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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  Sleeping Giant - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By The Reaper - August 24 - 5:56 pm

  Ive owned my GP for about 6 months now and its time to write a review. What can i say about this car except WOW. I got mine for a steal at only $4600. My previous car was a 97 GA with the 2.4, needless to say, there is certainly an increase in power. I absolutley love this car, its fast, handles very well, and looks incredibly mean. freeway driving is a blast, and it only takes a moment for the speedo to jump from 70 to 100, which makes passing a breeze. I have found that working under the hood isnt that bad, much easier than the GA. there are plenty of perfomance parts available, and they are easy to find. best of all, nothing makes my day like annihilating some kid in a boy-racer. LOVE IT!!!

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  my car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By james byrne - August 22 - 2:00 am

  ive waited for this car for 10 years.now that i have it it im glad iwaited .Truly ,the most fun ive had driving an american car.

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  Reliable Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By samryan - August 21 - 10:00 am

  We have had this vehicle for a few years now and have been very happy with it. Only problem we had was the brakes and rotors needed to be replaced (covered under warranty) however, for a car with low mileage and only a two years old, this should not have happened.

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  Okay Car - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 2008 Pontiac - August 20 - 11:06 pm

  This is my 4th Pontiac and I do like Pontiacs, but this car has been in the shop for warranty work 3x already, and for other repairs about 2x. Thats a lot for 2 years if you ask me. My last Pontiac went 4 years before I had to repair anything. I am a little disappointed and depending on how many more problems I have, will depend on whether I keep this car or not. If this is all Pontiac has left, then it was time to retire. I have had power steering problems, constant issues with the brakes, wheel bearings have already been replaced and the car has under 50,000 miles. I guess they dont make them like they used to.

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  Falling apart - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By spiffy - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Have had the transmition replaced twice, alternator, water pump, air compressor, brake callipers, starter, etc...all replaced at least once in 2 years. I could go on forever. The thing falls apart. I will never buy a ponitac again, and i wont let anyone i know get one either. warranty was good but my car was in the shop more than i drove it.

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  So far So good - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By new car owner - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with the notion that GM products suck. But I couldnt pass the deal that I could get on this vehicle. I like the car a lot and have had no problems so far. The only concern I do have is on Fuel economy. The sticker says 19/29. So far it has been about 16.5 city and 24 hwy. Not what I was expecting.

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  been a pretty good car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By shadetreemechanic - August 6 - 1:50 pm

  Bought vehicle @50k repair trans pressure solenoid @75k change plugs, wires, hoses, battery, tires, front wheel bearings @100k replace water in headlamps @110k change coolant and trans fluid @125k ac leak @145k squirrel cage fan squeal @150k lower intake manifold and valve covers @160k replace front brakes every 25k and rear every 50k change oil every 6k change air filter every 12k car has been maintained pretty well, and has performed acceptable. I have enjoyed the car, but am getting tired of it. The car now has significant squeak and rattle and the exterior is showing signs of rust. I will drive the vehicle until the next transmission failure, which I anticipate at 200k.

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  So far, very good. - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By syvmj - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Runs strong for a non-GTP GranPrix. Some interior build miscues but good paint and great styling. Long drives can be a bit uncomfortable especially in the back seat.

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  Mid Life Dream Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jammerman - July 28 - 5:03 am

  Saw the Grand Prix GT at Auto Show, loved the sportiness, but didnt buy - boy am I glad! When GM offered the employee pricing, discovered Pontiac had released a more sporty, upscale GXP - basically a GT with the V8 and all the sporty options (mags, chrome highlights, etc.) with the slightly lowered profile, this car screams speed! Everyone on my friends are green with envy. Nice throatty growl, instrument cluster well placed. TAP shifter makes it a fun cruiser.

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  Reliable but buggy electronics, and plenty of things to break - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bobsmith70 - July 13 - 6:25 pm

  The 3.8 has a great transmission and engine, decent mpg, great performance, incredibly smooth, fun to drive but comfortable on the highway. Always started for me. I owned it from 90k to 140k. The problem is the electronics around it. Power steering rack leaks, gas gauge bounces around, traction control stops randomly, power windows love to break. Brake cylinders seize, the led on the radio like to dance sometimes. And nothing is $250 or less, everything is at least close to $400 or more to fix. It still works if you can live with the flaws as it is extremely dependable. Home mechanics go for it, but after 120k avoid it like the plague if you cant fix it yourself.