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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  Just an All Around Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Andy - June 22 - 10:40 am

  Ive had my 2004 Grand Prix GT for only a week, and I absolutely love it. Purchased very clean w/ 80k miles. As a previous owner of both a Mustang GT and a Dodge Intrepid with a 3.2L V6, this 04 Grand Prix is right between the Mustang and Intrepid in size, so if you would like a sports car feel with room for kids, I highly recommend this car! Very tight suspension, very responsive. Excellent gas mileage, so far. I got about 24 mpg my first tank of gas in a mix highway/city driving, even while testing the vehicles capabilities. This car will effortlessly respond to any pressure on the accelerator, with seemingly no engine strain. With that said- it will also readily and gladly consume fuel

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  Excellent performace, cheap construction - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Raatracer - June 17 - 10:00 am

  After 90000 miles, reliability is excellent; performance is off a bit, but still good. Economical to run as it provides good mpg on regular gas. Door panels and control knobs are loose due to cheap materials and construction fit.

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  Awesome - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jackmil - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best car ive ever owned. When and if it ever dies ill definatly buy another one. I already have more miles on it then my last car when that died

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  excellent - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By billy - June 17 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR!!

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  excellent - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Billy - June 17 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR!!

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  melissa bachmann - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By melissa - June 11 - 11:13 am

  i previously owned a doge intrepid but after owning my grand prix ill never buy any other make of car. its absolutely perfect!

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  Happy with my Comp-G - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bad Dave - June 10 - 6:40 pm

  I have now had my 05 Grand Prix GTP Comp G for 2 years and 32,000 miles. I cant complain. Build quality and reliability are excellent. The s/c 3800 is fantastic! Instant power when you need it, mash the gas and hold on. Average 24 to 25 mpg overall on mid- grade fuel. This car handles the twisties with ease and glides over the highway. Handles the Vermont winters with no problem due to a set of Blizzacks and Stabilitrak. Huge trunk, excellent heated leather seats, and sound system. Lacks a bit on headroom though and rear legroom can be tight. Installed K&N filter. Overall, a good little daily driver and nice upgrade from my previous Grand Ams. Cant wait to trade up to a V8 GXP!

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  Southtown Auto, great service great car. - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Makayla Woodward - June 8 - 10:00 am

  You want a fun experience and a great car. Buy a Pontiac Grand Prix from Southtown Automotive in Worthing South Dakota. Best buying, best pricing, best service in the Sioux Falls, metro area! Not to mention the new Pontiac Grand Prix new 3.8 engine. The ride of your life!

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  The best of both worlds! - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kymc - June 5 - 5:50 pm

  I am the proud owner of a 2007 Grand Prix GT in gorgeous crimson red. This car has unbelievable power, a smooth ride and a luxurious interior. Drove a 2000 GT for six years before this one and loved it, but GM has built an awesome vehicle with this new model. Roomy interior for families and good gas mileage make this car an unbeatable buy for the price. I love the crystal clear view out of the front and rear windows....amazing.

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  A fun car to drive - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By wayne - June 5 - 6:13 am

  fun to drive, not bad on gas at 30 mpg turnpike speed. Wide track is good but even better with a plus 1 tire package.