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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  04 Grand Prix review - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MikieB - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Nice car, comparible to my 00 Bonneville in ride, comfort, and handling. Im quite impressed with the redesign of the 04 models. My wife had an 00 Grand Prix - theres a world of difference between the model years. The 04 handles better, rides smoother and quieter, and has more standard features.

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  Been good since 140K - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cwitty - May 31 - 1:07 pm

  Great car. Ive owned for a couple years and havent had too many issues. Currently at 181K miles and I may need some new belts, but other than that, the engine is a haus. Feels like I couldnt do anything other than crash it to stop this thing from running. Best car for the money if you dont mind riding in a pontiac. Took it on a 3k roadtrip in the 170K range, and it made it there and back with only a wheel bearing that needed replaced. Regular problems/maintenance with this car, bearings, brakes (better than most cars), rear windows, some sensor problems, and from my experience and noting others, usually tranny needs to get rebuilt at some point during the life of the car.

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  Decent car, but no import-killer - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By arbee - May 31 - 7:40 am

  We bought a GT2 after a positive experience renting one for a couple of weeks - that, and several thousand dollars in GM incentives on top of fleet pricing. After owning the car for a little over a year, we basically ended up with exactly that - a rental car. Performance is adequate but the car is loud - due to a howl coming from both axles. Interior fit quality is average to good. The Monsoon stereo is a massively underperforming unit, outdone by the base level stereo in our 2000 Focus ZX3. Seats are comfortable, but head room is somewhat limited. The AC unit performs marginally in 100+ degree Texas summers.

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  Everything youd want in an American car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JHD - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I decided to buy the loaded GTP as soon as I test drove the vehicle. Since this was my first new car, I did quite a bit of market research. Sure the Nissan looked great. Sure the Honda looked great. But Im from Detroit and foreign cars just dont cut it in this town. This car has everything I could possibly want. Lots power, great looks, and terrific handling in rain and snow. On top of everything else, I feel proud to support America by buying American products. God Bless the USA. Id also like to thank Edmunds.com for all the great information they supplied to make my car shopping easy. This site is great! Keep up the good work.

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  Good overall, just needs less plastic - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Adam Blayton - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car, had 99 Grand Am which was totaled, wanted new pontiac. Love the looks, plenty of power with 3.8l 200hp. After owning a VW, the difference in interior quality is very apparent. Pontiac interior is nice, but needs to lose the plastic feel, nothing wront with plastic, but in moderation!

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  just buy one - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GPlover - May 27 - 6:20 pm

  My car was given to me by my father, bought it off his friend for a hundred bucks. Guy who owned it before us drove it like a race car. got car at 150,000 miles. blew motor up at 200,000 miles, within those 50,000 miles, i had two window switches go out, a water pump, intake manifold, a tension pulley, and the tranny would just sometimes for some reason switch itself into neutral. and of course, the big bang at the end at exactly 199,987 miles, no kidding, loved the car while i had it, drove great, smashed all my friends little four bangers, and everytime it broke down it was always a block from home and i just coasted in the drive way, i just bought a gtp, everyone needs to own these cars

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  The most beast for the buck - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By TopCop35 - May 26 - 6:33 am

  After my 2003 GTP, there were some big shoes to fill. I do miss the whine of the supercharger lighting up, but the throaty rumble of the exhaust is a nice replacement. The acceleration is smooth and fluent, cornering is a breeze, love the new HUD, and DIC with variable component monitoring. All in all, this car has rocked my socks off and the looks, honks, and thumbs up from other drivers are a sure sign of true appreciation. Shes a beautiful beast that looks sophisticated and menacing at the same time with hidden power galore. This definitely isnt your fathers sports sedan ;)

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  great car, very reliable - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By pst - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Here I am at 81,350 miles and all Ive done is change to oil faithfully, and the routine maintenance. It is very reliable and fun to drive. Most of my driving has been on the highway, and this car has power to spare. The trunk has plenty of space for luggage. My only gripe is my rear window refuses to roll down sometimes.

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  Review after 4 years of reliable and fun performance - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 218 - May 24 - 10:17 pm

  I aquired my 2006 Grand Prix(base) in March 2009 and I have to say it is an excellent performer and reliable daily driver. In the time that I have owned my Gp, I have had little to no problems with it. The car can definitely makes a daily drive exciting with its 200hp-230 torque as it has defeated many a foe. It also responds very well to modifications, Ive placed a CAI, ZZP 304 SS headers, downpipe, and catback with Flowmaster Super 44s. It sounds badass to finalize. My friends praise its quickness and superb ride quality on the road, its a bliss to drive daily and a joy when the go-pedal is abused. In short, it is an excellent car and I would reccomend one to all.

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  Beat to hell, Runs like hell - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fisher580 - May 20 - 3:34 pm

  We bought the car with 15x,xxx miles and sold it to my friend with 205,xxx and it ran great, only left us stranded once, it overheated and boiled coolant out, but we were going 90+ mph through oklahoma during 95+ degree heat. we seen that coming. drove it on a 2500 mile trip and went 3000-5000 miles between oil changes, like said beat to hell in every way and always started and rarely got stuck. he now has 225,xxx miles on it and said it runs perfect