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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  2003 Grand Prix GT - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ran Lafferty - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Excellent response frm 3800 engine. Much much better than the 3100 in the 2001 model I traded. Leatherinterior is comfortable and sporty.

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  fast and looks good in my garage - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kyler kelley - May 20 - 9:50 am

  car is awesome. very fast. mustang guys think you got some v6 car when you pull up until they see the v8 badge on the back as you pass them. i also have not driven it in 6 weeks due to crappy weather it looks great in my garage

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  Awesome Car, Awesome Price!! - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JstGusha - May 16 - 9:23 am

  Love it, can not tell you enough good things about it. Drives and handles like a dream. Floats you over the road, yet nimble and quick.

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  Ol Blue - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By TAB - May 14 - 5:43 am

  Well, I bought this car on a whim, after my previous car was totalled on Christmas Eve of 1999. Having never driven a Grand Prix before, I was immediately impressed with its power, handling and just darn good looks. I chose the 2 door GT model with optional leather, heated seats, power everything, HUD, AM/FM/CD player, sunroof, dual control climate system, and the list goes on and on. My Grand Prix has withstood the mileage like a champ. I average 24,300 miles per year, but racked up over 45,000 in 2002. She is still going strong. I have not had to replace a single mechanical part since the day I picked her up. I would highly recommed this vehicle to anyone else. Keep it up, GM!

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  My Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Sherry - May 11 - 6:36 pm

  Car is good over all. Comfortable. Headlights arent that great. They get scratched too easily. I have problems starting the car. had mechanics check the problem and they cant find anything wrong. engine light wont go off. its been checked by dealership as well. my car has about 80,000 miles now. its a little cramped at times. the chevy impala was my first choice b ut had to settle for this car because of pricing. still paid too much. paid 14,000 a year ago. now supposedly worth only about 8,000. no major repairs so far at least. good gas mileeage. would recommend.

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  Fun to drive but - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Great car - May 9 - 4:20 am

  Bought this in 2008 with 135,000k on it, its now at 160,000. My only warning to anyone traveling on long trips is to keep a spare pulley tensioner and serpintine belt, because my bearing seized up and the plastic outer part kept spinning until it melted off ! once that goes you have no power steering, no charge to the battery,and no water pump spinning to keep engine cool, and in half an hour your battery is dead. Learned that the hard way. Other than that I love this car!

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  Just Bought it and LOVE IT! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By pat - May 7 - 12:46 pm

  I hate to say it, but this one was somewhat of an unexpected, impulse buy. I looked at a Honda Accord at 8:30 this morning and was driving a Pontiac GXP off the lot by 12:30 this afternoon. There is just something about that throaty V8 and the wrap around cockpit that says "this feels right!" It has the clothes of a sports sedan, but is undoubtedly a legitimate muscle car. My advice is if youre going to buy an Accord, Maxima, or high- end Altima, dont test drive this car... youll never look back... Pat

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  OK CAR - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RANDY1 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I SHOULD HAVE WAITED FOR MORE REBATES FOR THIS CAR.DOOR HANDLE PIECE FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING HOME. JUST FOUND A LEAK OF SOME SORT YESTERDAY.MY 92 GRAND AM HAS MORE POWER THIS CAR.FUEL ECONOMY HAS BEEN WORSE THAN I THOUGHT.GETTING IN AND OUT IS WORSE THAN MY OL GRAND AM TOO. BUT I DOO LIKE THE LOOKS OF THIS CAR, IT JUST ISNT WORTH WHAT I PAID FOR IT.

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  GT2 GREAT CAR UNDER $18K - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By SCHWEIZER - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I GOT SUCH A GREAT DEAL ON THIS CAR, I COULDNT PASS IT UP. REBATES, PREFERED SUPPLIER DISCOUNT, GM CARD POINTS, I GOT 29.6% OFF RETAIL. TEST DROVE THAT JAPANESE CRAP AND FOUND THIS VEHICLE TO BE BY FAR THE BEST FOR THE MONEY. THE 3.8 IS RATED AT 200HP BUT FEELS LIKE 230. YES, THE REAR SEAT IS FLAT AND NO CUP HOLDERS BUT THIS CAR ISNT DESIGNED TO BE A FAMILY TAXI! GET OVER IT! THE STYLING IS AWESOME!!

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  Big Performance in a Big Package! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JKanel - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is really great. You should buy one right now.