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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  40th Anniversary GP - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By vga0952 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 1997 Grand Prix that had some basic faults which I feared might still exist with the 2002 model but it appears Pontiac got all the bugs out for its 40th year of production. I went with $2695 40th Anniversary Special Edition Package Option. In that 2002 is the last production year for a two door along with the Special Edition package my hope is that my coupes resale value will be better than the standard GT model. Being performance minded, I do wish I had gone with GTP with supercharger although that would bump the sticker price to $30,000 which is too much. To date, with 8000 miles, my customer satisfaction level is nearly 100%.

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  Good Ol Girl - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By nola2012 - September 14 - 2:51 pm

  I bought this car used in Sept 05 with 33,000 miles on it. I am now looking to retire her with 220 plus. Overall shes been very reliable but this car does have some design flaws. Rainstorms are not its friend. Water runs down into the AC system and I had to have the heater box replaced. The blower began sticking on last year, got it fixed and didnt last. The AC system has now burned up in it completely and Im not getting it fixed. The floors will also get soaked in heavy rain which is really strange. The backseat is too cramped but the trunk is the size of Nebraska. I have loved the power and good looks of this car though.

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  Not so family oriented - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By shoeguy72 - September 13 - 6:50 pm

  My supercharged Grand Prix seemed like the most practical way to go for me, since I needed a "ffamily oriented" vehicle that has more than 2 doors, and I wasnt willing to take the leap off the cliff to the minivan, but now that Ive owned it for 5 months, I realize how impractical this is for a family vehicle. Too low to the ground which makes car seats a real pain in the butt, rides hard, Black leather interior always makes the car warm, and it has lost so much of its value already retailed for 23k when I purchased it, and dealerships wont give me more than 13k on trade 5 months later? Id never buy one of these again.

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  Never any Problems - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ksm - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I have always loved my pontiac... have had it for two years, have driven it all over (absolutely love it on the highway) and find myself easily accelerating, turning, and simply buzzing about town. I never have problems getting around in snow and my children are always saying "Go faster!" I got premium wheels on my car with a maroon shiny finish that gets a weekly car wash (It shows well)... Used to drive a Bonneville, dont like the new style.. this styling fits my personality entirely!

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  GT is a great look on the Outside - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Marcus - September 6 - 4:03 pm

  The pontiac Grand Prix GT is an awesome looking car and a great buy because it looks so good. However, as you drvie this car daily the one thing you realize is the drivers seat is extremely uncomfortable and has a gap in the head rest, WHY PONTIAC? I have the premium sound system and it sounds great except when I hit a bump and I realize I will eventually need to buy a new cd player because this one skips so much. The guy I bought this car from said it got up to 30 m.p.g. and it DOES NOT. It gets maybe 23 and thats on the highway. I have had no problems with my car since I have bought it, so my recommendation is if you want a good car for about 5 grand this is a great buy.

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  GXP Has Great Power - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By n costabilo - September 5 - 6:53 am

  This review on edmunds does not do the GXP model justice. It is fun to drive and is faster than the 300c/Hemi Charger. Driven a few 300s w/ and w/o Hemi and have not been impressed with performance and handling. The GXP has a lot to offer nad is a joy to drive.

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  Had a few problems - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By gators - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I know many people who have owned this vehicle. It is usually very dependable. The traction control and heavyness of the car is a plus. It is fast, but eats gas. I purchased this car used. I should have bought and extended warranty. I had problems with the stearing. Which if not under warranty can cost over $1000.

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  And I paid money for this? - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Very Disappointed - September 3 - 5:26 am

  This is a fun car to drive when it runs. That is key. The car has stalled on me numerous times while driving, coasting, or waiting at a stop light. Other times, it simply wont start. I cannot count how many times the grand prix left me stranded. If you purchase this car, be sure to have a cell phone handy to call friends/family for a ride. Mechanics say that it is fine, but problem persists. Electrical problems abound. I will definitely do my homework before my next car purchase. When I do, quality and reliability will be at the top of my list. This car seriously lacks both. There is no worse feeling than not knowing if your car will take you from A to B without any trouble

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  1999 Pontiac - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ataguy - August 29 - 4:36 am

  We were the original owners of this car. Previously owned a Dodge Neon that was rather unrelieable. What a difference with this Pontiac.. Very reliable. We had the oil seals replaced at 100k miles & a electronic sensor replaced at around 80K miles. Other then that there were no major repairs. Solid ride, 28 mpg on the highway. Great performance & quiet ride. Wed buy another one.

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  Worst vehicle Ive ever owned - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tom - August 26 - 2:16 am

  Great power and fun to drive, however, 2 pages of repairs including 3 transmissions, tie rod ends, 3 $340 tires, this car was towed 6 times, when I basically gave it away on a trade-in it was diagnosed with another bad transmission and a bad starter!! Drove it a total of 86K. Of all the new vehicles I owned in 35 years this one is the worst. At one point the dealer said he was going to get GM to take the vehicle back, but, that TOO didnt happen. My wife actually told me "that car or me". I love my wife.