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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  Its a nice car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Reezy-High - January 14 - 8:46 am

  Its great! I got everything under the hood squared away. High-mileage runs like a new car though. Cheesy interior. Oh and the pad under the glove box is slightly hanging down. I purchased it that way.

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  awesomeness - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bob Lutz - January 13 - 9:23 pm

  So much low end power. Love it

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  Coupe in Sedans Body - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Elizabeth2002 - January 11 - 10:00 am

  As I reviewed differing sedans in the 20K price range, I found that the base model of the GP boasted good power in its 200hp engine and a good ride. In 3+ years of ownership, the vehicle has been reliable and fun to zip through canyon roads on trips. While its not a coupe, if you need room for kids, it will satisfy your need for speed.

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  If you liked the last gen... - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Cperki1 - January 11 - 10:00 am

  As a 5 time Grand Prix owner, this generation is the best Prix yet. If you like to drive, and I mean DRIVE, then you should give this car a test drive. GMs 24 Hour test drive is a wonderful program and I advise you to take advantage of it. My car is the GTP with the Comp G package. My 2002 GTP was a car that asked to be driven. My 04 DEMANDS to be driven.

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  Detail of My first car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Crystal - January 7 - 7:50 am

  I have had my car for two years. It is my first car and I love it. I think that it has great pick up and most cars cant even keep up. I love the body style I think that it looks very sporty but yet is very comfortable. My next car is definitely going to be a Pontiac!

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  Time for a change... - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By SFeldman Nutley NJ - January 6 - 6:16 am

  My 99 Buick Regal LSE was getting up in mileage and I was attracted by the GM rebate offers. 04 was the last year for the Regal, so I checked out the LaCrosse. I was not thrilled by the syling and looked at the Pontiac G6. While looking at the G6 is saw the Grand Prix. I loved the exterior styling and noticed that many options on the LaCrosse were standard on the Grand Prix.

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  GTP Eats Mustang GTs and poops Subaru STIs - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By eddymerckx - January 1 - 5:21 am

  The 3.8 SC motor is under-rated at 240hp, unlike the Japanese who over-state their motor output. My stock motor on a Dyno put out 304 hp. If you dream of Audi S4 performance, but need reliability, look no further than the Pontiac GTP. These engines are bullet proof, except for the occasional intake gasket which although time consuming is not a terrible job. $500 tops at any shop. A Wards top ten engine mated to a reworked GM trans able to take the extra output.

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  Sweet ride - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Great car so far ! - December 29 - 9:26 am

  I just bought this car and totally love it. Great pick up, smooth ride and pretty damn quiet for a pretty big 6. Love all the features,sunroof, power everything and seat warmer to keep me warm in the winter.

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  Owned for 6 years - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By hardywang - December 26 - 2:23 am

  Lost my GTP in an accident, an owned it for 6 years ended with 220000KM. Generally speaking it is a good car, styling, comfort, fast. With some issues as well, in 6 years I replaced: 2 water pumps, 2 crankshaft position sensors, 1 low ball joints, 2 sway bars. Rear strut mounts are gone.

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  Speed is the word - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By LV2XLR8 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I have put 30K on this car in the last 18 months. I drive from LA to San Diego at a typical 85MPH and the ride is great. I have raced others in this class and have yet to be run down. Took out a beamer 330 today from a stop light without breaking 6000RPM! Put aside a little nest egg to pay for the speeding tickets (got mine doing 71 in a 45). Just cant seem to help form pushing that little peddle down... For an additional 1500 get the GTP.