an 89 Grand Am, so these cars can go for a while if you take care of them. Also have an oil leak and did with the Grand Am too. Thats been my biggest complaint along with the alternators.

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  1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bob Ryan - May 17 - 7:30 pm

  Great car to drive. Average in snow, good in rain. Have had some mech. problems after 60000 miles. Supercharger bearings need replacement;appox. $500 to do myself, close to $2000 for a shop to fix. Power window switch replaced;$80. Automatic dimming rearview mirror stopped working;havent replaced. Comfortable for 4 adults. Decent gas mileage if not driving too hard.

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  grand prix gt - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By burgsports - May 15 - 7:16 am

  great car