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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  Best full size sedan for the money - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By TheRook - October 22 - 2:00 am

  It is time foreign car buyers take a look at the Pontiac Grand Prix. I have owned three and they have been as reliable as any German or Japanese car I owned. I think that the Japanese cars are overrated and overpriced. A GP is under $30,000 and yet it has many features you will not find on higher priced cars. The 240 HP supercharged engine six gives plenty of power but it also gives great gas mileage. The GTP has leather seats, heads-up display, chromatic mirror, computer to indicate warnings, gas mileage, oil life, and more. The ride is very comfortable and quiet. The wide track makes you feel secure even on wet or slick surfaces.

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  Beats the Mustang GT - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By TheRookGRIMM - October 22 - 2:00 am

  My wife owned a Grand Prix GTP and she traded it in on a Mustang GT convertable. She misses her Grand Prix so she drives my 40th Anniversary GTP regularly. If they made a Grand Prix convertable she would never have bought the Mustang. By the way when we both opened them up on the freeway my 4 DR Full size sedan 240 HP Supercharged GTP engine stayed right with her compact 2 DR convertable V-8 260 HP GT. I am sure if added a couple of the available kits I would be blowing away most the hot cars. I have to laugh at the Hondas with their big exhaust pipes thinking they can keep up.

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  I Like It! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tony - October 19 - 3:20 pm

  Havent had it long, but boy do I love this car. I had a 2001 SE that was great, so I bought this GT2. With the Fusion Orange paint on this car, it looks awesome. There is power when you need it, and on recent long highway trips, I got just over 30 miles to the gallon. Not bad for a 3.8L.

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  My Cool Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Amy - October 19 - 1:26 pm

  I have had my Grand Prix for almost a year now, and I love it just as much today as the day I bought it. It is cool,fun car to drive, and it rides great. I love how the front seats sit, but my husband says they are a litte uncomfortable for him and he calls it my "chick car" which I am fine with. That just means I get to drive when we go places together!

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  Not As good as my 2002 Grand Prix - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By PontiacGuy - October 17 - 12:50 pm

  This is my 2nd Grand Prix. I was hoping for the same overall performance and economy as my 2002 but it didnt happen. The fuel mileage is nowhere near 27, 18 is the highest to date. The transmission is sloppy from 1st to 2nd in traffic, the dealer says its "hunting" to save fuel. Then it does find the gear it slams hard. It is very unpredictable. On the plus side the interior is great, car is very power full and fun to drive and it looks great.

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  great touring performer - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By aldinero - October 17 - 10:00 am

  very nice dash,comfortable front seats,hard unsupporting rear seats.ride has improved handling is a little better than earlier grand prixs.

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  GREAT CAR!! - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By zkjsfbdkws894 - October 15 - 11:36 pm

  This car is great! The car is very well constructed. I recently got this car as my first car and I wouldnt take anything else. Its pretty fast for being 13 years old and that 3800 Series II engine is a beast. My car personally has trouble starting and the key gets stuck in the ignition. i know the key getting stuck in the ignition is a common problem, but if this happens, there is a hole (you may need to remove a little plastic cover) under where you would insert the key on the steering column. You just use a pen or something, push in the little knob and you can remove the key. There are some websites or videos telling you how to. But this is a great car and would recommend to people!

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  Great car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Danfm1 - October 15 - 12:50 am

  The car is amazing - Pontiac has really improved their products and it can easily challenge foreign cars. The turning is tight, the engine provides plenty of power while sipping gas, there are no rattles and the interior quality is great. Its safe, good looking, and a great ride.

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  Dont buy one for the looks - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By melissa - October 13 - 3:33 am

  The first several months, it drove like a dream. I fell in love with the design. Big mistake. Back door sides have been popping off, transmission has been going out, replaced starter, keys get stuck in ignition, only the passenger window will roll down, the vechile now shakes when under 45MPH, twice a year the windshield wipers need replaced, no trunk light, console cup holders have fallen off. This all happened within 3-4 yrs. of having the car. I have always taken care of my cars, but no matter how good I treat it, everything keeps breaking. My rear view mirror fell off after several months. If you have money to spend then this is the type of car youll want.

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  GXP Awesome and it growls - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Matthew - October 12 - 4:40 am

  I have`just purchased a Pontiac Grand Prix GXP after trading in an 04 COMP G. The new car is awesome and it growls like a. tiger. If you want some power and need an exciting ride this is the car for you