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:

• 

  Decent Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jonesy - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car back in the summer of 00. Since then the car has a pleasure to drive. But with all good things there are some hidden flaws. There have been problems with the radiator, brakes, alternator, transmission, heater core, water pump, and some electronics. After a year or two of driving this car the expenses have grown more than what was expected. But I must say that this car has been much more fun to drive than the beaten up 91 Saab sitting next to it.

• 

  It has been good to me - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Amy - August 31 - 11:00 pm

  I purchased my grand prix in 2002. The previous owner only had it for a 6 months and couldnt keep up with the payments so she turned it back in to the dealer. I bought it with close to 15,000 miles on it (I have no idea where this woman drove it to). Anyways, Im now at 194,000 miles. It was great up until two years ago when the transmission died on it. I was very meticulous with repairs on my vehicle, which were all normal wear and tear. Since the transmission, its had other major problems that have been costly. Great car, but I am trading it now for a more reliable vehicle for my family. Overall its been good to me.

• 

  Pretty Good Car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cheetah - August 31 - 8:36 pm

  Bought my 4 Dr with 14 miles on it. Love the look and really a fun car to drive. But after 85K miles, its been having issues. The cheap driver seat "springs" have broken, A/C is flakey and not fixed after over $500 in repair work, and tranny is starting to act up. Although its been fun to drive, the issues cropping up and my need for something I can haul stuff in is leading me to get rid of it.

• 

  99 grand prix - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By lcbsacto - July 30 - 4:49 am

  have had this car for 184,000 miles and has been a great car decent gas milage from a 3.1 v-6 engine

• 

  Starting to show age - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By NY Dude is cool - July 4 - 10:00 am

  My GP is great but its starting to show its age. Sterring wheel controls stopped working and i needed new rear struts a few months ago, power window switch went as well fortuantly it wasnt the motor. The engine is still running great. And this is car is very structually sound, a few years ago a large tree limb fell on the car, and the car was driveable no broken glass or lights, door trunk and hood could open and close. Gas milage wasnt that good until I upgraded to a K & N air filer gas miliage went from 18-19 around town to 21-22n and highway went from 23-24 to 28-29.

• 

  love my pontiac - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By gi-gi - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought this one used, its clean with great pick-up. Fun to drive and everyone fits. Needs better cup holders.

• 

  Fun Car!!!! - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Robyn - June 4 - 2:30 am

  This was my first Pontiac purchase after owning Ford vehicles for several years. Overall, I love the car. Its sporty looks and fun handling makes it a real treat to own. The only complaint that I have about this car is in the extremely low front-end which has a tendency to smack or scrape the ground on almost any little bump. In addition, Ive experienced suspension problems (CV Joint and Struts) in the one year timespan ive owned this vehicle. Aside from that, I must say that I do love the car. Im a new Pontiac fan!!!

• 

  Nothing but trouble! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Irina - May 28 - 7:26 am

  Purchased it with 112K MI. Immediately had to fix the front axel, half a year later fuel pump went out, another half a year later torque converter had to be worked on (1500 price tag), breakes needed work too, then engine on the powerwindow broke. AC had to be fixed. Every time it rains water gets in the trunk and under the drivers sit. Windshield had to be replaced and since it has a display on it it was expensive! Now the torque converter broke again! And its only 143K now! I put in repairs more then I paid for the car! I never abused it, did all the maintenance and will never ever buy it again or recommend to anybody I know.

• 

  My Blue Bird - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jackrussel420 - May 20 - 10:58 pm

  I have a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix SE with the 3.8 Liter motor and I have to say it is a fast car, for being just the SE anyways. Ive gotten up for 115mph in under 10 seconds! Engine has oil pressure problems anyone know why? other than that the only thing that has gone wrong is I had to replace a window regulator which is typical for any car these days. Oh and did i mention mine only has 47,000 miles and it is 13 years old!

• 

  decent all around car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ben - May 6 - 11:06 pm

  This car is great. The main problem with this car is the tires if you ever have a flat or have to get new ones. The tire sizes are almost impossible to find. I had a flat tire and had to wait almost 3 days to get a new one because no one stocked it. Definitely a bad thing for a daily driver. This car also does not come with a spare tire. It comes with a tire repair kit which does nothing for an unrepairable tire. Then comes the gas mileage. I only drive this car around town mostly and am lucky to average 16 in town and 22 on the highway. I still only have about 3000 miles on it so hopefully those numbers will improve. The rear seat entry is pitiful for this cars size.