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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Lot of car for a great price - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Dunlap - August 12 - 2:00 amThis is the best Grand Prix to date. The most notable improvements are the quality of the interior components and ergonomics. The leather is now a much better grade. The trunk has a low lift over and with 60/40 split folding rear seat, the car is more versatile than ever. Same great engine to blow any wannabee off the line.
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Get Back into NASCAR - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Blacksheep - August 9 - 12:53 amThis is my second GTP Supercharged. I had a 97. Reliability on both cars (97 & 05) is terrific. Having a fold down front seat has come in handy more then once. I replaced the mufflers with Flow Masters and new exhaust tips. $400 and the car sounds like it wants to go and looks better from the back. My son-in- law replaced the air filter with a K&N filter. My only regret is that I did not know a V-8 was on the way. Pontiac needs to get back into NASCAR. I plan to stay with Pontiac and if it goes the way of Olds I will leave GM. No matter what you do to a Buick it is still the car my 89 yr old father drives and many more like him. No thanks!
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My best car ever - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Goofyazz86 - August 7 - 10:00 amThis Car is a very good car. It has many aftermarket parts and will be fun to work with.
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bobs GP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By blar - August 7 - 10:00 amJust got the vehicle,great fun to drive .Corners as if on rails,bought the g/comp model,hud is really helpful.
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Looks nice, but needs improvement - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Gary - August 4 - 7:43 pmMy dad is a GM mechanic, and he recommended me to buy this car. It has been very reliable except for the intake manifold (design problem). Also, the car makes enough HP that it does very well on long trips. The long trip highway mileage is very good.At times I get close to 30 mpg. This car is very spacious. I like it. However, the interior plastic is kinda chessy. I bought this car with 107k miles, and now it has 123k. I drove for 14 hours non-stop from Idaho to Arizona without any problems. Overall, I love this car. I would strongly suggest anybody who wants to buy a GP to make sure the previous owner had taken excellent care before you buy the car.
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Grand Prix GT 4 Door Sedan - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By dede402 - August 4 - 1:30 pmWe bought this car 7 months ago and ABSOLUTELY love it!!! It was a one owner car and VERY well taken care of! Even the body man at the dealership couldnt believe it was a 1999. It looks sooo much newer!! It rides like a dream and the gas milage is unbelievable! We plan on driving her down to Florida soon! The only problem we have had was a wheel bearing in the drivers side go and that has been it!! We LOVE this car soo much and would DEFINITELY buy another one!! We LOVE it that much!! There really is NOTHING bad we can say about this car! SHES BEEN GREAT!!!
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Gas mileage - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By tbrenz93 - August 4 - 6:42 amI currently own a 2002 grand prix with 161,100 miles on it and for some reason it goes through $15 of gas in a few miles. I wouldnt recommend driving it to 160,000 miles, its a junker now.
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Its a gas hog but fun to drive - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By AK Milwaukee - July 19 - 7:50 pmIm not getting anywhere close to the posted EPA estimates but the sound, power, and handling far outweigh the 21 mpg I average, (and thats driving it sanely!) with 60% hwy and 40% city driving. It pulls a little when doing heavy braking but torque steer on acceleration is minimal. Roomy and comfortable on the inside but I dont understand why Pontiac cant give this car memory settings for the seats - my husband is 6 4" and Im 5 5" - tough to exchange drivers. Also, some gas pedal extension would be nice. For the price I think this car is a great value. I switched from a 2002 Chrysler 300 M and am glad I did.
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Very Impressed - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Norton300 - July 19 - 10:00 amThe first time I saw the 04 Grand Prix was on the showroom floor of the local dealership while I was in for service. It was a GT1 (which I wouldnt have bought anyway), and I just didnt like the look of the interior. After eventually seeing a GT2 and a GTP with leather, my opinion changed drastically. I drove a GT2 and a GTP that day. I liked the way the GT2 drove, but it didnt give me that "wow" feeling as I drove it around. The GTP did just that. I love the layout of the vehicle, think it is very sharp inside and out, and would highly recommend taking one for a spin if you are in the market for a car like this.
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Best bang for your buck - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Q - July 9 - 8:23 amI loved my 2006 Grand Prix GXP the second I drove it. I was looking for something with muscle that could still be somewhat sensible. I have had zero problems with the car, and I still love it. I have the mileage up to almost 23,000 already, and Im in the thing constantly. The remote start is fantastic! It even has a sensor that detects the outside temperature..so if you remote-start your car on a hot day, the A/C comes on, start it on a cold day, the heat comes on. All in all, my only complaint was lack of tire selection..however, Goodyear is now manufacturing Eagle F1 All-Seasons in the appropriate sizes and they are killer tires. There are several companies that make tires for it..
