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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  over 100,000 miles, no problems... yet - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By NiCkIsThEmAn - December 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is THE best bang for the buck on the market today. Tight handleing for a 4-door 3500lb. car and the 240HP motor is always there when needed. The transmission is smooth and shifts crisply. The only complaints are the cupholders which suck. theyre too shallow and right where id like to rest my right arm, also, the suspention seems a little stiff sometimes on the pothole ridden streets of the northeast. other than that I have no complaints. Anyone looking for a fast 4-door that looks and drives great should check this car out. By the way, perfect tourque band for stoplight to stoplight races ;-)

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  98 GTP - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kwicslvr - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to fix up for performance and handling or to leave stock.

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  My Grand Prix - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bcnut74 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Its vechile handles like a sports car. With the upgraded engine it response like a dream. My pervious car was a small cavailer. But this out handles and moves so much better.

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  Lots of fun - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By vlee - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my GTP this month from my company. It has been my company car for four years and Ive now put 117,000 on the clock and still a sweet ride without any major issues.

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  Love My GT!!! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Swave232 - December 4 - 8:20 am

  I love what they have done with the 2006 model. If you get a chance to get the leather interior I would highly suggest it for max comfort. The back seat room is totally fine and the sun roof does not crowd the head space. I am 6 foot 2 and can sit in it with much ease. (Also have a wife and a 19 month daughter that are able to sit very comfortably as well. If you are looking for a stealth design with some need for speed while still being able to up hold some class, the GT version is the way to go hands down without breaking your pockets.

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  Grand Prix GT - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Fyrfytr1 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I use this vehicle to commute to work approximately 100 miles per day. I also use it as an emergency response vehicle(full siren and lights). It corners nicely at higher speeds and cruises nicely at higher speeds. The vehicle handles well in crosswinds and when overtaking slower traffic has a good throttle response.

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  GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bcarlton - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Traded 2001 GT for 04 GT2. What a differance. Better ride Better road feel. Car feels much tighter. I can live with the crappy plastic center radio/climate control skin for the improved ride. Throttle by wire very reactive for better gas pedal responce.

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  Great Value Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By CEEZR - November 28 - 1:26 am

  I have driven many cars in my life this car has been a great value. Very reliable, excellent fuel economy 25/31MPG, reg gas, I drive 65-70 mph I bought it new from the dealer and has been a very good car and it is a lot of car for the money. Heck over 30 miles per gallon on the highway thats as good as most compacts. I would buy another one. Why buy a Camry? I drove one before the GP and this has been a much better car.

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  Best so far - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By AJA85 - November 27 - 10:06 am

  Great car. Gas mileage is good but could be better. Very fun to drive yet very comfortable.

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  Awesome Looking - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fly - November 25 - 12:56 am

  What a fun car to drive and look at! DVD Navigation is is awesome, sound controls on the steering wheel is very helpful. I Love the HUD, and the ability to adjust the info presented on it.