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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  My 4th GP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Explicit_Spade - October 7 - 1:36 am

  This is my fourth Grand Prix, so I may be a little biased, but the quality for the price cant be beat. I have a heavy right foot, and this car has done nothing but perform. Its a large bulky car, however, the advertisement at the time was "Wider is Better" and I couldnt agree more. The bold styling turns heads. The interior is made for the driver by drivers, with a cockpit style design. Its the most luxury and power you can get for the price.

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  GREAT for the $$$ - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By orlandojack - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I had a few friends who had bought a Gran Prix GTP, and after seeing theirs , just HAD to have one! I have the competition upgrade, and wow! does this car perform FANTASTIC for a vehicle of its size. Its an excellent combo of luxury and performance and luxury. To be honest-I bought the car for ME! When you slide behind the wheel, you almost feel like youre in the cockpit of an airplane. I l loked at other vehicles in the price rangr, and have to tell you, for the money, Im 100% satisified with this vehicle.Its SHARP, a "head turner" and just out and out "fun" to drive! Im an INSTANT fan! kudos to GM for this car.

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  1999 Grand Prix 2 Dr. coupe - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Randy Ratliff - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Has been a great car. Well equiped, ok power, great handeling and road manners. This car has lots of leg room in the front and back and is a great family car. Ive owned Z-28s and Trans Ams and would have liked another performance car and split the differance between performance and a family with this car. The $4000 for the GTP version is to much money for 40 horsepower.

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  Perfect Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 2004 Grand Prix - September 28 - 11:53 am

  This is my second Grand Prix. It was definitely worth the upgrade from the 2001 model. This car has very good power and pickup. Very comfortable interior and exterior styling. Ive had it a year and a half and just now had my first problem--which was minor. GM may just have finally figured out their brake problems. This is my first GM that I havent had to put brakes on within the first year. Interior could be built with better quality materials, things tend to wear out easily. Other than that I would recommend this vehicle to anyone!

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  Performance & Practicality - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Love my gtp! - September 27 - 3:00 am

  This car is serious your bang for your buck! I was either going to buy an iroc-z camaro or the grand prix gtp. I was so glad that I bought the grand prix. It is features everything that car buyers want. Pedal the metal acceleration, descent gas mileage, easy to maintain, fancy features such as leather heated seats, premium sound, supportive seats and interior, as well as good safety ratings. This car has everything. My car now has 133,000 miles on it and has never let me down. It fits five people easily and comfortably. Leg room should be no problem for anybody, nor head room. Overdrive works great on the highway with its AMAZING passing power. If you come across any grand prix, buy one!

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  exciting car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GXP owner - September 26 - 4:56 am

  I have had the vehicle for over 2 weeks and the GXP version is awesome. Has outstanding V-8 and it really goes. Looks are headturning

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  99 gtp - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cousinvinney - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought used with 24000 miles was never in for warentee till I brought it in for a delaminaled door pannel. no squeaks/ rattels etc. Fit and trim is great. All the bells and whistles makes the car a supurb toy. the car gets 16.5 mpg around town and 26 on the road. This thing has got some scoot to it !!!! and it is very stable in turns and at speeds of 90 mph and beyond. Real nice car !

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  A good ride - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By B at 45 - September 21 - 5:06 am

  My GT has been trouble free. Original tires wore quicker than I thought they should, but Goodyears I bought holding up good. Ive been very pleased with the gas mileage for this size of car. 17-31 MPG. Alot of remote start in Chicago winter or Phoenix summer and mileage obviously drops. 65 MPH on interstate and 30 MPG. 85-90 MPH on interstate and 25-26 MPG. Over 68500 miles and still on original brakes. Ill need them soon, can feel rotors have a shimmy during hard braking. Like the oil management system, saves oil, have gone 9000 miles on a couple of changes. This is a great highway vehicle. Quiet and quick when its needed. Good in snow when lived in Chicago. Great AC now in Phoenix.

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  Great Car 3rd Grand Prix - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Caselynn - September 19 - 1:26 pm

  This is the third grand prix I have owned, and I must say I have NO complaints! I have had only small problems, the switch on the fan only works at 3+, and the light on the radio doesnt light up. I get 30 mpg on highway, and 26 in town. I have a lifter tapping which is annoying but not serious. It always runs and drives and I am at 160,000 miles so far. I had a 94 SE which made it to 250,000, and I drove my 98 GT to 180,000 with only a minor oil leak when I sold it. I love this car and I am impressed, I have owned many others but keep coming back to Pontiac.

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  The best car I have ever had! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By miketkrw - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my Grand Prix. It is comfortable and roomy, rides nice, and yet handles more like a sports car than a sedan. I have been impressed with the quality of the fit and finish. I laugh at people who pay 10 to 15k more for a lexus. Ill take my GP any day.