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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  piece of junk - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jztoronto - July 24 - 1:01 am

  typical pontiac-looks great but the build quality is a joke. there should have been a recall on the rear window reg so we can raise and lower the window like a normal car. if you leave the problem eventually the window will fall out of the bracket and as you drive the window will roll down on its own not fun when its raining and you are on the highway. wipers are a joke never had a car with so many wiper issues. be prepared to replace bearings every two years and the abs light on ever car in america is on in this car. leaks oil, and the tranny is not a good design. radio light burned out, fuel reg is $500

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  engine revs up and down - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By djc44 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  with the rear window defogger on and the headlights on when you shift the car into gear the lights will dim and the engine will rev up and down all by its self g.m. says that it is designed that way nothing they can do to fix!

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  Ex GM customer - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Done with Pontiac - January 13 - 6:33 am

  I will never purchase a gm product again. I bought this car new, paid 25k for it and have nothing but problems as soon as the warranty was up. I had the catalytic converter replaced twice, passanger window work only sometines, windshield wipers stop working in down pours. Also replaced numerous sensors adding up to at least $1500 Had the intake manifold gasket replaced $500 with a class action suite only got $100 back. Now I have to replace the oil pan gasket,it will cost $350. Not to mention the gas milage is nothing close to what they said it would be. I was told the transmission will be next. I can not afford a new car now, but as soon as I can this car will be history.

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  Engine failure - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By New Mexico Smith - September 20 - 10:00 am

  My new 2005 GP lasted less than 500 miles before smoke started pouring out of the exhaust. The dealer has had the car for 2 weeks and still has no idea what is wrong. They have torn down the engine and are at a loss what to do next. Pontiac has suggested that they may have to crate up the engine and replace the whole thing. This is quite an investment to have sitting in a garage. I suggest you think twice before purchasing a 2005 GP.

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  2006 Pontiacs have issues - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mcompton - September 14 - 5:46 pm

  I bought this pontiac used in 2007. I know I do not know what the history of the car was before this other than carfax being clean, it has had many issues. Now has 50,000 miles on it and just had to replace power steering rack b/c of leak, I have a valve that has broken and has to e replaced to turn off check engine light (was told this is really common in these cars by dealer due to design flaw and freezing water breaking a valve in low temperatures), and my drivers side window motor has broken. I was also told by dealer in replacing my power steering rack that my tire rod in the front is shot and will need to be replaced soon. Only 50,000 miles!

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  WORST CAR!!! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By unhappy - August 4 - 11:30 pm

  I bought the car in 2009. It only had 63000 miles on it. I thought it would be good for a 2002 model vehicle. The interior has cheap plastic. I only got to put 8000 miles on it when there were too many problems to list in order to fix this chunk of metal GM called a car. It did run fairly well. But I was unsure how reliable it would have been on longer trips other than around town. I will NEVER buy another pontiac vehicle.

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  Horrible and terrible vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jimmac404 - July 14 - 1:06 pm

  This was the most awful car that was ever purchased by me. From the time I purchased the vehicle to the time I got rid of it, which was 2 months, the car spent more time in the shop than on the road. Lucky for me the dealer attempted to fix all the problems but this car as far as Im concerned was beyond repairs. First the rear suspension went out, then the air conditioner and finally the car leaked inside from a heavy rainstorm. Pontiac should have went out of business instead of Oldsmobile. Car was traded for a 2005 Chevy Impala which was 10 times better. No Pontiac ever for me!

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  Dont Buy It - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mike - April 17 - 1:46 pm

  I bought this car with 97,000 miles for $3000. I only drive 14 miles a day to and from work. In the seven months Ive owned the car, Ive had to replace two power window motors ($350 each) and the car is now leaking antifreeze into the engine through a faulty manifold. This will cost an additional $600 to fix. In addition, the thermostat is continually sticking making for some very cold commutes. Dont be tempted to buy this car. Spend an extra few thousand and get Toyota or Honda.

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  The last GM vehicle I will ever own. - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Wally - March 21 - 12:33 am

  43,000 miles: 2 oil leaks (oil pan gasket & lower head gasket), 1 power steering leak (w, 1 transmission leak (cooler hose). I purchased this vehicle brand new. It operated fairly well for the past 2 years, until May of this year, when I noticed an oil leak. Fortunately, it was still within warranty so I had it fixed (oil pan gasket). Recently I noticed another oil leak, and transmission leak. I brought it into the same dealer that repaired the oil pan leak. They informed me that my lower head gasket, and power steering pump are now leaking. How strange that all these leaks occur so near to the 36,000 mile mark (warranty expires). Never again will I buy GM!!!

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  pure junk! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JUNK - February 5 - 6:36 am

  this car is junk, theres no other way to say it... Im now on my 4th transmission and Im very easy on cars as well as had to replace the "O" ring twice on the power steering reservoir, etc.... if you want a good car, look elsewhere!.