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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  A great first car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Teri - March 11 - 1:06 pm

  This was the first car I purchased after graduating from grad school. The Grand Prix had everything I wanted and it was a great price. I am so happy I have it. I am constantly getting compliments on how nice the inside looks. People are always impressed with the "extras" my car has.

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  pontiac is a good car - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By johnny22n - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had abosolutly a wonderful time owning this car. I have driven it cross counrty and taken it back and forth to work everday. After 135 thousand miles on the car not one major problem. If there are any flaws its minor electrical problems

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  2004 grand prix GTP CompG - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jason0214 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I love this car it has more speed then my BMW 330i. I had bought it for my wife but now I gave her the BMW so I could have the CompG. If you buy this car I am sure you will be happy. GM did a great job talk about a car being REBORN.!!!!!

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  Fun for a few weeks... - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RANZ - March 6 - 8:40 am

  Its easy to be drawn in by the sexy stance, the leather, moonroof and the 17 in. wheels that the GT has to offer. However, once you get past the vroom vroom shiny red race car surface stuff, the disgraceful fuel economy alone is enough to make you list it for sale after a month. Excessive road noise is even worse with the sunroof shade open. The interior especially the headliner feels cheap, even tacky after the new car smell wears off. The worse paint Ive ever seen - there seems to be no topcoat or clearcoat as there are hundreds of chips down to the metal after 22k miles. Not worth the ins. and payment. Im going to get a Honda or Toyota which might seem boring but definitely smarter.

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  Wheres the quality? - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Fozman - March 4 - 3:50 pm

  This car has been nothing but a pain since I bought it. Ive had to replace 2 window motors, a transmission (100,000 miles), blower control module, blower motor, stabilizer bar, and now the CV joints are going bad. When it rains hard you get water the car and trunk. Almost impossible to change the spark plugs yourself. Interior components are cheaply made and designed. The gas mileage is unimpressive. The front doors have started to rub the fender when you open them!! I find it disturbing when i go tot he junkyard to get parts that theres an abundance of Grand Prix to get parts off of. I will never buy another GM product.

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  Believe the Hype!! - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By powrtrippin - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car in Jan 2003.. Test drove the 240hp Accord and the Altima. Both impressive but neither pushed my back against the seat like the GTP. Being quite roomy and packed with options didnt hurt the decision either. The only thing that I was concerned about was the price. Luckily, there was a $3000 rebate and my wife gets the GM discount. That made my choice the easiest thing Ive ever done.

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  best car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By trunt ozares 1 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  best car in the world because its big and powerful. could use a better stereo.

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  The Best Car Ever. - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MrMartin - February 25 - 6:20 am

  This car has been in our family since 1997, and has been through 11 Wisconsin winters, and all of our lovely weather here, and still runs like a top. Weve never had any major repairs other than standard maintenance. Has held up through one adult driver, and two teen drivers and shows no signs of stopping. It now has 136,000 miles on it and still looks good and drives great. I would not trade this for any other car, its just too good looking and reliable, and have no bad comments to say about it.

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  2004 GTP Comp G - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By greg328 - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I traded our 99 GTP in on my wifes Tahoe, and really missed driving it. I wasnt impressed with the new GP in the brochure until I saw & drove it. It was a joy to drive and looked much better with the 5 spoke chrome wheels than the 10 spoke in the brochure. I would highly recommend this car to anyone with a family that needs room but still craves a little sport and performance. This car is a perfect fit!

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  So far so good! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Dan - February 16 - 6:26 am

  Wanted to get into something a bit cheaper to run than my truck. This is it. Originally I was looking at G6 sedans, base 4 banger, only option I wanted was cruise. This is just so much more car for the money! Only have it not even 2.5 months and already have 6,500 miles on it. It is just racking up the miles without a hiccup. Runs good, gets decent mileage and is just an all-around good ride. So far no problems. Headroom could be better, the sunroof eats into it a bit. With the rebates, if you just need basic transportation, this fits the bill quite nicely!