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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  Eye Like It HOWEVER... - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By SadButTrue - November 21 - 10:00 am

  It accelerates and corners great! Good gas mileage and stereo sound. SE has all the Opts. ITS A GREAT CAR FOR 40,000 MILES THEN >>> HOWEVER, It has some very poor workmanship or design problems. 3 windows and some of the blower speeds for AC/heat quit working! Only have 2 speeds left. GM WILL NOT REPLACE THE PARTS!!!! EVEN THOUGH THEY KNEW THESE THINGS are breaking down on the products. There have been a lot of complaints in these 2 areas. The seats are like sitting on a 2 by 4..lol HENCE hard on the butt for long distances ..lol.

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  This car is crap - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Dr Ratched - July 20 - 9:43 pm

  Gee. What DOESNT work on this car. Paint was peeling off after 2 years and now it has leprosy. Water pump needed replacing after 2 years. Its burning oil like a drunk BP CEO. The cheap plastic on the inside is worn off everywhere you put your hands. The leather seats are fading and tearing. Oh. And the stupid key fob wont work. Avoid this car. Avoid Pontiacs. Avoid GM.

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  Wheres the quality? - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Fozman - March 4 - 3:50 pm

  This car has been nothing but a pain since I bought it. Ive had to replace 2 window motors, a transmission (100,000 miles), blower control module, blower motor, stabilizer bar, and now the CV joints are going bad. When it rains hard you get water the car and trunk. Almost impossible to change the spark plugs yourself. Interior components are cheaply made and designed. The gas mileage is unimpressive. The front doors have started to rub the fender when you open them!! I find it disturbing when i go tot he junkyard to get parts that theres an abundance of Grand Prix to get parts off of. I will never buy another GM product.

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  Piece of junk ! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brian - February 9 - 12:26 pm

  Bought this car from a private sale about 4 years ago and its cost my wife and I big money ever since. First the heater fan burnt out (Actually fried the wires)big dollars to fix, then the windshield vent started to leak very badly,tailight cover seals went allowing water in to rust wiring, now it appears the water pump is going and I have a concern with the transmission. Its been one thing after another ! Fuel economy is terrible as well. Only has 111,000 kms on it. Getting rid of it soon once repairs are made and this will be our final General Motors vehicle.

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  Not impressed - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By trying to dump it - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought the vehicle in a crunch situation, and now wish I wouldve never looked American. The imports (Honda, Toyota) are light years ahead in engine science and quality of interior and paint exterior. The foreign market holds value much better and for the amount of money I paid for the 3100 V6, I would rather buy a 6- cylinder V-tec in the Accord or the V- tec in the Prelude. Much improvement is necessary.

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  Not worth what i payed for it - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By sullyhaute - November 26 - 9:10 am

  The interior design is cramped. I am only 6 ft. tall and I feel like i am way too big for this car. It will get up and go, but that is about the only thing good I can say, I have already had to replace turn signal bulbs, the paint is peeling off the front bumper and mirror covers. I had to replace exhaust clamps, I have to take it in for re-aligning. I would expect this from a old beater car. but this car still only has about 62,000 mile to date.

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  Dont buy one for the looks - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By melissa - October 13 - 3:33 am

  The first several months, it drove like a dream. I fell in love with the design. Big mistake. Back door sides have been popping off, transmission has been going out, replaced starter, keys get stuck in ignition, only the passenger window will roll down, the vechile now shakes when under 45MPH, twice a year the windshield wipers need replaced, no trunk light, console cup holders have fallen off. This all happened within 3-4 yrs. of having the car. I have always taken care of my cars, but no matter how good I treat it, everything keeps breaking. My rear view mirror fell off after several months. If you have money to spend then this is the type of car youll want.

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  2002 grand prix with many issues - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Margaret Paoli - July 4 - 8:46 pm

  Car has been in the shop more than any car I have owned since purchased new. Window problems, loose dash, intake gaskets replaced several times, wheel bearing bad at 34,000 miles, catalytic converter replaced, heater has never worked and Gay Pontiac service center never fixed when reported 10+ times in there service shop for all other listed issues, leather seats coming apart, loose door panels (possibly from all the window repairs). This is my second grand prix and 8th and LAST GM vehicle as I will be getting a Toyota on my next purchase and dont even want to start on the customer service or lack of when calling what was GMACFS now India handles and Pontiac division customer service.

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  Most uncomfortable car (seats) ever made - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By betsy - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought 02 GP several months ago -am still trying to sell, but no one will give me close to what orginally paid. The most uncomfortable seats ever! At 54", average ht for women, I cant reach the gas pedal (located 6" farther back than the brake). This is a terrible design flaw as my foot slips off the gas often. When pushed forward, the seat goes "up", making my head touch the sunroof/visor. Also, seat belt cuts off circulation to my legs & I constantly tug at it (Im quite thin too. The car has a few good points, but comfort and ride are terrible, plus insurance costs are outrageous for a 4-door sedan.

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  POJ - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By deanke - December 4 - 2:36 am

  This was the biggest waste of money I have ever seen. I will never by a GM product again. I had to get the intake gasket replaced twice which was over $1200 each time. The headlights, heat, air conditioning, and windows stopped working. It burned anti-freeze and I had to replace blown-out tires 3 times. NEVER buy this car!!