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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  BEST OF THE GM LOT !! 2001 GP GT - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By warren loewe - July 4 - 10:00 am

  HAD TO BUY GM BECAUSE OF CREDIT CARD REBATE. I FELT THE PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT WAS THE BEST GM HAD TO OFFER. I HAD A MAXIMA BEFORE THIS CAR , IT WAS LIKE NIGHT & DAY. THE MAXIMA WAS SUPERIOR IN EVERY WAY. BUT COMPARED TO OLDS, CHEVY,BUICK (WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN DROPPED) & CADILAC (WAY OVERPRICED) THIS CAR KEPT ME HAPPY FOR 18 MONTHS. I JUST PURCHASED A 03 TOYOTA AVALON XLS. GOOD BUY TO GM FOREVER.

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  grand prix - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By carrie chase - May 22 - 10:00 am

  i have only had my car for less than a year and already had a lot of problems with it.

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  Grand Prix GTP Supercharged - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By gtpprog - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I am the orginal owner of this car. This is a great car to drive and it looks great. Unfortunately the build quatity is poor. This car has been in the shop over 50 times for warranty work. I am very luckly that I purchased an extended warranty on this vehicle.

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  1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bob Ryan - May 17 - 7:30 pm

  Great car to drive. Average in snow, good in rain. Have had some mech. problems after 60000 miles. Supercharger bearings need replacement;appox. $500 to do myself, close to $2000 for a shop to fix. Power window switch replaced;$80. Automatic dimming rearview mirror stopped working;havent replaced. Comfortable for 4 adults. Decent gas mileage if not driving too hard.

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  grand prix very nice - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tygable - May 9 - 5:00 pm

  bought car used in march 2005 privately for a very good price. nice all around car very comfortable and beautiful styling car has 79,000 miles with 3.1 v6 runs great and starts all the time. looking forward to many years of service. Kudos Pontiac.

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  Black Beauty 06 GXP - Time to say Goodbye - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Queenie - April 15 - 4:32 pm

  When I first bought this vehicle 6/14 everything seemed fine-until I had it for about 1.5 months and the brakes went bad. Took it back to the dealership and they replaced them without replacing the drilled rotors (I found out much later). Not even 8 months and I dont drive this car hard. I am replacing drilled rotors and premium brake pads. Later on down that line, I have replaced serpentine belts(2x), water pumps, it has accessive oil consumption (small oil leak). There is a noise when I drive under my car that I can not get rid of (no one seems to know what it is). I have replaced throttle, battery (within a year of buying it). Now, the Torque converter clutch is going bad. This is my second grand prix. My first was a GT V6, I had absolutely no problems with that vehicle which I bought used at 75k miles and sold it at 110k miles. I will have to part ways with this current vehicle. Sad to see it go.

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  Disappointed Lemon - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Roger V - April 11 - 10:03 am

  I was very excited when I bougth this car used. I got the exted=nded warranty on it thank God. Every 6 months a mojor repair. Head gasket, transmission selenoid, intake gaskets, brakes etc. I used to love this car but each year it gets worse and worse.

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  I like my car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kelly - March 30 - 1:43 am

  Fun car to drive

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  My GTP - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cervellione - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I had a lot of trouble right off the bat with my GTP. With not more than 3000 miles on the car it completely broke down on me. After several trips to the dealership it was finally fixed and I have not had a problem since. I absolutely enjoy the power the car outs out, and the interior cannot be beat. Overall, the grand prix GTP is an outstanding vehicle and my next purchase coming up in about 6 months will be another GTP as well.

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  2004 Pontiac GP/GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tom - March 9 - 4:40 pm

  I have owned mine for two years and have 33k on the odometer. I have not had any problems at all other than a bad seal on the gas cap. I do a lot of highway driving. The midrange acceleration is very good with the super charger for merging & passing. I average 22.5 miles a gallon (combined city/highway) No bad, the only drawback is premium fuel is required. In a nutshell, I have been satisified with the car & probably will look at another Pontiac (or other GM products) the next time around.