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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  not too happy - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By KD - December 19 - 9:20 pm

  had to get a new transmission after 65,000 and I dont even drive rough

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  terrible interior - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Scott - November 12 - 3:06 pm

  The car drives well though the cheap body cladding was falling apart after 2 weeks and the brakes could be better. This has to be the cheapest interior GM has ever made. Im confident the car will run forever as the powertrain is not bad but who wants to ride in such a crappy interior? It also has no flash to pass, you have to click it to engage, I dont have to do that on my 92 Explorer! I am very dissapointed in the build quality of this vehicle. I will never purchase another GM product again. Rental car at best!

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  Disappointing - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Patty Romanelli - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is very disappointing. Loud road noise. Seating poor except for short people. Poor rear visibility for backing up. Fan control has a poor responce. Vehicle should have rear view mirror standard with temp./direction/auto glare change; not an option.

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  5 Year Follow-up - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By rail81 - October 30 - 10:23 am

  This is a follow-up review. I wrote one after initial purchase. Bottom line, GMs got to do better. The exterior design and discounted price sold us this car and I wish it hadnt. I now understand what professional car reviewers look for. The interior design is poor and cheap. The finish on the steering wheel is peeling and the low glovebox is nearly inaccessible. The seat side bolsters have worn through and the cheap interior plastic is impossible to clean. Horrible side/rear visibility. The engine has been reliable but the transmission now shifts harshly from 1st. Steering has been repaired twice. Airbag system acts up. Neither of our 150K+ mile Fords have had any problems.

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  Not so family oriented - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By shoeguy72 - September 13 - 6:50 pm

  My supercharged Grand Prix seemed like the most practical way to go for me, since I needed a "ffamily oriented" vehicle that has more than 2 doors, and I wasnt willing to take the leap off the cliff to the minivan, but now that Ive owned it for 5 months, I realize how impractical this is for a family vehicle. Too low to the ground which makes car seats a real pain in the butt, rides hard, Black leather interior always makes the car warm, and it has lost so much of its value already retailed for 23k when I purchased it, and dealerships wont give me more than 13k on trade 5 months later? Id never buy one of these again.

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  GT is a great look on the Outside - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Marcus - September 6 - 4:03 pm

  The pontiac Grand Prix GT is an awesome looking car and a great buy because it looks so good. However, as you drvie this car daily the one thing you realize is the drivers seat is extremely uncomfortable and has a gap in the head rest, WHY PONTIAC? I have the premium sound system and it sounds great except when I hit a bump and I realize I will eventually need to buy a new cd player because this one skips so much. The guy I bought this car from said it got up to 30 m.p.g. and it DOES NOT. It gets maybe 23 and thats on the highway. I have had no problems with my car since I have bought it, so my recommendation is if you want a good car for about 5 grand this is a great buy.

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  Worst vehicle Ive ever owned - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tom - August 26 - 2:16 am

  Great power and fun to drive, however, 2 pages of repairs including 3 transmissions, tie rod ends, 3 $340 tires, this car was towed 6 times, when I basically gave it away on a trade-in it was diagnosed with another bad transmission and a bad starter!! Drove it a total of 86K. Of all the new vehicles I owned in 35 years this one is the worst. At one point the dealer said he was going to get GM to take the vehicle back, but, that TOO didnt happen. My wife actually told me "that car or me". I love my wife.

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  Car Needs A Major Recall!!! - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Agitated - July 3 - 4:56 pm

  Purchased brand new! First, my tires did not last anytime-they were "chopped up" to quote the dealer and I had all the scheduled maintenence. The valves had to be replaced and the transmission has not been the same-I expect it to go out anytime! Goofy things inside have gone wrong, the controller for the windows had to be replaced, the strip on the driver side window broke, among other things. The cruise control only works part of the time and the accelerator for it never works. This week my passenger tie rod had to be replaced and universal joint is going out! You pretty much name it, and Ive had problems with this car. I love driving this car, but its a pile of junk! CurrentlyCarShopping

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  deeply irritated - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By irritated - June 28 - 12:03 pm

  We bought this car after trading in a xcab f150 ford truck,which i loved. But owning two trucks was not fuel wise! After looking for a better gas milage vehicle, but still didnt want a "granny car", this sporty looking car caught our eyes! The car has every option including a moonroof, except leather interior,i don"t like leather. The seats are horribly uncomfortable, especially the passengers.Drink holders are a joke!! Oh!!! Let"s don"t forget that great transmisssion. They"re so great i have to have it replaced for the "4th", i said "forth", time.This is not a car to keep. After 58,000 miles,trans went out, again at 82,000 miles, but returned witin days for more repairs! And now at 88.000

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  grandprix gt - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By joseph neese - June 5 - 9:36 pm

  I recently bought a gp gt and i love the way it looks, but ive been having problems with everything from tires to gas, wheelbearings just everything. I only have 8000 miles on my car the best gas mileage ive gotten is 400 miles to the tank thats bad, i got better with my 90 model pathfinder. i work for a gm dealership and none of the techs can find out what the deal is.