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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  not bad - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bboss - August 24 - 10:00 am

  the handling of the grand prix is choice. it handles the best out of the cars i have owned in the past. the 2001 to 2003s have the best design out of the grand prix, it looks sporty and acts it too. the fuel mileage is not the best i average only 22mpg with highway and city driving, my ford explorer gets that, and that has four wheel drive. other then that, it is a great choice!

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  The best - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By grandprix - August 24 - 10:00 am

  All i have to say it is the best car i have ever drove. It has so much power and rides great.

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  Very Good Quality Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ballbreaker910 - August 23 - 1:36 pm

  I purchased this car to replace a car that was on its last leg. After reading reviews from a website like this I decided to purchase one. It was a well made decision. This car is very reliable. I lived 2 miles from work and found out the hard way how bad the car was on gas, especially with local driving. However on the highway I was able to get about 25 mpg. Things I noticed before trading it in was it began to burn oil. The indicator advised me of low oil well before the 3000 mile recommended oil change and I used synthetic blend. Overall. It was a great car.

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  2nd Grand Prix First GTP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Phil - August 21 - 10:16 am

  This vehicle has all the power and sporty style a driver requires. The front seats are very comfortable. The controls are very easy to use but plain. The rear seat certainly could have more leg room considering how deep the trunk is in this vehicle. The truck is almost too large. The superchager certainly moves this vehicle and without premium gas. I have owned a 2002 Grand Prix GT and have NO repairs or warranty work. The sporty style is what I wanted and still remains true in the 2005. The interior is plain and cheatly made, the overhead garage door compartment has been broken and is currently held together with tape. I do not plan on paying $50+ to replace it. Inc. Interior Qual

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  Fairly Good Car overall - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By njoosse - August 20 - 9:07 pm

  Nice big car, lots of room, loads of power from the 3.8 v6. Love the exhaust growl. I always compare this car to my 04 Honda Accord 4cyl. This car has way more power and gets the same fuel mileage. On the other hand it doesnt handle as well and the fit and finish are not nearly as good. I love the interior, especially at night. Reliability is ok. Burns a bit of oil. At 100000miles, its starting to squeak and rattle, which my Honda is not. Overall a pretty good car.

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  Go car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By pein66 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  very reliable and fun to drive

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  10k Review - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bdevoe - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Overall - good, dependable 100 mi/day transporation Highs: Excellent gas mileage, good visibility, firm seating, good acceleration, surprisingly quiet, large trunk Lows: choppy ride at highway speeds, headroom, quirky cruise control (set),

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  Most bang for the buck - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By F. Pusl - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Pontiac Excitement is just a buzzword until one gets to own and drive a Pontiac Grand Prix. I bought a 1998 GT for its distinctive and muscular styling. I was immediately surprised with its performance, which led mo to trade in on a 2001 GTP. This cars performance is simply awesome. The horsepower is definitely under rated. I took it to the west coast and loved the smoothness, comfort, handling and power, especially in the mountains, getting an average of 28 miles per gallon. Talk about reliability, in four years of driving the Grand Prixs I never had to take either car back to the dealer. for repair or adjustment.

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  Fast and Versatile - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By guy - August 15 - 2:30 am

  So its a low-lifes dream car, so what? It has many assets: Much cheaper than the Volvo S60R I was also looking at, expressive appearance, dark cherry red exterior, cool rims, black leather interior, smooth ride, lots of cargo space, and rumbling 303hp V8 that runs on 4 cylinders for 28 mpg when cruising. And fun to drive, with great acceleration, control and braking. On downside, w/ my ht, drivers seat must be tilted back so I dont hit roof. Also, headrest is fixed parallel w/seat back, so its too far back to be of use even if seat werent tilted. Was car designed for Neanderthals, or should I drive with a racing helmet? I just slouch along, but somehow it works for me.

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  Great Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jetfan - August 14 - 6:03 pm

  When I bought this car the previous owner took very good care of it. The only thing I had to do is put a MAF sensor on it. These cars are fast, especially if you add a few goodies. So it just goes to show if you maintain your vehicle, more often than not it will last. I love this car, in fact I think Im going to buy another one possibly a gtx if I can find one.