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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  Great Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brian99 - August 25 - 6:20 am

  I love my 99 Grand Prix. It has great power for having over 115,000 miles on it. I have noticed a hole forming on the passenger side under the door and I have seen others with it too. Its an older car so I know its bound to happen, but it makes me sad because I love this car so much!! I recommend the Grand Prix if you want a sporty car with some power.

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  Good looking car, but not more than this - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By diolta - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Not a reliable car. You never know what will break down next. Constatntly have to fix something, even though I do not drive it too much. Most of the problems happen when it is too cold or too hot. Interior plastic is cheap. Headlight glass on each side just falls down by itself (probably it is a bad glue that GM uses) Dealership sells the lamp and the glass as one piece and charges around $120. I know several people who had the same problem with this car, but GM does not have a recall on them.

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  Well - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mike - July 25 - 2:00 am

  A month after I bought the car, the both power windows went out. GM wants $315 per motor. You can find them online for $50 - $80. I bought a power motor online, and it wasnt an exact fit. Sent it back, and requested another one. Hopefully it will work. The car hesitates when pushing on the gas when it isnt warmed up. Im sure guy I bought it from warmed it up before I came since it didnt do that when I test drove it. Long story short, I wished I hadnt bought it.

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  Front Seats are Torture - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By CJ73160 - July 11 - 11:30 am

  The only real complaint I have with this car is the front seat design. It is very uncomfortable to me. I prefer a more flat seat. The side supports in the seat and back begin to bother me after about half an hour of driving. They are helpful when cornering fast, but they are a real pain otherwise. The bottom seat surface is hard and uncomfortable, too.

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  Never Again - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kateandallismom - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Never again will I own a Pontiac Grand Prix. My 2000 has been nothing but one problem after another.

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  2001 grand prix gt - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ct - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had a lot of trips to the dealer with this car. Trouble with power locks, defroster switch, fan switch, window rattles,and rear spoiler filled up with water. The car also has a rattle in the dash.

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  Disappointing 04 GP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JDCar - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Im really disapointed...only 5 exterior colors. Wheel design is poor. Styling is as bluh as you can get. A change was way way over do, but I was hoping after 7 years Pontiac would have done a better job. The "cloth" interior looks cheap...like it came out of a striped down pick-up. What were they thinking??? Is GM trying to go out of business???

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  Fun, looks good but poor quality - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By CEH - April 16 - 11:10 am

  Bought the car new. Still like the car, but expensive to maintain. Have had lots of minor problems and some major ones. Water leaks around doors and trunk, lumbar support switch replaced several times, Bose radio led disappeared, heater fan replaced, headlight plastic replaced, power window switches quit working, auto feature on rearview mirror does not work, fuel pump replaced, brake light wiring shorted out, etc. Major problems: Car vibrates when accelerating. Dealer replaced HUBS and axles and motor mounts three times as well as brake rotors. Alignment did not help. New tires did not help. New wheels did not help. I just live with the vibration now.

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  Love it/Hate it! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By James123 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought used two years ago. Has 90,000 miles and still runs quiet and quick. Too many window problems and Pontiac customer service problems. I recomend staying away from this car based on the window problem.

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  dont buy - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GMSKS - February 6 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has had issues since it was first purchased. Replaced 4 electric motors for the windows in the first two years of having it. Radio went bad just as the warranty expired (Pontiac did go ahead and replace though). Now engine acting up and dealership cannot determine problem. Next time, buy Japanese.