4 Star Reviews for Pontiac Grand Prix

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.45/5 Average
1,601 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 81 through 90 of 1,601.00
  • My second GTP - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    This is my 2nd GTP. Both have been great cars with the second reaching over 110k miles before trading it in. Having owned both 2d and 4d I recommend the 4door. You have plenty of back seat space so it is just easlier to access the back with doors. Nice power when needed from the supercharger, climbs hills with no problem, does well in rain and snow. The car is solid inside and out. No rattles!!! The radio display in both cars do some weird things!!! The HUD(heads up display) display is the best feature. This is a 98 and I yet to understand why this feature isnt in any other cars but the GP and Bonn. I would think this must have technology would be in most cars by now. So why not????

  • Fun Car - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    My husband loves it because its fun to drive. It turns easily and drives very smooth. Of course he loves the sporty look. I have to admit even I love the outside design of this model. Fuel efficency is okay. The front passanger seats are very comfie, and the dashboard design looks great and is user friendly.

  • Grand Prix - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    My Grand Prix has been taken into the shop a couple of times due to what felt like the transmission slipping, but they said they couldnt find anything wrong.. It still has the same problem after they reset the computer. But they did fix a recall that was on the car. I like the style of the car and it does have power.

  • GRAND GRAND PRIX - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    I JUST LOVE MY GRAND PRIX! I LIVE IN THE BUFFALO NY AREA AND THE CAR HANDLES JUST GREAT IN THE SNOW. HAVING DRIVEN A CARAVAN FOR THE LAST 10 YRS, I COULDNT WAIT TO COMPARE, I WILL NEVER GO BACK. THE GT2 HAS JUST ENOUGH LUXURIES TO KEEP THE COST AFFORDABLE. MORE THAN AMPLE TRUNK SPACE. THANKS FOR MAKING MY NEW CAR EXPERIENCE SO GREAT!!

  • Used GTP 4dr - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    This car has over eighty thousand miles on the odometer and is still running strong. No major problems to speak of besides one leaky head gasket. After a one day fix it still runs like a charm. I sell Fords but I can smoke a GT Mustang without feeling bad, that is just how fun to drive this car is.

  • Rough Ridin but gorgeous - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    This car is beautiful - crimson red. When I bought, there was a shake in the driving. Hubby thought it might be rotors or brakes. Nope. Wouldnt have bought it if Id known it wasnt those. I love the car, but really hate the annoying shake. Feels like an engine miss, but it isnt that either. Would love to find out what it is. Cant figure out how to get the stereo to show names of songs and singers again as it did when I got the car.

  • Plan to own it a decade - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    Bought this car in August 2000 and havent had a single problem with it. Mileage is as advertised, and power is fine. Survived a wreck with it when another driver turned out in front of us and the car took all the punishment. Dealer repaired it and it drives like brand new. Would buy another one when were in the market. Used the GM Card rebate program when we bought it and saved $3,400.

  • Very cheap interior and build quality - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    I bought this car in May of 2012 with 28,500 miles on it. Currently has 62k on it and things are starting to go bad. Headlights turn off occassionally on their own, valve cover gasket is leaking, sunroof leaks, and ignition switch is going bad. It is fun to drive and does get pretty good gas mileage, recent trip to South Carolina resulted in 31.3 MPG cruising right at 71 mpg GPS verified. The torque steer is absolutely horrible as you could expect with a front drive V8 with 303 HP. Looking to get rid of it very soon.

  • GrandPrix GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    the Grand Prix is fun to drive with a nice new look to it. Only thing I dislike is that they made the back of it to resemble the Sunfire too much. From different angles it could look like an overextended Sunfire, and that would be considered a downgrade not an upgrade.

  • Go-fast - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    The only bad experience I have had so far with my Grand Prix is that it is put together so cheaply. The interior doors panels need to be beat back into place a couple times a week. The dash and over head console have so many squeaks and rattles, it is enough to drive you crazy. I get great gas mileage, 24 avg. overall and the car has plenty of power for the average driver.

Pontiac Grand Prix Reviews By Year:
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