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:

• 

  Good Looks, Weak Performer - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JEN - March 10 - 7:00 am

  30,500 miles, on the third ISS {intermediate steering shaft}, original tires were awful, on third battery. I let car dealer install new tires so they would be responsible for entire process..of providing a shake/vibration free experience thru all speed ranges.. Have owned 43 cars in long life, and the 75,76, and 77 Grand Prix SJs w/big block engines were the best. Had 1 of each yr and each one accumulated 90k miles..took a beating and never complained.. Current 2006 is nothing more than a Monte Carlo, rebadged GPGT. Purchased car used, w/4300 miles, Caddy tradein..Bargain-pricing was the only salvation..My other car is a 09 Mustang Bullitt..It is raw and rough, love it.

• 

  Bad brakes and bad Breaks from Pontiac! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By General Lee GXP - February 21 - 2:03 pm

  Please know that I am a Loyal GM owner! Unfortunately, even with the high performance and fun driving factor, I will Never own another Pontiac and I have owned Numerous Pontiacs over the past 40 years. With fewer than 11K-miles, Pontiac had to replace the throttle-body which left me stranded on the freeway for 2 hours. With fewer than 13K-miles, I had to pay out of pocket for front brake pads And Disc Rotors; almost $700! I had to replace those Awful Bridgestone tires on front with Kumhos at the same time as the brake fix! I drove it from coast to coast right after the Disc replacement and it started scoring the front rotors Again! Neither the dealers involved not Pontiac was of any help!

• 

  Going back to foreign - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Disgusted - December 26 - 2:20 am

  This car is by far the biggest loser Ive ever purchased. Problems started at 28K miles and continue today: Cloudy headlight lenses, rear window motor, rear window motor switch, 2 alternators, steering rack, oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, heads up display, stereo display (twice), water pump, front hub bearing, windshield seal coming out, rear window exterior trim coming off. You might think Im just a person that doesnt take care of a car, but Im a maintenance and detail fanatic! Thought Id be a good American but shame on me, Im going back to foreign. Actually, no...shame on Detroit and the overpaid CEOs that allow crap like this to be sold to Americans! My Toyotas never did this!

• 

  Buy Something Else - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jayrod - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I totaled my 97 Camry and needed a car fairly fast, saw it, liked it, bought it. Fit and finish is pathetic, there is plenty of horses when I need them, however that comes at a fuel premium. Window motors, window switches, cup holder broken from normal use, Drivers window regulator, all had to be replaced. Leather is complete junk, sure if you dont sit in it, it lasts. I am meticulous with my car maintenance, however the engine makes ticking noise, burns oil, and the breaks squeek constantly, even when they are new. Its a shame Detroit cant figure out how to build a car like the Japanese, the Sweeds or the Germans. Im selling for a new Volvo.

• 

  Im Broke - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Delrone - October 8 - 6:00 pm

  This car was good until 85k miles. I understand things need to be changed and replaced with a high mileage car like brakes oil filters fluids etc. My costs of repairs have been doubling since my 4th year of ownership. Transmission @120k 3 Master cylinders, brake lines twice, 3 EGR valves, ball joints, Emmisions problems like crazy, carbon build up on the gas pedal, sending unit replaced, electrical grounds rotting off, electrical switches failed early at 40k miles, rusting early 50k miles(once a week washing with a professional detail twice a year)hub assymbly at 83kmiles, wind sheild washer fluid rarely works in cold weather, door seals and locks freeze, thermostat replaced at 130k.

• 

  Need a shoe horn to get in and out - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jeff - October 4 - 10:40 pm

  Went to buy a Bonneville but Pontiac wasnt dealing with that car so I got talked into a Grand Prix. Nice car and fun to drive but windshield is way to rakish and low. Cannot get in and out without hitting my head. Seat has to at lowest and furthest back position to avoid my head touching the ceiling. Homelink would have been a great option. Back seats are all but useless. Front bucket seats are too narrow. Not a family vehicle. It was a big mistake to buy this vehicle.

• 

  built on a Friday! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dave barry penb - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Consistent problems with this well beyond wear and tear. Other owners of Grand Prix have been very satisfied overall, not I. Heres a PARTIAL list: 2 batteries; 1 alternator; 1 condensor; 1 compressor; 2 o2 sensors; 2 fuel filters; 1 steering gear bushing; 1 fuel regulator; 2 heat selector resistors; 1 stereo; 3 wiper arms; 2 sets of spark plugs rated at 160 000 kms I have 114 000; the rocker panels have rusted been repaired and rusted through again; windshield is separating from the car and there is a leak in the tunk so water has left it mildewy and now it is behind the back seat. A lot for 3 years of owning. Expensive.

• 

  I like my car but...... - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By lowlovesu - June 7 - 2:02 pm

  I purchased my grand prix gt a few years ago at auction. It had 101tho. miles. The car looked good and ran well at first but then many big issues began coming up. It seems each time it breaks down its at least 300 in repairs, it makes a gosh awful sequel.The belt was replaced twice and it still squeals? Also my gas gauge quit working awhile back . It also has some electrical glitches because random lights on the panel go on for example the low fuel light goes on all the time as well as the oil and coolant lights (even when all these things are changed) and the open trunk light doesnt work at all. Also the car is rusting pretty bad underneath But for 12 yrs old and counting its a decent car!

• 

  Sad BUT true :-/ - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By True Voice - May 22 - 6:23 am

  Good gas mileage, handling, acceleration, and sharp looking black. HOWEVER, AFTER 60k miles "GM" has poor quality parts!!....GM customer service WILL NOT help or assist in repairs!!... 3 window motors broke, 2 out of 4 select switches broke for AC fan , transmission slips on cornering! Paint on hood and roof wore off!! Seats are hard. IF enough people complain about this the NEWS will get out over the networks and then our US CAR builders WILL WAKE UP.

• 

  Very Disappointed - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kharv29 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The car looked great. When we started driving, I noticed that there wasnt much legroom in the front passenger seat (the feet had to be almost together when legs were fully extended). I am only 6, so maybe that had something to do with it, but it shouldnt. Then the doors locked and the PLASTIC locking mechanism nearly fell off. You could see back inside the door panel. The VERY cheap interior plastics are unacceptable on a $20k+ car. Also, with only 2,154 miles on the car, one of the instrument panel dash lights goes on and off for no apparent reason.