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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  worth the price - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By harpe00 - October 20 - 11:30 pm

  I was looking for an affordable transitional car and found this to be the perfect match. As an upcoming college graduate and moving into the workforce this summer I needed something reliable, dependable and affordable to make the transition.

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  A Great Car For The Young People - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Young Gun - October 11 - 4:53 am

  I brought this car this past February with it having just 70,000 miles on it, did wanted a G6 GT Sedan(Plans fell through) but found this car for a steal, I was worried at first because I was giving up room because it was a mid-size car(car before this one was a 1993 Bonneville SE), but it was still pretty roomy, seats 5, 4 comfortably, and even dough the car is 8 and the design is 13 years old(1997), I still prefer it over the 2004-2008 model, gets good gas mileage for a big 3.8 V6, great for the highway and town, nice interior, just an overall nice ride, the only maintenance I have done so far is new brakes, oil change, support lifts for trunk, and cleaner for catalytic converter.

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  I love this car,BUT..... - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By lilphatgrl80 - October 9 - 10:53 am

  I have one payment to make on my car and 4 months ago i put a new transmission in it because it of course went out well i am having very bad problems with the transmission again,my keys also lock in the ignition and my RPM revs up by its self...it turns out that the car has electrical problems and the computer in it is having trouble communicating with things in it to make them work properly so i dont know what i have to do yet,it may just be a few electrical wires or the whole electrical system but it is cousing the transmissions to burn up

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  Fun 2 drive terrible to fix - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By PEB - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car when it was about 3 years old. The car has good power and great excelleration, good to great handling depending on your tire selection. Electrical problems and nickle and dime repairs has plagued this car though.

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  Fast, Fun, but cheap interior feel... - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By John Mckee - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive and it is very forgiving and responsive at high speeds. The interior layout is excellent as far as the driver controls and my only complaint would be the cheap feel of the interior construction. If you are gong to get one of these (and I highly recommend it) you have to get the GTP with comp group "G". If you dont you will be sorry. I look forward to driving this car everyday, even to the store just to buy milk! The car is flat out FUN and will smoke the tires through an intersection if that is what you like to do, and that is with the traction control on. GM designers know what car enthusiasts like and they built it!

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  GM retired a powerhouse - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By zaranjjt - October 1 - 8:42 pm

  Bought the car in 2005 with 6k on it.Its now around 114k and still running splendidly.Never really had any major problems until last year when I accidentally hit a curb. Soon after had to replace tie rods, brakes found leaks in the coolant tank and power steering reservoirs. Got them all replaced at around 5k, now the car runs like smooth as silk. Even now i get a thrill out of an early morning acceleration rush. the a/c brings temperatures to polar regions in the peak Texan summer effortlessly. The car used to sheer through Michigan snows without so much as a sway. Many friends who had Hondas and Infinitis would ride with me because the stability of the Grand Prix in those conditions.

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  Batmobile, Tank, Grand Prix Coupe - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By midwestboiler - September 17 - 4:49 pm

  This was my first car, and it was a great first car. Unfortuneatly, I was rear ended and ultimately had the car totaled. The time that I had it though, was very enjoyable. First, a V-6 engine allows for this car to be borderline over the top with power, but that didnt bother me. The problem with all of the power was that the car averaged about 18 mpg. The 12 gallon tank also forced me to have to fill up more often than I would have liked. I had leather seats and they were very comfortable. It was very easy to carry 4 passengers in the car. While the doors were huge, it allowed much easier access to the back seat.

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  Looks Better Than It Runs - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By The Fastest lemon - September 11 - 10:53 am

  Ive had my 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT Sedan for three and a half years. My Dad handed it down to me after he lost use of his right leg to cancer and I hit a deer with my 93 S-10. For the first three years Ive had it, it gave me no problems and I like the way it looks, especially in black, sleek and sinister, the fog lamps, spoilers, and dual exhausts dont hurt either. It was pretty fast and fuel efficient, but it turned into a piece of crap once it had 115,000 miles on it. The windshield wipers stick up when theyre turned off, the tail-break lights dont work, you could time its acceleration to highway speed with a calendar, the windows dont work, and it guzzles gas like a V8.

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  Hooray for GM engineering - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By AdamJoe - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a new Grand Prix GTP with the Comp. Group package, and I couldnt have been more surprised with the way the new car is built. Im glad to see that GM is making headway against the foreign brands. The quality seems to be much impoved regarding materials and rigidity. Nice touches such as the waffle pattern head liner, or theatrical lighting when entering the car. This car feels tight in every aspect. I could go on forever about the new Grand Prix, but I wont. Lets just hope this is a first of things to come from GM.

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  I loved it when I bought it - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Duane - August 29 - 2:26 pm

  As a car guy I really enjoyed this car at first. So far Ive had the steering repaired. Recently, the a/c compressor bearing went out. That skewed the belt which put tension where it didnt belong. The alternator, tensioners and compressor all needed replacement. The new compressor (a GM part) has significantly higher sides to keep the belt in place. Ive also learned theres a problem with the intake gaskets and some day theyll need replacement. (My wifes 05 Impala already went through this.) GM has some serious quality problems here and its not just on Pontiac. I hate to say it, but Ill be looking at foreign cars next time I buy and GM can only blame themselves.