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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  Love This Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Aaryn - June 6 - 7:33 pm

  Recently purchased this vehicle to replace my 2001 Grand Prix. What a difference in 3 years! Almost everything has changed, and for the better. This car has great acceleration, is quiet, has a nice ride, looks good and is economical. Love the drivers information center and the heads-up display.

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  grandprix gt - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By joseph neese - June 5 - 9:36 pm

  I recently bought a gp gt and i love the way it looks, but ive been having problems with everything from tires to gas, wheelbearings just everything. I only have 8000 miles on my car the best gas mileage ive gotten is 400 miles to the tank thats bad, i got better with my 90 model pathfinder. i work for a gm dealership and none of the techs can find out what the deal is.

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  Still loving it - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Uncle Alan - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought this used at 1 yr old w/ 15k miles. I am so happy with it... great performance. Those 240 ponies make you hug your seat on take-off. I have had no shop issues to date... the only thing that I have had to do is add coolant around 4-5months... i dont think i have a leak...guess it just evaporates more than i thought.

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  Hoodie - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Hoodie - June 4 - 12:40 pm

  This car is definitely a good car 2 pull out on any day of the week, would not say it is commuter friendly its a gas guzzler. All and all it is a great car would give a strong recommendation for anyone considering this car

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  2nd review; Almost at the two year mark. - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By adamb - June 2 - 1:53 pm

  If you look back about 5 - 10 reviews, youll see another one from me. This is just an update of that review. At this time, my 2005 grand prix turned over 50k last night. The dealership still has not figured out why it doesnt run right at times. They seem to think im crazy. Really, im not. It feels as if the brakes are sticking almost, but they say they arent. I dont know what to do anymore, so this car is for sale as we speak. Im getting an 07 Camry very soon. No more GM for me. Sorry. All in all, I would really have liked this car had it not been for this weird problem, and the problems with build quality. Rattles are getting worse. I do live in a large city with rough roads.

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  gas guzzler - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jon - June 2 - 7:03 am

  I bought this car for my wife with 30000 miles on it. It has been in the shop several times. Issues with not starting, rack and pinion leak, and trans slipping with 34000 miles. I also found out it was a Hertz rental. So it definitely has been beat on. mileage is not good, city is 14.5 no highway trips yet but definitely a thirsty engine.

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  Sporty yet classy - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Geoff GRB - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 04 Grand Prix recently and it handles like a dream. The car is so comfortable on the inside with a cockpit like design and the exterior without a doubt turns head everywhere. It has lots of power when you need but purrs so quietly it is easy for passengers to sleep on the longer drives. The wide design of the car makes it steering and handling on the road comfortable at any speed and the interior is spacious. I recommend this car to anyone who wants a sporty car as well as want to drive in comfort and class!!!!!!

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  GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Memomcpa - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my GTP. Its just a fun car to drive. It the first time that I ever owned a car that makes me just want to hop in an go for a drive, for no reason.

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  Awesome Car - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By LouisZ03 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Grand Prix in January of this year and i love it. The car has a lot of power and it handles really well. On the street, it is more than a match for other coupes in its class. The interior is comfortable and the controls are easy to use.

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  Great Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GPGTP - May 22 - 2:00 am

  My GTP is awesome. I love the supercharger and the mileage. I get 24 mpg combined. Would recommend to anyone.