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 it - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Whammy - March 15 - 12:10 pm

  Love the ride and performance. Need more storage in the front and a little hard to see my blind spot when changing lanes, other than that its great. Very sporty, great handling and excellent pick up when I need it. The red illumination is great also.

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  Best Car We Ever Had - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ed and Lois - March 14 - 6:06 pm

  We love our Pontiac Grand Prix GT four door car. We have made several trips between Henderson, Nevada and Reno, Nevada. We have XM radio so great for sports, news, and music. We love our car!

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  GTP review - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Greg - March 12 - 4:20 pm

  It has been a fun car to drive. Very responsive. good mileage on trips, handles well. I have had a few minor repairs, but otherwise it has been very reliable.

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  Nice looks and powerful engine but... - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Josh - March 11 - 6:00 pm

  The looks of this car is what sold me. Beautifal car. I was looking at an 2002 Trans Am, but couldnt find one in good enough shape for the price. Bad things - at 40,000 intermediate steering shaft needed replaced, I guess this is standard as I have seen it many times in other reviews. Leaks from either the windsheild seal or from the antena are common. Water comes through the front dome light, luckily right into the cup holder. Brakes have become horrible, pads are at half wear and squeel noticeably loud, probably due to the drilled rotors. Significant rattle coming from the undercarriage, maybe exhaust? Only happens when in Drive, shift to neutral and the noise disappears.

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  Could Have Been Better - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mel - March 11 - 8:06 am

  This is my 3rd body style of the Grand Prix. Im most disappointed with the ride. My last two have run to 125,000 miles and have had to nothing but replace the struts on the 99 model after 100,000 miles. Prior to replacing the struts, the car rode like an OLD Dodge pickup --- Every bump was felt. The 04 was purchased with 1,100 miles and rides like an OLD Dodge Pickup. I feel every bump. A dealership has aligned, balanced, etc. & still rides like a truck. Very happy with the 95 & the 99; Severely Disappointed with the 04!!!

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  Grand Prix GTP CompG Hits the Mark - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By johnsonsh - February 23 - 2:00 am

  With the 2004 Grand Prix GTP Pontiac has taken big strides forward and a few small steps backward. Starting off with fresh and exciting sheetmetal the GTP continues its promise with exhilirating performance even using regular gas. This is a confidence-inspiring vehicle that is fun to drive. The TAPShift feature is meant for spirited driving but here in northeast Ohio I find it especially useful for driving in snow. Minor irritations include the wierd assortment of plastic interior materials and the elimination of the electrochromic rear- view mirror and dual climate controls for driver and passenger.

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  KELLY L. - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By KELLY L - February 23 - 2:00 am

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  2 Years Now and still like new - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By iansme1979 - February 20 - 3:46 am

  This is my second GP. My first was an 01. I love these cars. I drive a lot and am pretty hard on my cars, My GPs have both handled it without a issue. Not one other car I have owned has proven to be as reliable. In comparison to my 01, Pontiac seems to have chosen the right course to take and made all the right improvements to keep my coming back. The handling, options, and price are great. I traded my 01 in after 3 yrs with 160000 trouble free miles and sitting at 70000 on this one after 2 yrs, I may have over 200000 when Im ready to trade and I imagine it will be even harder to trade this one in without a future predicted for the Grand Prixs.

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  Just One Thing - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By IkeDunk - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought the GTP used in 10-2003 and found myself stranded in 02-2004. After paying the tow and repairs totaling $800 I was informed that my pass-key III module was defective. After working with a Pontiac rep for 8 weeks they told me there was nothing they could do. Love the car, not so sure about the Pontiac service.

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  Wow. Awesome car. - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Snowman - February 15 - 3:10 pm

  Much much better than I expected. Tried ALL midsize cars, both foreign and domestic and this was the clear winner. Fast, quiet, handles excellently at both high speed and low. Tracks very well. Excellent stability system and the brakes drag you to a stop faster than an aircraft carrier landing deck. If you have a bias against the Pontiac name, I suggest you try this car. My Saab-loving wife drove it once and decided that this was the best car going for the price -- 27,600$ with leather and airbags and a few other toys.