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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THE AWESOME GRAND PRIX!!!!! - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By gmcanada2000 - September 27 - 10:00 amI have a 2002 Redfire Metallic Pontiac Grand Prix GT Sedan. What a car!! It is such a fun car to drive, it makes me feel like I have the best car on the road, which I do. Keep up the good work Pontiac.
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Practical and Sporty - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Adam. - September 15 - 2:00 amI purchased my Grand Prix two years ago, and my parents were so impressed with it that they bought one as well. As far as domestic cars go, it is a great buy.
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Lots of Miles - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Michelle - September 10 - 6:10 amI love this car. I love the way it handles, it feels like a luxurious smooth ride especially compared to my fiancees Grand Am. I love the way it looks, and the interior design. I have had a few problems though, the transmission needed a complete overhaul after 34K miles. Now I am having brake and traction system problems at 41K.
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Sweet ride - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GopherRube - September 9 - 10:00 amLove the acceleration. Love the handling. Like the looks. I race it and beat on it and am waiting for something to go wrong or break but nothing breaks ever! Reliability must be at least as good as Jap/German if not better.
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Love this car! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Rochelle - September 6 - 3:00 pmThis car was purchased for me when I turned 16... 8 years and 100,000+ miles later I still LOVE this car. The power and handling is fantastic, very fun to drive. I havent had many issues except for electronic things... Replaced window motors, batteries. Many problems with wires and dashboard controls not working properly, but that seems to be common with Pontiac. It is roomy and comfortable.. the trunk can hold ANYTHING. I have been hit twice, and am impressed with it holding up nicely. (Doesnt look nearly as pretty now though) Now at 125000 miles I am starting to have bad problems with the electronics. Heat no longer works and it dies on me a lot. Will be very sad to replace it.
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Great ride for great price - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By steined - September 4 - 10:00 amBought this car new in July of 2000 and have never once regretted it. Problems have included a broken rear map light switch, and thats it!!! Over 50,000 miles and this car still runs like a top. It get 24MPG in combined city highway and makes more than enough power! Great car.
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Great car - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jimmy - August 25 - 1:53 amI really like this car very nice inside and out, very strong motor, it looks so agressive for being stock, im going to do a couple of mods to it and its going to look amazing, very well build car GREAT JOB PONTIAC
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I love this car! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By CJE - August 21 - 2:46 amThis is a great car to drive. I love taking it out on the highway. Even with 99K miles, it still has great pickup and incredible power. The 3.8L engine can really open up on the highway. I have to sell it now to get a car with better gas mileage. But I love it!
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Love it - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By red on the head - August 18 - 10:00 amGoodyear Eagle tires not round, blister on all four. Air distribution inadequate except on mid range and above.
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The best car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Mike007 - August 18 - 10:00 amThe Grand Prix is a very fun to drive car. This car as really great horse power. Grand Prix rides well and the onstar is handy. It gets me where I Need to go in good time. I think it as a really sporty look for a four door. Every body just looks at you.
