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 - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jbjq - November 17 - 10:03 am

  I bought my 2002 Grand Prix off eBay in 2004 after my 1999 Grand Prix was totaled. It had about 32,000 miles on it. All was well until 2007 when I spent $3500 in maintenance including $2300 for a new transmission. So maintenance is getting expensive. I have 68,000 miles on it now. But since I paid $11,000 for it I still feel like this vehicle is a good value.

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  My Prix - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By joey - November 16 - 10:53 pm

  This is the best car! Gets great mileage I average 29 mpg, and on the hwy 33 mpg. For having this awesome engine for power sure gets good mileage. I can pass people when needed & still get the decent mileage.

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  Great car, but some defects. - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Taxman207 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  So far, I really enjoy my Grand Prix. The GT with the 200 hp engine has the power I was looking for. One thing does irritate me though. When I hit small bumps in the road at about 25-30 mph, the sound of heavy plastic comes from the front of the car. But overall, I really enjoy this car. I have not had any problems.

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  Deceptively reliable--a handsome highway cockroach - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By thrashette - November 13 - 2:23 am

  So this is the first, and thus far, only car Ive owned for my 3 years of driving. Im the 6th owner, and it was passed down from my dad at 130k miles. Its now at 210k miles, and I can say with pride that this car has never failed me. Aside from when the battery was dead (the battery was 12 years old at the time and an easy jump got me goin), it starts every morning as I begin my commute. Whether its the usual 30, the frequent 100, or the occasional 1000 miles, its always ready to go. Most of my maintenance has been regular, with a few big replacements such as the axles and brakes. The transmission and the engine still feel fantastic, despite the dust and age.

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  nothing but comfort - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By sonnyphysh - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2002 Grand Prix SE. I do alot of long distance road trips, and this seemed to be the ideal car for the bucks.Very comfortable on the long runs, with plenty of cargo room. This SE model has the 3.1 engine, which is pretty sluggish with 3 average persons in the car. Engine noises a month after my puchase( needs pistons ). Thats a bad start, for a car loan. I should have bought the GT with the 3.8L, or just stayed away from Pontiac all together.Stay away from the SE models.

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  Great Automobile - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By D. Goodrode - November 6 - 10:20 am

  Just purchased it, love it, sharp looking in the Stelth Gray, quiet, comfortable, solid, and handles good on twisty roads. Only 200 horses but more than enough, keeps up with all but the quickest sedans costing twice as much. Looks of a European sedan, comes standard with tons of gadgets. The electronics can be customized to your own taste. This is a classy automobile. Many creature comforts and fold down rear seats for extra long items. Many 2006 improvements on the engine and trans. The 3.8 V6 has tons of torque coupled with the medium duty (not light) 4L65-E trans is a great combo. No Im not a dealer, Im the son of a son of a mechanic and appreciate a well built automobile.

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  One Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Allen Payne - November 5 - 2:36 am

  This is one fun car to drive, with extremely high quality in the building of the vehicle. I now have 28,000 miles and have not found one thing wrong and all the panels fit perfectly. I have the supercharged GTP with the heads-up display. It is really a pleasure to drive and the stability control works like it should.

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  LOVE IT - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Msch117 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Grand Prix and was very excited with the new model!

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  All Around Awesome - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Philly - November 3 - 12:40 pm

  I owned an eclipse before this, and I was always being smoked because it looked fast, but wasnt. Now that I have my Grand Prix, people have no clue what its capable of and Ive yet to lose a race. My Grand Prix has 66,000 miles on it and it drives like it is new. The engine has been said to have over 200,000 miles and still run strong! This car couldnt get much better!

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  Nice value, good performace. - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Rob> - November 2 - 1:00 pm

  I purchased this car used with 87,000 miles on it. I currently have 133,000. In that time I have replaced the drivers window motor and the AC, heater blower. Total cost of repairs for both items $600. Not too bad. Great acceleration and handling especially for a largish size car like this.Loaded with a lot of electronic goodies that I could live without but are nice to have. The heads up digital windshield display is really neat. Cant really complain about much. I find this car to be very comfortable when driving. Some people dont like the firm seats. Frankly, I do. To each his own.