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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Got to love the 3800 V6 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By letrbuk - October 29 - 2:23 pmIve had my Grand Prix for well over a year now and I still look forward to getting behind the wheel every day. I bought the car because I needed something more economical than my old truck. After some research and some shopping, I came home with my Grand Prix and have been loving every mile in it since. Highway mileage has been around the 30 mark (with a disciplined right foot) while in town Ive gotten no worse than 25. Great economy for a car with this much room and comfort. The car is very comfortable especially on long trips. It is fun to drive as well, and the 3800 is no slouch in terms of power so its hard to resist pushing the pedal down hard every now and then.
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Uncomfortable seats, but good car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By J Rex - October 24 - 10:00 amI didnt do enough research and Im regretting it. ItÂ’s a good car, but when commuting two hours/day, some things I donÂ’t like. The seats are uncomfortable in shoulder width. I donÂ’t have wide shoulders, but only one fits in the center part of the seat. The other is on the bolsters. Wearing down the cushion may help. IÂ’m too high. CanÂ’t believe that seat doesnt go lower. When I put the visor down, it blocks my view. IÂ’m 56" Getting in/out is more difficult than in my Civic. The steering wheel gets in the way. Great power. HVAC good, but back window fogs. Back window is difficult to see out of when raining.
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So far so good - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By RAC - October 24 - 10:00 amSo far I dont have any complaints with the vehicle, but I would have enjoyed it more if it were rear wheel drive. The GTP has more power than a front wheel drive vehicle can handle. That said, this car is still fun to drive. The gas pedal response is great. I get a lot of compliments about the style both inside and out. I wanted a Infinity G35, but now I have a new car and money to finish my basement. I did take a little hit in performance, but not a whole room full of furniture worth. I saved over $10,000 by my decision.
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Wonderful Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Bob - October 23 - 11:16 am2 1/2 half years experience, 31500 miles. Replaced the battery this week, no other issues. Changed Bridgestones for Goodyear Eagle F1 A/S - 10,000 miles on the Goodyears, just do it. Upgrades - K&N Series 63 intake system, Magnaflow muffers (yeah they sound mean), upgraded floor mats and piano black dash trim kit. Adding LED taillights soon. White exterior/sand ultra lux leather interior. No Nav or optional paint. A+ build quality. Have some fun? Disconnect the battery overnight - drive the GXP hard the next day over several drive cycles. Becomes a REAL hot rod (I promise). Rare model - turns heads. Almost 20 mpg town w/27 highway. Wanna race?
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Fun car to drive without sacrificing MPG - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By weaslespit - October 18 - 4:33 amMy wife bought this car in October of 2004 and we have enjoyed it every day since. The handling is excellent, acceleration is good and the fold-down rear seats allow for vasts amounts of cargo space when needed. I also get great MPG (28 average). Edmunds rates that the engine is noisy, but I disagree. You can hear the growl without having to shout over it which is exactly how I think it should sound! I agree with all of the Pros listed by Edmunds. I wish our car had the HUD as that is the only option that our GP does not have. Mechanically, our I-shaft experienced stick-slip, but it was covered under warranty and was taken care of by the dealer without issue. No other issues since
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Still great to drive! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Happy with this one - October 18 - 2:00 amI have owned this car for 6 years and a month. I has been much more reliable and gets about the same gas mileage that my slower and smaller Grand Am owned before. At 65000 miles it is still running great. I intend on keeping this car for a few more years based on its behavior (knock on wood), so far so good. Still get confused as a new rental car with my friends.I havent noticed much improving on the 04 model to make me jump over to the dealership at this point.
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Nice Car that is no longer built. - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By SILVER07 - October 16 - 12:53 amI had an 02 Volvo S60 prior to this car. I liked it overall, however it was to the repair point ($2100 was a bit much) so I had to make a decision to keep or trade off. So I thought about what kind of car I would like to replace it with. Knowing the reliability of the GMs powerhouse 3.8 a.k.a 3800 v-6, I wanted a car with that particular engine. The Grand Prix and I think the Buick Lacross was the last of the 3.8. Well being in my 20s I didnt want the Buick, so I did a search on Cars.com website and found a loaded up Grand Prix. I tried the G6 and didnt like it, so I bought the GP as it is larger. It has been good so far. Love the purr of the 3800! Hope it goes to 200,000 miles!
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Awesome Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Roy Adams - October 12 - 2:00 amI bought this car almost 7 years ago and have loved it every day. The 3.8 L is one of GMs most reliable engines and it has lots of power when you go to pass. On the interstate I have gotten about 31MPG while at 21MPG in town. I have enjoyed the ergonomics and the heads up display. The sound system with the equalizer rocks. Traction control has been good in slick conditions.
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Grand Prix GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Streets - October 12 - 2:00 amMore room is needed in the back seating area. Too much plastic trim
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Pontiac Grand Prixs Rock!!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By TommyTrout - October 7 - 10:00 amThis is my 5th Pontiac Grand Prix and I think its the best of the bunch. Great ride with extremely responsive handling. Love the styling and the new graystone metallic colour looks amazing.
