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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  Nice Car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By James Duncan - April 28 - 2:43 am

  This is one fine car it drives like a dream and also rides very nice also good gas mileage I really cant say anything bad about it.

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  Foxy Sweet - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Frank - April 27 - 5:36 am

  This car is a beautiful car, however some rider may not find it statisfying to them, there are cars are lemons, and dealer has no fault of it. Like any other cars always here and there you will notice a few issues, but on whole this car is reponsive, ecellent riding manner, excellent accerlation, and the look and the power. GM should tight this car alittle bit ad some luxury features inside and that is it, why this car manufatures cheep like that, if they cant improve this car esprcailly becuase it is #1 selling car for them, then I do ot blame the foreign import to beat the heck on GM.

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  Best new car Ive owned in over 50 years - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mike angelo - April 26 - 7:50 pm

  I get over 30 mpg on highway 24 in city. Hot foot wife does much worse. Outside of battery, brakes tires, and oil changes, have had NO repairs in first 140,000 miles. Needed to replace oil pan gasket but delayed it until now. Oil is still cheaper than the repair. Suddenly the motor mount went bad. (Supercharged models use one less mount) which caused front axle boot to go. While it was apart replaced water pump which was still OK. Wife loves the car, Im a van person so I feel cramped in it but it is fun to drive and the boost is great when needed. Tried using premium fuel but saw no gain in hp or mpg so have used regular since then with no problem.

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  Impressive American Sedan - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GP fan - April 24 - 12:13 am

  Ive put 11k Miles on this vehicle and am pleased with its quality. Its straight line performance is great for a sedan. Its steering is a bit vague, but thats compared to my compact Mazda. My 4cyl Mazda only got 2mpgs better with half the horsepower. The dashboard is a bit bland in all black, so I recently bought a Sherwood dash kit to accent it. The only other gripe I have is the door handles. They are to small and slippery for such heavy doors. If you enjoy modifying your vehicle, there are several sellers of aftermarket parts for this car. Overall, I really enjoy driving this car. I get nice comments about its looks. I am really glad I bought American.

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  2004 Grand Prix GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Nikki - April 23 - 1:16 pm

  I have noticed that my doors tend to sound odd when opening or closing. Worse in the cold. Its a creaking noise. Also, I know its pretty standard now a days but the white film thats all over the windows from running air or defrost. Its almost impossible to get off.

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  Good - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Reggie - April 18 - 4:20 pm

  Real good

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  "RED ROCKET" - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BRIAN JAEB - April 18 - 2:30 pm

  I was a "ford man" until I got behind the wheel and drove this car. Boy was I impressed. It handled way better than i ever imagined. Those "Ford Guys" are way behind the times with there Taurus and 500`S. Ride quility and handling have any other rode sedan beat hands down.

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  Never Again - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BJam - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car thinking that it would last as long as our 94 Grand Prix. My cars are well maintained and checked regularly. This one didnt even make it to 100,000 miles. No warning from any of the sensors, no telling that anything was wrong until I looked at the temp guage and saw 250 degrees. After immediately pulling over, it was too late. The engine was cooked. Now Im looking at a $3500 investment on a car that is valued $6500.

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  05 Grand Prix GT - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JBS - April 16 - 4:43 pm

  I just took delivery of my new 05 GT and have had it now for about a week. I am very impressed with this vehicle. It is my 2nd Grand Prix and the car has gotten much better. The restyled interior is great. Everything is within easy reach of the drivers seat. The throttle response from the engine is right where it needs to be, and the engine has plenty of power in passing situations. The handling seems much imporved as well. The only negative so far is fuel economy in city driving. On the Highway its great but in day to day situations it can be improved.

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  Black in Black Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Guillo - April 12 - 10:40 pm

  86,000 miles and it runs like a tiger. The starter was damage at the 75,000 and it damage also the battery, besides that, only regular maintenance and tires. I use it to travel a lot with my heavy friends (4 people in car and is loaded like 900 pounds plus the baggages weight) and it moves nicely. When alone (140 pounds) I race with everything on the street (Won a lot). The car have a lot of power, is very nice to drive, it have a nice look (family + sport at the same time). The interiors look super cool, are very confortable and the factory stereo sounds very nice.