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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GRAND PRIX GIVES YOU EXCITEMENT! - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By KEVIN PARKER - April 8 - 3:40 pmThe 3.8L V-6s 205 Horsepower gives true excitement to this sporty mid-size sedan. The low end torque moves the Grand Prix across intersections with tremendous authority, leaving most cars behind! Most passengers ask if I have the supercharged V-6 that comes in the pricier GTP. Fuel economy averages 28 miles per gallon with highway trips averaging well over 30 miles per gallon! The front bucket seats are very supportive and hold your body in place when taking avantage of the twisty road ahead of you. The back seat offers above average passenger comfort and handles the child safety seat just fine. Pontiac has lived up to its reputation of excitement with this new Grand Prix as well as value!
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Speed Racer - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By morpheus - April 6 - 10:00 ami like this vehicle but it is allittle to slow but i still like it.
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Hey Its A Pontiac! What Can I Say? - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By evnsptc - April 5 - 5:26 amI ordered this car brand new to my specifications (Special Edition GTP, Navy Blue, Graphite Two-Tone Heated Leather, HUD, Moonroof, I also got an extra set of 3 Spoke Polished Aluminum Rims to go with it) I love this car and will keep it forever!! It has 17K miles (I barely drive it, its my pride and joy!) Its been a great car to me! Very comfortable, enjoyable/head turning, reliable and it looks great doing so!
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Very Pleased - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By mwoomer - March 26 - 2:00 amI am very pleased with my car thus far. It is much nicer than the similarly priced Chyrsler I owned before I bought my GT. Has very good acceleration, and nice styling. It takes corners like no other car I have ever driven under $40,000.
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Geared too low - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Lynn Schaeffer - March 20 - 2:40 amThe biggest downfall of this car is it only gets around 25mpg. Due to the fact that it is geared for performance. I have owned Bonnevilles in the past that get around 28. Sad to see the Bonneville and Grand Prixs production end. Other than that great car
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Luv this car! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By cajunmavin - March 19 - 2:00 amCompany car - would not have looked at this otherwise. Quite surprised with the Grand Prix. Great handling, comfortable and lots of power. Has the feel of an expensive foriegn car. I have driven the c class and 3 series - tight. Grand Prix has plenty of room. Worth taking a look at.
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Hey Its A Pontiac What Can I Say? - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By evnsptc - March 16 - 1:00 amI ordered my Grand Prix GT brand new to my specifications (Purple Haze Metallic, Tan Heated Leather, HUD, Monsoon 6-Disc, Moonroof, Dual Climate, etc). First of I have 4 Pontiac (00 GP GT Sedan, 01 GP GTP Special Edition Coupe, 04 Bonneville GXP and my 07 GP GT) I love them all and this one is my second favorite (followed by my Bonny) It is very comfortable, fast, reliable and just overall great looking. I take great care of my cars and they get professionally detailed every other month and I detail them every other month (wash, polish, wax, clay bar, leather treatment, interior protectant and wheel cleaner. All of my cars have less than 65K miles too! My 07 has 32K and still is great!
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Good, fun, easy on gas too - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By arron t - March 15 - 7:30 pmI really like driving this car. There is a GM service bulletin for the transmission. I average 30 on freeway trips and have averaged 23 in town. But if I use the boost, oh how it drinks the fuel while I smile from the power. No lag like a turbo either.
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Dark Cherry GXP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Brian - March 14 - 7:16 pmLots of power with torque-steer, I always say hold on when you put the pedal down. Over-all its a fun to drive but it does drink fuel even it you drive it normal. Road ruts created by the large trucks seem to whip the car from side to side. My 03 chev had no problem with the ruts, this car does. Im totally shocked that I need to repair my front brakes at only 25,000 miles considering 90% of the miles are HWY driving and that I really am gentle on my brakes.GM not willing to do anything about the brakes even so its still under warranty.
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Move over BMW - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By WHERES MY GTO - March 13 - 4:30 amI just got my GXP. WOW. My son has a BMW 325ci and now all he wants to drive is my American muscle V8. Front Wheel drive is cool in a V8. The torque steer is kinda weird but it is great is the rain and snow. I have been looking for a new car for several years but the GTO was not up to par, the Charger is no fun to drive, the 3 series BMW is too small, and the 5 series and Lexus are too expensive and this car competes with them rather handsomely.
