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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  Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mffrango - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. The only thing I would have done is get the GTP. But I probably dont need the tickets.

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  Looks Gr8 Runs Gr8 - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Fingers crossed - July 9 - 2:00 am

  If the car has good reliablity then the folks at GM have done a good job of offering a car that is fun and practle at the same time. The GT has plenty of power and looks great. It handles better then most cars its size, and I have driven a lot of them. Keeping my fingers crossed that the reliability issue doesnt become a pain in the neck for me.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jerry young - July 8 - 2:26 am

  I just purchased the Grand Prix GXP, this car is fast. We were looking at buying the GTO for sports car look and performance. Since my wife and I travel alot, along with my 2 boys, and after looking in the trunk of the GTO, which you can only fit 2 small bags. We decided to get the Grand Prix, it has good looks, 4 doors, but when me and my wife drove this car, whow, the V8 has a lot of power for a family car. It handles like a race car. Its fast, sleek, and good looking. Just in the 3 days that we have had the car, a lot of kids and adults have complimented on this car.

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  2 year Evaluation - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 06gp - July 6 - 6:35 pm

  Bought my 06 Grand Prix back in 2009 and it has served me well. the 3.8L is very reliable, powerfull, and sounds amazing once the hammer is dropped. The ride is very comfortable, no complaints there. The exterior is gorgeus, sexy if I may say. Interior material quality: The cheap plastics, thanks GM, is ok but very difficult to shine up and keep good. In the future I will customize the interior with Blk leather and dark wood trim so that will be my solution. Fuel economy is great highway wise (28mpg), the city is satisfactory if you dont speed and suddenly accelerate. Repairs: Just a alternator and a upcoming brake job. 18+car= havoc. Overall I am very impressed with my Pontiac and love it.

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  Gets my vote - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ghogho - July 3 - 7:43 pm

  This is my first pontiac. I just got it recently and i really enjoy it. It has 44,000 miles on it, it drives very smooth. good on gas, roomy interior, great sound system, lots of trunk space. Overall Great Car for the price.

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  Grand prix 2008 6-banger - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mondo - July 2 - 1:03 pm

  This car is very fun, I think people driving next to you dont expect this car to perform as it does (it is a sedan). Ive owned many nice cars and todays economy has forced me to buy under 20,000. For the money this car is perfect for average sized people, small families can benefit greatly. I cant believe the gas mileage! It rides like a silent hotrod if you will, but cost very minimal to operate. Say what you want about the fancy technology inside, get extended warranty. The power train warranty is piece of mind enough. Would recommend this car to anybody!

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  Pontiac Out did Themselves - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RickE41 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car as a demo with 750 miles on the odometer. My first major roadtrip was from Detroit to Rochester MN. The car handled magnificantly on both Highway and backroad driving. Acceleration was superb and it was so much fun using the Tap Shift manual shifting around some of those corners in MN. Great car!!!

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  sick grand prix - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By treek - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I have a gold 2000 grand prix gt it is a blast to drive, just wish it had alittle more power after 85 it has had no problems since I have owned it when I first purchased it was quick but now that I have borla exhuast, cold air intake, and reprogamed ecu it screams took mustange gt in quater mile at track

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  Awesome! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BlakeGV - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is one amazing car! I just bought it and I am so glad I did! Its a great car!

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  Unbelievable car ! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Songbird - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Have owned 16 new GM cars - including a 68 GTO, two Trans Ams, and a supercharged 97 Riviera. This car takes a back seat to none of them. The handling is exceptionally TIGHT. I love the growl and bark of the powerful engine when you kick it in. Ive owned and driven many, many so called sports cars, but this is in a class of its own. You forget that you are in a sedan and not a sports coupe! A great, informative, and friendly dealer.