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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  Fun to drive!!!! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By camarosm - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The Grand Prix GTP is a great all around vehicle it combines all the qualities of luxury,sports,family and flat out Muscle cars. The 3800 series 2 supercharged V6 is a proven performer with plenty of torque and horsepower all the way up to its 6,000 rpm redline.

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  Wow, what kind of car is this? - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Russ - May 16 - 3:33 pm

  I get that question asked all the time. I dont know how to answer because its so different from the base Grand Prix that I often just say "GXP" and then the person who asked shuts up and you can tell they have no clue what a GXP is.

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  1998 4dr GTP - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jared Davis - May 15 - 5:16 pm

  I bought my grand Prix almost three years ago and for the most part, have enjoyed it since then.. There have been some problems with the inside door panels coming loose, the heater went out, and the window operating unit has broken. I have put alot of money into this car in little misc. parts... It has nickle and dimed me death... I love this car, but probably will not ever buy one again..

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  2001 Pontaic Gran Prix GT Coupe - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jayramos - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This car has been the best GM car I had in the past 12 years. It has been reliable and well designed - young yet looks good on a 40 year old-LOL. Although the minor interior noises annoy me now & then - it is a fun car to drive & have.

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  Grand Prix GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jim Shaw - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Back seat? Forget it, its way too small for any distance. Engine is quite powerful and it gets up and goes. Comfortable driving position for longer trips hard to find. Some minor rattles and shakes. Brakes are in need of work after 19K miles, am having a problem with warped rotors that make brakes pulsate when stopping or slowing from higher speeds like 65 plus. Fit and finish is OK but not great.

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  Good Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Frank - May 13 - 11:13 am

  Was the first in my town to purchase this brand new 99 Pont Grand Prix GT (white). Ive had several things go out on it, but was mostly while under warranty. The shifter linkage worked its way loose (5 times) had to be towed in. While getting a tune-up the mechanic noticed that the coils were burned so had to replace them. The computer went out and after returning the car to the mechanic 3 times he found that a frayed wire in the rear of the car was filling with water and running the length of the wire to the computer, shorting it out. I payed for the first computer but dealership paid for the second since they didnt locate the source of the problem. It has 160,000 original miles.

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  Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By J. Moyer - May 11 - 9:16 pm

  I loved the look of the GP when I first saw it, and traded a 2000 Accord V6 for a new 04, black with chrome wheels. After 58K miles, the GP has been just as reliable as the Accord (which is to say zero problems) and it rides quieter and feels more stable on the highway than the Honda. However its fun to drive when I want it to be: acceleration is fine, and new Bridgestone Potenza tires helped the handling (the standard Goodyear Eagle LS tires are cheap squealers in Eagle disguise). My GP is a car I still look back at after parking it. The only disappointment is that if I were to trade-in the GP today, I would get much less for it than an Accord that cost me exactly the same.

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  260 hp supercharged& super fast - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By raceman - May 10 - 3:06 pm

  This is my first Grand prix. I absoulutly love it. Who would have thought a 260 horsepower v6 0-60 in 6.5 the monsoon system will rock your socks off the super charger will snap your neck and the outside apperance will turn heads. All of this and I still get 20.4 mpg in city driving. I cant believe that 2008 is the last year for this power house

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  Fun car, hindered by GM - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By braindeadunit - May 6 - 5:42 am

  The 3.8L makes this a pretty fun car to drive, however, as a GM "cookie cutter" car, it suffers from subpar engineering and build quality. Panels like to fall off, something that couldve been prevented with a better plastic. The powertrain is generally reliable, but thats about it. You can eek pretty good mpg out of this car, but its a bit of a pain to do so. If great MPG is your priority, look elsewhere, but dont worry about this car burning holes in your pocket.

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  A Great Steal - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By clarkb2999 - May 3 - 7:03 am

  After rebates, paid just under $14K. For that amount, it is a great car. It is responsive and engergetic in everyday driving, quick when pushed. Individual Map lights are absent on the Base model, which most base Korean cars have. Base stereo is weak. Still a bit too much hard plastic on the dashboard, though the layout/ergonomics are FAR improved from the previous generation. A generally great car, and even without the insane deal, I would happily drive it over the boring 4 cylinder versions of the Camry, Accord, Altima, or Mazda 6.