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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  Good Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tim_boo - July 22 - 2:00 am

  My experience has been a good one. The build quality is an issue with the fit and finish. It out-performs everything in its class regardless of cost. So trading a little quality for performance is what you have. My maintence on this car so far has been new tires and oil changes. I think this car is very good for what you pay. I dont see anything in its price range then or today that Id rather own. If your in the market my suggestion is test drive it. I thought of trading it in on a Maxima, I drove the Maxima and didnt like it!!! Also looked at a BMW 325 it needs more power and space.

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  Ok outside, very, very bad inside. - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Cato Hagen - June 11 - 12:43 am

  Horrendous inside. Window regulators breaks every year! $500 to repair each. Interior side of the doors get loose. The quality of assembly and the material is very, very bad. Also, had to change air-condition once and starter twice.

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  2000 Grand Prix GT sedan - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By wild bill - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new. It has had a lot of trim problems, gage problems, radio problems, blower fan control problems, and a cooling leak which was very difficult to get fixed on warranty. The cooling leak turned out to be the upper intake manifold and took two years to get Pontiac to fix. The car drives will and has never broken down on the road, but has lots of road noise in the passenger compartment and cheap interior trim.

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  Hunk o Junk - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By yoodle - March 18 - 10:00 am

  In the year that Ive had this car it has been nothing but problems. There is a consistent problem with the steering that three trips to the mechanic have not fixed. I am aware of the recall, but even after my mechnic replaced the entire power steering rack, the problems persist. Things seem to have improved after the struts and a tie rod were replaced though. I also had the fuel pump go, and now there is a stuttering when Im accelerating that seems to indicate a transmission problem. At just over 50000 miles, this car has spent way too much time in the shop. Im staying away from Pontiacs in the future.

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  maybe I can make lemonade - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By lemon owner - March 7 - 2:00 am

  loved the looks and fun to drive when its driveable. Owned one year repaired wiper motor twice, battery, alternator, replaced the steering rack, brakes and rotors twice, oil leak, park interlock on shifter broken replaced once now needs a new shifter. a/c stopped working, so far in one year we have spent over $3,ooo on repairs and now are having transmission problems.

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  Pontiac power windows, UGH. - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Cal - March 6 - 9:50 am

  I have had a truly horrible experience with the power windows. To date I have had 2 switches 4 regulator/motors replaced. Thats 6 and I only have 4 windows. And, this all occurred within 75,000 miles.

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  A Big Mistake - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By samstinks - March 5 - 2:40 am

  My husband and I shopped and shopped before deciding to buy this car and despite our careful planning, we made a poor decision. At 20k, I had to have it towed due to a malfunctioning anti- theft device that cut the fuel after 10 seconds. That, at least was under warranty. At 25k, I had to replace my front wheel bearings; a $500 repair. At 56k, both my intake manifold gaskets blew out - $700. Six months later, my head gaskets are blown and the heads possibly damaged from the heat. I commute 25 miles one way to work in it every day, and have had only dealer repairs on it. Ive taken care of this car by the book, but it is a horrible car and I cant wait to trade it in.

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  I wish I could use my window! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kitkay - December 10 - 9:23 pm

  I bought my Grand Am in 2000 with 5,000 miles on it. It was all fine until 2003. If you have automatic windows they are terrible. All that hold them in place is a piece of plastic. Which through all the hot weather in TX make it weak and they break. You of course cant buy just the plastic piece that breaks you have to buy a whole motor replacement which cost between $80- $150. I had to replace both of them within two years of each other. Also the Door just mysteriously started not to open. The rear-view mirror fell off and the headlight bulbs are a pain to change. Also the transmission fliud has to be changed at a dealership.

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  update for GTP; keep looking! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Madusa - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Well, no further problems to report...just the same ones! The windshield is too low at the top (must scootch down to see the street light). the top of my head rubs against the ceiling (Im 64") but never had this problem with my 00 GT. Im hating NOT having an auto-dim rear view mirror. Night driving stinks when youre constantly blinded. People still confuse me with a Grand Am (including my girl friend)..YUK! Drove in the "Detroit Dream Cruise" all weekend and got my butt kicked almost every time. 0-60 in 6.6 NO WAY!! Seen 7.1+ on other sites and feels even slower to me. All talk and no walk. SLUGGISH! STAY AWAY. Dont be tricked by incentives(like me)

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  It aint the 99 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ruffner6 - June 2 - 7:33 pm

  I had a 99 and loved it every day I had it. On a whim, I traded it for this adult version with leather and sunroof. Almost immediately I was unhappy. The sunroof hesitated for the first 3 years then fixed itself. The front end has been repaired at least 6 times. It ate a set of tires in 8 month. Tie rods, bushing alignment issues. The interior stinks: My 6 foot husband cant get into it, period with out moving the steering wheel and seat. "leather is all cracking, wheel is peeling, plastic is impossible to clean. I miss my 99 in myriad ways. It was huge, got better mileage. I HATE leather, especially this leather. And the AM radio is affected by sunspots or something 2x a year. weird