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:
Showing 1161 through 1170 of 1,601.00-
Car Needs A Major Recall!!! - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Agitated - July 3 - 4:56 pmPurchased brand new! First, my tires did not last anytime-they were "chopped up" to quote the dealer and I had all the scheduled maintenence. The valves had to be replaced and the transmission has not been the same-I expect it to go out anytime! Goofy things inside have gone wrong, the controller for the windows had to be replaced, the strip on the driver side window broke, among other things. The cruise control only works part of the time and the accelerator for it never works. This week my passenger tie rod had to be replaced and universal joint is going out! You pretty much name it, and Ive had problems with this car. I love driving this car, but its a pile of junk! CurrentlyCarShopping
-
not bad for a v8 - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jeff - June 30 - 10:06 pmwow! talk about power in a front wheel drive ... lets just hope the year of the v8 has no problems :)
-
deeply irritated - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By irritated - June 28 - 12:03 pmWe bought this car after trading in a xcab f150 ford truck,which i loved. But owning two trucks was not fuel wise! After looking for a better gas milage vehicle, but still didnt want a "granny car", this sporty looking car caught our eyes! The car has every option including a moonroof, except leather interior,i don"t like leather. The seats are horribly uncomfortable, especially the passengers.Drink holders are a joke!! Oh!!! Let"s don"t forget that great transmisssion. They"re so great i have to have it replaced for the "4th", i said "forth", time.This is not a car to keep. After 58,000 miles,trans went out, again at 82,000 miles, but returned witin days for more repairs! And now at 88.000
-
LOVE IT!!! - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Christy - June 26 - 11:10 amI Love my Grand Prix GT, It is the 2nd one I have had. I have heads up display (I hope they always keep that as an option) I think it is great & dont like driving a car without it! I have leather heated seates, Dual Climate Control, Love having the Radio controls on the sterring wheel, Love the auto headlights & power sun roof! Traction Control is great!!! I hope it lasts a long time...
-
This car hauls - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By cabdog - June 24 - 10:00 amI read a review where someone said this is the best car they have ever owned, and I completely agree. I love this car. I can burn past almost everybody on the road, and I am sitting comfortably while doing it.
-
Great MPG and Performance - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By FuelMiser - June 19 - 7:06 pmWhen I see ads for a 4 cylinder Hondas that gets 30 mpg highway, I have to laugh as Im having so much more fun in my GTP. This car is not only a sleeper, it gets gas mileage in the range of Japanese cars but it has 280 pounds of torque to play with. True, the interior plastic parts could have been better, but the mechanical failures of my brothers Accord make me glad I bought a Pontiac. The GTP is well-known for long-term reliability and most of the negative posts you see here are not representative of the total population. I had a GM 3.8 liter with 250,000 miles and not a single mechanical issue. Dont doubt Pontiacs build quality or engineering, these cars are a steal @ <$10K!
-
07 GP GT - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GP & TA - June 16 - 1:00 amIve had the GT for about 3 months and love it over all. I do not have any regrets about my choice. Rush-hour commuting is now far more tolerable. Id even say enjoyable, but driving the GT is far better than the stop and go of rush-hour. The drivers seat is very comfortable. The A/C and climate control options are far better than any other car Ive owned or driven. Granted, it would be nice if the front passenger seat had the same power options.
-
NIce Car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Tim - June 14 - 10:50 amI would definitely go with the 3.8 L engine. It is reliable except that the intake WILL go after 150,000 miles. Other than that, it is a reliable car. Mine has 192,000 miles and is only now beginning to struggle.
-
Great car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By TONYDFRSH - June 13 - 6:43 amI have never owned a pontiac, but i love this car!!!!!!! All cars have downsides be it maintenance, gas or whatever. Ive owned mostly ford mustang gt`s, but i bought a 94 caddy 3 yrs ago and i was transformed into a gm man. My wife has a 2003 caddy cts under 28,000 miles, and this car rides as good as this minus the toys;" she also agrees". Power is better than her 3.2 2003 Cts. This car is a sleeper. I have the base model. But its more than adequate; see for yourself. Also before i forget; the caddy has been in the shop for little annoying things, and as of today her powersteering pump is leaking and the car is acting funny; dealer said they are going to fix it, luckily. Buy the gran prix
-
2006 Grand Prix Sedan (Base) - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By MawDeuce - June 10 - 4:36 pmMy previous car was a 1997 Bonneville, Series II 3.8L V6. I have to say, that with this new Grand Prix, I felt so secure with the purchase because the engine is just exceptionally dependable and easily modified. Id never owned a GP like this one, and so far I absolutely love it. Easy to maintain, smooth shifting, and somewhat powerful(could use some mods though). I cant wait for dual exhaust, short RAM intake and my new hood. I have to say that the shifty squeaking/clicking I get in the steering column is something I could do without though. The factory sound system is more than I expected, with more than enough bass to keep me happy for a while.
