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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Im in love - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jordanface - October 30 - 8:32 pmI dont know much about cars, and from what I hear, Pontiac isnt the greatest kind of car....but I must say that Ive grown to fall in love with my car. I bought it in 2009 when it had 30,000+ miles on it. Since then, Ive put about 20,000+ miles on it and Ive had absolutely no issues with my car. My only issue is that the front end bumper is so low, it end up scraping when I park. Ive also got a minor leak in my oil pan, but thats nothing major. All in all, shes gotten me to numerous states and back with no issues. Its more of a "small person" car, but I dont have issues driving it.
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I like it - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By grand prix - October 29 - 1:43 amexcellent vehicle, and one I would recommend to others. I bought the base GP, but it has everything I want. I would like the roof to be a little higher to make it easier to enter and exit. Powerful engine and smooth ride, much better than Focus I traded in. Gas mileage is good, but could be better.
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Very good vehicle overall - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Scott Allen - October 28 - 2:00 amThis car has been very good thus far. The engine is strong and will move the car well when pushed. The steering and suspension are tight, although the car will float at times over major undulations in the pavement. The only downside to having a motor with this much torque is that it does have a degree of torque steer. That and a few squeeks and rattles (that only appear on rough pavement) are the only real issues that I have with the car. Other than that, this car has been very good.
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Most bang for the Buck! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By tjherber2 - October 28 - 2:00 amI shopped this vehicle and compared against the Nissian products and prices. It was an easy decision to pick the GP when GM is offering great incentives. Rebate, GM card points, dealer discount. When all said and done I saved 29.6% off MSRP. The GP isnt as refined as the Altima but at less then 18K this car offers the most "bang for the buck!" This is a small price to pay to sacrifice refinement which is over rated any way.
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Lot of Car for the Money - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By RoadGuy - October 21 - 2:00 amI test drove both the GT1 and GT2 Grand Prix, but not the GTP. This offers a lot of power, a solid body structure and a firm, taut, sporty ride. However, there is a lot of FWD torque steer, and the car lack the directional stability that makes highway driving so effortless in the better imports. Very comfortable in front with power seats, but rear is too tight for kids over 12 yrs. Exterior styling and build are impressive,but tacky plastic dash, and ugly cloth seats on pre 1/1/04 production are a let down inside. Leather seats, free until 3/31/04 on GT2, dramatically "upscale" the interior and are the way to go.
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Good value and fun ride - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By doogienj - October 21 - 2:00 amI just got this car as a company car to replace my Chevy Impala LS. This is a mans car. The engine has a nice roar to it, though a bit noisy. This car accelerates like a rocket at stand still and 70MPH. Passing and merging has become fun:) I am also very pleased with the general handling and suspenstion. I would like a little more power steering when parking. The cockpit is well designed and easy to use. Trunk room is plentful. I wish they had used metal inside instead of cheap looking plastic.
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Not Made to Last - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Grand Prix GT - October 16 - 3:46 pmBought the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT which was the third pontiac that I purchased since 1998. The 2002 Grand Prix was a trade in. The Lower Intake Gasket went out on it at 15000. It went out again at 30000 and again at 115000. The car brakes tend to wear prematurely averaging 30K on brakes and rotors. The AC/Heat Knobs tend to break prematurely. The tires goodyear 225/60R16 last about 30K per set. Ive had to replace speed sensors, the fuel line rail, the rear suspension, and wheel nut caps that crack easily upon removal.
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First time owner - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By pettyspontiac - October 16 - 4:56 amThis is my first Grand Prix and I love it!! The gas mileage is only getting around 21 mpg and that is really disappointing since sticker says 20/30 and have bout 50/50 city/hwy miles. Otherwise its an awesome car. Very sporty, yet its a family car. Its very sharp looking and fun to drive. Radio will blow you out of the car! Overall, Im pretty satisfied.
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good car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Happy Owner - October 13 - 2:30 pmThis has been a great car. When I look at comparable vehicles I feel I kept $10,000 in my pocket and have a safe, fun, powerful American car. Buy American had better become a way of life in this country or it will no longer be our country!
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2000 4dr gt - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Ryukyu_Warrior - October 5 - 5:03 amGood car, fun to drive when it runs. Poor Engine design, will run hot. and stock water pump is garbage. other than that good car.
