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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  Horrible - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By google - September 15 - 12:13 pm

  Bought this car with about 130,000 miles on it. The transmission went out at 145 rebuilt that the car has given me nothing but trouble it leaks into the car the transmission is going out again with only 35000 miles on it. have had it mess up on me constantly. would not ever recommend this car unless you just want to blow money

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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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  BMW Killer? - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Realworld - July 2 - 11:13 am

  As far as this thing compared to a European sedan, thats like comparing a Jackhammer to a golf club. It does go - but, pretty much where ever the surplus of traction happens to be - hang on tight! or you might kiss the guard rail. Amenities are good but overkill - "Stealth Mode" is a bit sophomoric, as are the useless fixed tap shifters in a dated 4 speed slush box. (they work fine as a two speed stoplight racer). Brakes are more aesthetic than athletic - and where is the Spare tire? a can of goo? Interior quality typical GM with loose door panels(one fell off in parking lot after opening drivers door!), cheap plastic buttons and drooping headliner. Not too reassuring in a new car

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  S & K Pontiac Sucks!!!! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Frustrated - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first new car in 2000. I replaced a tire that blew at 12,100 miles and the dealership wouldnt back it. This year alone, I replaced front wheel bearings, rear struts and my transmission went out. Not just a little but the planetary gear locked up and came apart, ruining my entire transmission. The dealership and the corporate people offered me 15% of a over $3000 bill. Needless to say this will be the last time I buy a pontiac in Springfield, IL.

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  GM Cheated Us - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GMMan - March 9 - 10:00 am

  WE bought a used pontiac grand prix se from Iron Trail Motors in Virginia Mn with 26,000 miles on it. The day after we got it the car started to have problems. The dealer fixed a few thing but not the major issues like the paint falling off. thats right the car now has 49,972 miles and the paint is falling off. i called GM and took it to get looked at, they told us it was in an accident and repainted and now delamination has began.GM said they cant help us but there is no proof of any accident on the title. They said theres nothing they can do. So in all dont go to a Gm dealer or you might get a car thats been smashed then GM says "sorry we cant help you"and so did the dealership that did it.

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  Im trying to find the positives - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Russell Lewis - January 7 - 6:36 am

  Let me start by saying, Ive only had this car a few days but wow... It is awful. No light in the trunk. Front doors dont unlock when you open the door twice. The odomoter is in a stupid place. The radio has FM text, good luck reading it. The A pillars are in AWFUL locations, visibility out of the car is dangerously deminished. I think Pontiac hired Pablo Picasso to do the interior ergonomics. Im sure someone calls it beautiful, but it doesnt fit any human. The steering wheel is just awkward, has too much slop/play and feels cheap. The seats are also rather bad. As for how the car drives.. Awful. The car I have doesnt have anti-locks!

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  It Sucks - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Anna - April 28 - 5:10 pm

  I have had my Pontiac Grand Prix GT ever since I turned 16, 2 years ago. I have had many problems with it. My windows are broken and they fall down while going down the road. The headlights are so dim that it looks like I am driving down the road using a flashlight. The gauges dont work. My panels came off the inside of the car. After the fuel pump went out I have had NOTHING BUT TROUBLE out of it. I have been stranded on the side of the road at least 6 times within 3-4 months. I have seen that only the GTs are getting the bad reviews, and I know why! My cousin has a GTP and he has no trouble out of his, but my GT sucks. Everything is wrong with this car!

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  i got a lemon - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By aaron - September 27 - 10:38 pm

  i bought the car bran new in 06 the car was great but at 60k miles the transmission went out first time left me stranded 50 miles out of town, sents then ive had replaced the trasmission its gone out 3 more times up to now it has 210,000 miles not to mention i had the motor rebuilt 2 times as well. on that note the car is only worth $4,500 and i have well more money in repair costs than its worth now but when its not breaking down i really love the car

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  Grrrrrrrr - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kevster - January 2 - 9:43 am

  I bought my 04 grand prix gtp with about 12,000 miles so it was basically new...Ive had nothing but headaches! Ive been to the service center at least 15 times...im still unhappy.. The enterior is crap..the carpeting is so cheap...The seats are always breaking..ugh...between my car overheating, sunroof leaks, cheap tires and plastic exterior...i give this car a 3 or a scale from 1-10. Im def going back to foreign vehicles.

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  Good-Bad and the Buggy - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jcteacher - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Okay car, HOWEVER, theres Too many window problems! Pontiac customer service problems. I recommend staying away from GM cars based on the window electric problems. ALL three automatic window motors-BROKE, fourth is going downhill! BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH GOING out and only 2 speeds left! Pontiac does not take responsibility for its defects. Dont drive long distances, seats are hard and it makes a sore butt. . L0L. . I will NEVER buy a Pontiac again. Shame on this company! I AM BUYING A HONDA!