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:

• 

  Ignition Key Removal - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By S Hook - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I have been having problems removing the ingition key. The problem turned out to be a faulty switch on the shift lever. The switch was a part of the gear lever and could not be replaced independently. This problem has a $425 price tag to repair. I was told it was a problem that is common but there is no bulletin or recall. Something like a switch should be designed to be replaces on its own and not as a part of a complete assembly. Automobile repair costs are a;ready high and a design like this is just another reason to look at Japanese Imports.

• 

  Fun to Drive! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Michelle H - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall this car is great. Has nice power, passing is a breeze! Heated seats, satellite, heads up, XM radio, On Star, everything is great. Heated seats too! This car turns a lot of heads.

• 

  Great Car - Reasonable Price! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jan - November 22 - 6:13 pm

  Just purchased my third Grand Prix GT (I trade every two years). The wide track handling is superb for a car this size, its roomy, quiet, and comes with a great sound system. A nice looking car that handles great and seats five comfortably. All for right at 20 grand. Now you see why Ive bought three!

• 

  Better than expected - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JamJan - November 22 - 2:23 pm

  Weve owned this vehicle for nearly 3 years and are basically pleased. For an inexpensive car, it performs pretty well. The build quality leaves a bit to be desired and the steering feels a little heavy (dang front wheel drive), but GM did a fine job with the rest of it.

• 

  Great buy and fun to drive - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Arlin - November 20 - 9:33 pm

  Bought a 2004 GTP for myself and this year a 2005 GTP for my wife. Both are great cars, however the 2005 has the heads up display which is nice and the XM radio which is a dream. Speed and handling are superb even in snow. Traction control saved me on black ice! Only down side it is a little tight with people in the back seat as I like a lot of leg room when driving. Styling is subjective but it appears mean looking particularly in black.

• 

  Love This Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By J. Hubert - November 20 - 12:00 pm

  I wasnt in the market for a Pontiac but it was for my wife and it was her choice. She liked the styling. We bought it in 05 from an off-lease with 18,000 miles on it. The OE Goodyear tires were junk and made bad noise. Replaced them with Michelin and it made a world of difference. This one of the best cars I have ever owned. I have been driving it every day for the last 2 years 80 miles round trip to work. it now has 148,000 on it and its still a great car. Great power, performance, comfort and reliability. I average 26 MPG. No major problems. This car has renewed my faith in American vehicles. Very sad to see Pontiac go. Anyone who hates this car must have a lemon. Yes, I would buy again

• 

  Love my little pocket rocket - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Moody - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This is an overall great car. I have had little problems with it here and there but I love it, very fast...smooth handling around corners, great for long drives...

• 

  Good car, but...... - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By QCK/GTP - November 18 - 10:00 am

  After 7 months of ownership Im overall satisfied with my 01 GTP coupe, but with all the go fast goodies out there for the 3.8L engine tells me the engine has a lot more available if GM would just tweek it a little. This power train was a good idea, but the enineering is lacking in the output and reliability area. The plastic in the interior is really cheesy. This is my first Pontiac and if their is never another 2 coupe with power that is less than $30,000.00 it will be my last. In my opinion Pontiac is really missing the boat by getting out of the pony car market and other than the overprised GTO is not making any powerfull 2 door coupes.

• 

  Love the new Poncho - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Chuck Glass - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Compared to its competition I think this caris indeed "Driving Excitement". It eats Honda Accords for lunch. All in all a very nice car to drive and, occasionally, rock out with. Chuck

• 

  Excellant car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ponyetr - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding car. As a current owner of a 97 Grand Prix GTP and 04 Grand Prix GTP Comp G, all I can say is the General really did a big number on improvements for the Grand Prix. Ride is alot more confortable and stiffer than previous years. Interior styling is also improved. Acceration was good with the car stock, now after $650 in Mods the car runs 13.7s in the 1/4. Thats Driving Excitment.