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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  GTP Comp G - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GTPcompg - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive!!! The only thing a can say to knock it is the car payment every month. The car I bought has every option that you can get. I would definalty purchase the XM radio option. I wish my other car had it.

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  2004 GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Fred Flinstone - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car via carsdirect.com (a great buying experience) and it was delivered to a dealer in my area. The car was perfect upon arrival. There was (and still is) zero defects with the car. Every part works. This is the first car I have ever bought that I can make that claim with. The car handles exceptionally for its class and is well powered. I have to say, I love it and so does everyone who has been in this car.

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  Best car for a college student. - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tjcollinsku - August 14 - 7:06 pm

  I am a college student that lived about 200 miles from home an this car got me through with no problems. It as plenty of room to move tv, sound system, computer, and all my cloths. I love the power of the GT but wished Id went for the GTP. Ive done several long (500+ mile) trips and there is nothing more comfortable. Handles great in the snow, no problems driving through western Pennsylvanias 5 inches of lake effect snow. Only had a few problems. Alternator went out at 75,000 miles, need new brakes at 80,000 miles and I just had to replace the water pump and hoses at 95,000 mile. All in all I love this car and wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  GP ROCKS - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GPTCOMPGKills - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is The BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED I love this car better then all the others in it class

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  love my GT - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By aubs - July 26 - 4:56 am

  very fun to drive, has nice acceleration, love the heater in chairs, great exterior and interior design. Also love the very large trunk!

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  Love this car! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Liz K - July 17 - 6:26 pm

  I love this car. It has a very smooth ride, and very quick pick up! Sometimes I dont even realize that Im speeding because of the smoothness. The dashboard is very easy to read/see and I love the drivers info center. I also like the way the console with the DIC and radio are tilted towards the driver for easy access. Having the radio controls on the steering wheel also are great. It took me a little bit of time to get used to the placement of the cruise control. Having it low on the steering wheel was difficult to use at first, but I got the hang of it within a week or two. The trunk is huge and I love the split rear seats. Much better than my last GP that had only had a pass through.

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  How I luvd my 40th Annv. Special Ed GTP - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ronnie B - July 15 - 9:03 pm

  I remember having to call 12 car dealerships to find my car, my wife had first seen it on the Internet and told me I had to see this new special tribute to gms Pontiac grand prix for 40 years of performance, we both fell in luv with it we had to have it. We had a 1999 gtp, and our lease was about up. So I went hunting after 2weeks of calling all over so. Cal I found a dealership that had one with all the options. I have had literally hundreds of compliments about it. The special edition package for the extra money is so worth it other than the loss of the (psm) performance shift mechanism, and the digital thermostat air/heat I luvd the can, it performed excellent just like my 1999

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  2006 Grand Prix w/ Navigation - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By VGP - July 15 - 2:23 pm

  First of all, I had this car for a year now and I absolutely LOVE it! However, I will only describe here the things you should watch out for if you plan on buying one: Gas consumption: 11.6L/100km overall -T/C button near cup holder: I keep getting coffee all over it Stock tires (Eagle LS) will wear out like you wont believe. I think they are summer-only performance tires. Expect to change them sooner than you hope Common problem with steering column getting dried up. It starts to click when you turn -Glove box is so small and inaccessible you can barely keep an envelope in there (it was way bigger in my old Sunfire)

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  best car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By KYLE - July 4 - 6:46 am

  what car do you know that goes out of second gear at 100 mph, just all around great car, tight, awesome ride, i sell em and i love em, 06 is the last year for blue green crystal, go read the car and driver review and get the real facts!!!! kyle -ny-

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  ughhhhhh - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mike - July 3 - 6:43 pm

  The car is a good car looks wise, comfort and design. But i have had qet a few problems like a transmission, throttle body, and traction control, and anti-lock brakes. it dont seem as to how many are out there that they could all have problems but i just got a lemon.