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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  Too much maintenence - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Matt - November 14 - 7:43 pm

  Bought the car with 62k miles, have only driven it for 20k and have spent close to $2,000 in repairs already. New wheel bearing, intake manifold, electronic repair to ignition because it wouldnt release the key out the the hole, fixed wipers twice! When the car is running, I like the smooth ride, decent power and the roomy comfortable interior. The sound system is good, but the interior is made up of cheap plastic parts, much like the rest of the car. I would like the car a lot more had it not broken down so much. Ill never buy a pontiac again.

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  GETTING BETTER; not there yet. - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Gingee - October 16 - 10:00 am

  WHERE IS MY AUTO-DIMMING REAR VIEW MIRROR?? A performance vehicle like this should not leave its driver blinded during night driving. Ive had my GTP back to sevice several times. My rear door panels buzz. One of my security lug nut caps flew off. The emergency trunk release was not hooked up and was rolling around in the trunk lid. YIKES! The entire interior vibrates at half of the Monsoons power. If you can get past the poor quality and less than advertised refinement at a bigger then should be price, the GTP maybe right for you. My GTP looks like a Grand Am and plenty of people let me know it. Booo. The incentives swayed me to this vehicle.

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  Poor mans sports car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brent Andrus - September 23 - 11:06 pm

  This is a reliable car when it comes to the powertrain (engine, transmission, etc.). It has pretty good horsepower, a sleek look, and the inside has lots of gadgets and gizmos. But all those ancillary electrical components are very cheaply made. My car is nicknamed "Trixie" because it is just full of "tricks". For example the windsheild wipers are stop in the upright position rather than down, the radio volume dial goes up when it is supposed to go down (and vice versa), several warning lights like "check tire pressure" are always on, and two back windows just gradually fall down and have to be pushed back up. Overall, quite reliable but you have to overlook annoying defects.

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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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  Falling apart - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jaws - April 2 - 12:03 am

  I have had the transmission rebuilt twice. The fuel economy is poor. I have had numerous electrical problems including window motors and heating vent motors and brake lights, all very expensive. I also have a Pontiac Bonneville and would never buy another GM car.

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  Will it last 3 years? Doubt it. - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kita - January 27 - 10:00 am

  NOT a good value. Afraid this car wont make it through my 3 year lease. Already had serviced a few times. Hearing more troubling sounds from the engine, doors, and other places. Had in for RECALL. Only a few months of driving (less than 5K miles) my GTP seems to be losing its gusto. "Power on demand" was right- on at first but now seems like "power when it wants to not when I want to." Stalled twice coming down driveway with a few more close calls. Watch out for jerky take offs. Monsoon speakers sound blown without ever blaring the stereo. Not worth it if its not crisp and clear. What happened to taking a little pride in ones work? Shame on you GM.

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  Fooled again!!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BGRPW - January 16 - 4:36 am

  After many weeks of car hunting and test driving the decision was made to purchase the Gran Prix ... a few weeks of driving this vehicle, I was disappointed with the many "gliches" this vehicle came with examples:poor workmanship on the interior, the rattles that came with the under body (only to be told it had something to do with the bracket that held the speaker system in the car I was charged for the "repair cost" AND the tech fees), horrible air conditioning quality...several trips back to the dealership .... let alone the inconvenience it caused me including the "costs" i was responsible for....I would never purchase another nor would I influenece anyone else to purch

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  Grand Prix for 99 - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Rambler - December 7 - 2:00 am

  With 10 trips to the dealer to get a rattle in the dash fixed (which is still there), 3 HUDs and numerous other dash parts replaced, the build quality is poor. The door panels have also pulled away from the doors. The floor shift lever has broken twice. Look to the Europeons or Japanese for your next car.

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  Not all lemons are in trees - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Roger Linn - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have spent over $4,000.00 fixing air conditioner compressors, engine oil gakets, alternator, heat and air modulator valve, transmission sensors. This car is my wifes car and only has 44,000 miles. Im done with GM. Hell-O Honda.

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  Good looks and comfort - Bad Tranny - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By hamlir - November 10 - 9:06 am

  The car looks great and feels great to sit in. It was well made for comfort. The Tranny totally blew up with 129k on it. Reg service was done and even serviced the tranny at 50k & 100k. The think is nothing more than yard art since it wont move.