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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gas guzzler - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jon - June 2 - 7:03 amI bought this car for my wife with 30000 miles on it. It has been in the shop several times. Issues with not starting, rack and pinion leak, and trans slipping with 34000 miles. I also found out it was a Hertz rental. So it definitely has been beat on. mileage is not good, city is 14.5 no highway trips yet but definitely a thirsty engine.
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Never Again - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By BJam - April 18 - 10:00 amI bought this car thinking that it would last as long as our 94 Grand Prix. My cars are well maintained and checked regularly. This one didnt even make it to 100,000 miles. No warning from any of the sensors, no telling that anything was wrong until I looked at the temp guage and saw 250 degrees. After immediately pulling over, it was too late. The engine was cooked. Now Im looking at a $3500 investment on a car that is valued $6500.
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peace of junk - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Clifford H. Leighton - March 17 - 2:00 amunder warranty 2 radios, 1 set of spark plug wires, water pump, 2 altenators, 1 battery out of warranty 1 battery, the altenator twice (the first replacement was warranteed)1 PS pump, 2 steering racks, the engine and transmission pan gaskets are leaking and the auto-dim rear view mirror is delaminating. GM will not help with any of the out of warranty repairs.
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Could Have Been Better - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Mel - March 11 - 8:06 amThis is my 3rd body style of the Grand Prix. Im most disappointed with the ride. My last two have run to 125,000 miles and have had to nothing but replace the struts on the 99 model after 100,000 miles. Prior to replacing the struts, the car rode like an OLD Dodge pickup --- Every bump was felt. The 04 was purchased with 1,100 miles and rides like an OLD Dodge Pickup. I feel every bump. A dealership has aligned, balanced, etc. & still rides like a truck. Very happy with the 95 & the 99; Severely Disappointed with the 04!!!
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A lot of Mechanical Problems - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By vgopaul - February 13 - 5:16 amI have had this car for going on four years. My driver side motor window went out, I have had to replace the timing belt, ball joints, get a new radiator, replace my entire power steering, heater coil, rocking pena (however thats spelled), not to mention typical ware and tare on the car such as brakes (which I expect to pay for). I couldnt believe it because I take really good care of that car. I had a Pontiac before this and experienced the same problems. I will never by a GM product again. It is a very nice car, but mechanically it has costs me thousands. My entire family buys Pontiacs, but after two experiences like this in a row- it behooves us to purchase these vehicles.
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Problem Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By suzid - February 11 - 10:00 amThe car has been in the shop every month for the last six months for something different every time. And it was in the shop at least every three months before that, once the warranty ran out.
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What a disappointment! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Cooper - January 30 - 8:20 pmI have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. It has been to the Pontiac service department 16 times and counting. The defroster does not function properly, which ahs been acknowledged by the dealership. They say it is the same on all Grnad Prixs - it is "normal." The dealership is unable to repair problems without numerous visits. What a disappointment this car has been!
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This car is bleeding me dry - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By mmyy66 - January 11 - 2:00 amThe car us fun to drive, but the build quality is so pathetic. Ive put thousands into repairs ... and not just routine maintenance like new tires and brakes. GM still has yet to figure out how electronics work. Many lights in the dash dont work. The steering-wheel radio controls are kaput. The computer chips have gone haywire at different times. Both door windows have gone bad multiple times. Two weeks ago it was a fuel pump. A few days ago it was a window switch. Sorry to say, GM, but youre sorry-ass car will lead me to buy Honda or Toyota. The statistics bear out the undeniable fact that GM really doesnt build quality cars.
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Alternators3 - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By NicholsS - January 3 - 10:00 amThe alternator has been replaced three times( the first two by GM, and the third one by me). Each time the alternator was replaced, I had another electricial problem some place else(The radio , the amp and the light replay switch). GM needs to fix the alternator problem(it may be the location of the unit or the quality of the unit itself). make sure you go to a shop thath will replace the unit as long as you owns the cars.
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Uncomfortable seats, but good car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By J Rex - October 24 - 10:00 amI didnt do enough research and Im regretting it. Its a good car, but when commuting two hours/day, some things I dont like. The seats are uncomfortable in shoulder width. I dont have wide shoulders, but only one fits in the center part of the seat. The other is on the bolsters. Wearing down the cushion may help. Im too high. Cant believe that seat doesnt go lower. When I put the visor down, it blocks my view. Im 56" Getting in/out is more difficult than in my Civic. The steering wheel gets in the way. Great power. HVAC good, but back window fogs. Back window is difficult to see out of when raining.
