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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  terrible interior - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Scott - November 12 - 3:06 pm

  The car drives well though the cheap body cladding was falling apart after 2 weeks and the brakes could be better. This has to be the cheapest interior GM has ever made. Im confident the car will run forever as the powertrain is not bad but who wants to ride in such a crappy interior? It also has no flash to pass, you have to click it to engage, I dont have to do that on my 92 Explorer! I am very dissapointed in the build quality of this vehicle. I will never purchase another GM product again. Rental car at best!

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  One HOT car! - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Amy - November 7 - 5:50 am

  My husband and i are military, so we have a lot of traveling! we needed something big enough for a growing family. my dad has a 06 and he LOVES it so we bought one and this car is the ANSWER! I get about 22/31 which is great for this size of car! we love it

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  My First Pontiac - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By T SInclair - November 6 - 5:50 pm

  Love the looks of this car and the handling is great. Drove through a high power car wash and my sunroof leaked. Called dealership, they looked at it said nothing wrong, but was not designed to be driven through car wash. Called GM and got to take to another dealership only to be told the same thing. Called GM back furious, they sent me a free oil change. (Like that solved my problem) My sister has a 2007 Charger with sunroof and drives through same car wash with no problems. Too bad GM cant make a car as good as a Dodge. I wont be buying another, and wouldnt recommend to anyone. Too bad, they sure are nice looking.

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  Wonderful First Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kat - November 6 - 11:56 am

  I love this vehicle! I drive it just about every other day, and it has held up through numerous trips from Nashville to Knoxville and back. The fuel economy around town isnt wonderful, but 27 mpg hwy is just fine with me. I love the sounds of the engine, and even at 105,000 miles, it still sounds strong.

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  Drawn to Pontiac - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By clbsrodd - November 5 - 12:26 pm

  Was always drawn to the style of the car so I had to have one. I am only the second owner of this 01 GTP SE and I love it. Just purchased the car less than a month ago with 85k miles. Was a very well maintained car so I was very lucky to find it. Great daily driver with plenty of power from the super charger with out using much gas. No complaints from me.

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  Disappointing - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Patty Romanelli - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is very disappointing. Loud road noise. Seating poor except for short people. Poor rear visibility for backing up. Fan control has a poor responce. Vehicle should have rear view mirror standard with temp./direction/auto glare change; not an option.

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  5 Year Follow-up - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By rail81 - October 30 - 10:23 am

  This is a follow-up review. I wrote one after initial purchase. Bottom line, GMs got to do better. The exterior design and discounted price sold us this car and I wish it hadnt. I now understand what professional car reviewers look for. The interior design is poor and cheap. The finish on the steering wheel is peeling and the low glovebox is nearly inaccessible. The seat side bolsters have worn through and the cheap interior plastic is impossible to clean. Horrible side/rear visibility. The engine has been reliable but the transmission now shifts harshly from 1st. Steering has been repaired twice. Airbag system acts up. Neither of our 150K+ mile Fords have had any problems.

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  Another satisfied customer! - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Happy buyer! - October 24 - 6:06 am

  This is my first Pontiac. I just got this car and am very satisfied with my purchase. My family fits well in it. My husband is 6’3”, son is 6’2” and I’m 5’6”. We all fit with no problems. Stylish looks. Head turner. Many compliments. Drives well. Has get-up- and-go. I got it with power everything. Bought it used with 22k miles. Was a rental. No problems whatsoever to bring up.

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  A bad bitty - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Dallas S - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 79 trans am for a while until an one day the car desided to blow up, literally. So I went into the market for a car, and found the GTP. I didnt think that a Grand Prix could take off like that. Coming from a tire eating monster I thought I would have been disappointed. I was wrong, this Pontiac hauls. And I love the mileage Im getting.

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  Be Careful At 100,000 Miles - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ch7 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with about 90,000 miles on it expecting a few repairs. What I have replaced over the past year includes roughly $5,000 of parts and labor. Transmission, oil pan, 2 alternators, 2 batteries, power steering pump, alternator belt, and a number of other smaller things. The charging system seems to be faulty because I dont feel that its very reliable. Pontiac needs to seriously consider increasing their factory warranty because their cars sure dont hold up after the three years are gone. I think the Grand Prix is a GREAT car but the one I bought was a lemon. Just to be forewarned though, you might want to buy the extended warranty.