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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My Last American Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By brett44 - March 8 - 2:00 amThis is a fun car to drive, but a nightmare to own. I purchaced this ride with 49,000 miles in Aug. 2001 and since replaced: water pump, raditor, driver and pass-rear power window motor, driver power seat motor, radio, pass side wheel bearing assy., blower motor, three fog lamps, two headlamps, alternator, all four rotars/brake pads, and finally a battery. Finally I got everything in working order and one hit in the rear from a F-150 later, its a total. Best thing thats happened to the car since I bought it. Next car will be a Nissan or Honda.
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hates it - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Bree - March 4 - 1:36 ami have had my grand prix for 2yrs and i have had nothing but problems with it i had to replace the transmission new intake manifold, wheel bearings,starter, and every time it rains my car fills with water???? I could go on and on just basically everything you could think of i would never buy another pontiac again!!!!.
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Not Bad - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By snickers - February 24 - 10:00 amI leased a 2004 GYP Competition Group. I love the pick-up and go. The extra power is noticeable. It handles excellent and just a fun car to drive. I needed a new computer after one day.
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1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GT - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By ferd0626 - November 23 - 10:00 amI got this car with 62,000 miles on it. Said goodbye when it reached 105 K. The car had good performance by late 90s standards, best 0-60 I did was 8.2 seconds. Steering was decent, but pedal feel was mushy and the headlights were very poor. Fuel economy was mediocre, about 24-26 hwy. Ride quality was average. Liked the exterior styling, especially the tail lights. Interior was not very good, the door and dashboard panels were cheap. Poor assembly, each power window went out at least once, and flimsy cup holders. Besides the windows, other issues included an intake manifold problem, loss of ABS and traction control after a couple of years, and the stereo went out.
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Its okay, but... - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By MiaT - September 25 - 7:10 amIm getting about 16-17mpg around town, and that is without much traffic and long desert roads. Have had the engine bolts tightened and still get rumbling when in idle. Door windows starting to get scratches. Was told they were off centered and will have to be fixed. Air conditioner starting to break too and have an appointment to get fixed also. Not the best vision (blind spots), but have driven worse. Not a lot of head room in back for tall people, but great for kids. Wish I had better things to say about it. I must have gotten the lemon.
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Driving excitement.... NOT!!!!!! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jay1187 - August 24 - 10:00 amThere are 2 things that are the most important to me when buying a car. Number 1 is the engine and number 2 is the transmission. The 4 speed automatic is excellent. It has clean crisp shifts and any throttle position. Up and downshifts are perfect. I have a serious problem with the 3.8L. How can GM use a huge displacement engine like the 3.8 but only get 195 horsepower? I have 95 Nissan Maximas outperforming me! The Maxima has a 3.0L V6 with 190 horsepower and it still outperforms my 3.8L. The 3800 series II V6 has 51.3 horsepower per liter while the 95 Maxima has 63.3 H.P.P.L. The 2002 Max has a 3.5L with 255HP! Thats almost 80 HPPL!
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Stay Away!! from Pontiac. - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Darin - March 14 - 5:03 amI bought my 98 Grand Prix GT off my parents in 2004 for $8000 it only had 58,000 on in. Then I drove it cross country. It was ok untill every electric thing you can think of failed!! I havent been able to see what time it is and the Heads up display "caught on FIRE" kind of.. there was smoke coming out of my dash! Then soon afterward I rolled down my driver side window and it didnt go up! I took it to the dealer and they rolled all 3 remaining windows and they WOULDN"T GO UP EITHER. So now I made the dealer fix the other 3 for FREE!!! Because I only came in there for the driver window. Now the MPH and Temp displays come on when they want to and flicker!
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car sucks - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By wolfie47 - February 16 - 2:00 ambought the car brand new, after 100 miles, body moldings were falling off, after 3500 miles, tranny was leaking, idiot dealer "mechanic" didnt fill it with fluid and let my wife drive around that way. after 4000 miles, fuel pump went out, after 5000 miles, rack and pinion steering needed replacement. now after 13,500 the battery exploded and ate through my paint, then idiot "mechanic" sprayed acid all over my fender and bumper. (dont use dealer service if you can help it) Now i am just waiting for something else to go wrong.
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2000 GTP - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jim327 - August 13 - 10:00 amCar started out great, suspension soon rode like a 85 towncar, couldnt take a turn at any speed, very "floaty". Dealer said nothing they could do. Went ahead and installed all new suspesion, not a cheap thing. This helped. At 30000 miles, both outer tie-rod end went out. At 38,000 miles, both wheel hubs had to be replaced, due to worn out bearings. Trunk leaked, HUD went out for a while, driver window is intermitent. And now the plastic bolts holding the bumper on are starting to break, causing the car to rattle when going over any bumps. This car has 42000 miles on it. Will be the last American car that I buy for a long time. Unless it is pre 75.
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Speed Racer - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By morpheus - April 6 - 10:00 ami like this vehicle but it is allittle to slow but i still like it.
