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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I LOVE THIS CAR - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By paulkarla - April 11 - 2:00 ami paid 32000 for mine and it has been worth every penny
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Best thing since sliced bread - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By blaze5222 - April 3 - 2:26 pmI just bought my wife a 02 grand prix gt.... and it rocks.... sure since it is used and has about 65000 miles on it.... there are a few minor issues... but for a used car, I never would have thought I would feel safe sending my wife the 150 miles to the beach without me..
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AWESOME! - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By JoyB - April 1 - 10:00 amIve had my car for 2 years - no problems at all! It handles great, rides great, etc. It durability saved my life ... Id by another one in a heartbeat!!!!!!!
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Review - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By candice - March 30 - 3:43 amLove car other than minor defects that we have come across that dealerships seem to not be able to fix such. The car acts like its going to die at times or stall out. We have taken it 6+ times and dealer ship never fixes the problem.
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More Maintenance - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By cpuuri-2 - March 23 - 2:00 amIm back! Since May 2002 heres whats happened: 78k - drivers power window motor went ($100, self-installed), bearing in HVAC fan started going and fan failed ($95, self-installed), gas mileage has dropped off to 20 mpg on 60:40 highway:city; 79k - passenger- side power door lock actuator (the "motor") failed ($50, self- installed). It still leaks about a 1/2 quart of oil every fill up but I still enjoy riding it. The parts are cheaper than a monthly car payment, but if you dont like the hassle, I wouldnt recommend a Grand Prix.
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*****2000 Pont. Grand Prix GT 4dr******* - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Sirhc11 - March 21 - 10:00 amAs the owner of a 94 Pont. GP SE 4dr previously, to a 2000 Pont. GP GT 4dr I have to say is a HUGE improvement. The 94 lasted 195,000 miles before needing an engine overhaul, and required continous dealer visits for plugs seizing in place every 10,000 and over $5,000 in repairs (inc a new tranny which is VERY expensive)between 140,000 and 175,000 (2yrs total) **HOWEVER** The 2000 Pont. is a VERY different tale. I bought the vehicle from a non pontiac dealer in 2003 for $11,000 with 44,000 miles on it, to date I have put on 31,000 additional miles without a PROBLEM!!! Knock on wood....BEWARE of the mpg though...this car EATS gas..I found the computer mpg gage 100% accurate!!! LOVE THIS CAR!!!
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Outstanding car w/ great performance - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Doug Haskin - March 21 - 10:00 amI have had my 2004 GTP CompG for about 3 months now, and I really enjoy it. It has great performance from the supercharged 3800 series V-6 engine. IMHO this is one of the best engines ever built... GM uses it on almost all of its midsized cars, so it has been around for years and has many aftermarket performance parts available. The interior is all new, and it thanksfully is missing the plastic interiors of previous Pontiacs. The CompG package is a must as well, coming with manumatic TAPshift and Head Up Display. I would recommend this car to anyone in the market for a sedan with good power and styling.
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The First of Many Grand Prixes - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Alexe - March 21 - 10:00 amWe bought this car after driving an SUV for four years. And I am so happy that we did! I love it! There is more room in the trunk of this car than my SUV! The seats are so comfortable! My husband is over 6 foot tall and has no trouble getting comfortable in either front seat. I just think it looks very sleek and stylish without the high price tag. I wish there were cup holders in the back, but other than that I have only good things to say about this car. And when it is time to trade it in, I will be getting another one!
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peace of junk - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Clifford H. Leighton - March 17 - 2:00 amunder warranty 2 radios, 1 set of spark plug wires, water pump, 2 altenators, 1 battery out of warranty 1 battery, the altenator twice (the first replacement was warranteed)1 PS pump, 2 steering racks, the engine and transmission pan gaskets are leaking and the auto-dim rear view mirror is delaminating. GM will not help with any of the out of warranty repairs.
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This is an awesome car for a sedan!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By MBushner - March 17 - 2:00 amPontiac did a great job in building a car that provides both the functionality of a regular sedan but with a big dose of power for those of us that drive the limit. This is a great car.
