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 - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By LCYon - October 3 - 2:00 amIm not sure how Pontiac designs cars but they completely failed here. Even the repairs were not done very well by the dealerships (as evidenced by the repeated failure of the same part). I will never purchase another Pontiac and have moved to a more reliable car, a VW. Years 1-4 - three bad oxygen sensors - plastic molding on both doors fell off (replaced 6 times!!!) Year 5 - bad oxygen sensor - rusted through brake rotors ($500) - cracked power steering rack ($1200) - completely fogged headlights ($400)
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Good car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By pmn - September 4 - 1:53 amBasically a good car. Have had small problems. Heater knob cracked, starter replaced, power window control replaced, leaked antifreeze, had seals replaced. New problem every 6 months - thankful for extended warranty. Have owned 2 pontiacs for 7 years each, both grand ams. Have to say Im disappointed with this grand prix. Exterior paint did not hold up and interior carpet matted
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The 1998 was better! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By TED BEHR - March 29 - 10:00 amI have had transmission problems (repl under warr.) & brake prblems (pads repl several times under warr. My 1998 was "the best car I ever drove" in 35 yrs 800,000 miles of driving. The 2000 was NOT as good as my 98! I also miss the lumbar support from 98
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Too many little annoyances - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Nevstar - January 9 - 10:00 amI leased this car new in 2000. Within 1 month, I had to take it back for service 3 times: the battery failed, the AC stopped working & the console lights failed. Over 3 years, Ive had to get the AC fixed 2 more times, replace the battery twice (and this is through normal use, I never left the lights on or anything), and various other nitpicky things. There really must be some problem with the electrical system. Its a decent car, and nothing TOO terrible has gone wrong with it, but the accumulation of little things just made owning it a pain.
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A Rotting Lemon - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Eric - January 6 - 12:53 pmBeyond the annual trips to the mechanic to fix a leak or a rattle, we had a to have the entire steering system replaced at 75000, the AC redone soon thereafter. Then the fun started. The dirvers side window motor broke, the drivers side seat mechanics broke, and the door panels are constantly popping out of place. Last week, the light for the radio and clock went out. Now were replacing the radiator and selling it ASAP. Its fun to drive and handles well, if only the roads to the mechanics were more windy we could have more fun!
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vehicle disappointing - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By mpdcop21 - January 4 - 8:53 pmI have had my grand prix for more then 2 years now and i have had a constant problem with it. When i bought the car, they took another carfax from another grand prix on the lot and didnt tell me it was a rental car. I have had stalling problems for over a year and now Im having transmissions problems. Every time I take it to the dealership they cant duplicate the problem! And they charge me more to not diagnose it then it would be to fix it. Now Im taking my car to Aamco tomorrow to see what they say. It has 80,000 miles on it. The transmission should not be shot yet. But since it was a rental car it just might be. WE all know how we treat rental cars. The transmission is slipping a lot!!!!
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Please dont buy one - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Redeye - January 4 - 11:23 amI wish Id never heard of Pontiac. My wife had a grand am - kept blowing head gaskets My son has a grand prix, same thing plus a loud knock, engine replaced Hard to keep pontiacs running. Company probably wont be running much longer.
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Disappointed - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Disappointed - November 27 - 11:30 amI love the appearance of my car, but after a while of having it...so many problems to overcome! Transmission is bad, replace brakes all the time, water leaks into the driver side floor, had to replace the intake gasket and the computer part of the accelerator... etc. I was so excited about the car and then all of these things started happening... and of course... no more warranty. I love my car, I just wished it worked like it should and that I could be 100% sure that I will make it when I get in it and go somewhere..ha ha.
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Plainac - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Dave Smithson - November 26 - 10:00 amI ordered not knowing the design...bad mistake...this is one ugly Grand Prix. As Vanilla looking as you can get...what were they thinking? Is there anyone home at Pontiac??? And we thought the Aztech was a joke?
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Pretty Face, but no substance - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By ds - September 2 - 6:16 amPurchased a very sleek, stealthy black 2007 Grand Prix GXP in 2/07, new. At 500 miles, transmission began to fail. Dealer stated "no problem found". At 3,000 miles, dealer tried to repair tranny, then had to replace tranny entirely. Still does not run correctly. Also, the only tires which fit rear wheel are Bridgestone Potenza. No one else manufactures 225/50/18s. So far, 3 defective tires, 4 alignments, 12 force variance balances...steering wheel still shudders, and theres excessive tramlining. Car is pretty..but thats all. Nearly undrivable. Ive filed for Lemon Law repurchase, at 3,500 miles.
