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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  One Super Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Allen Payne - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This is one fun car to drive. The performance is terrific and attention to detail is superb. I have over 6000 miles now in three months and cannot find one flaw. Everything fits perfectly. I am very proud to be an owner of a Grand Prix.

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  GXP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By commander - October 5 - 4:33 am

  I hav owned this car almost a year and have loved it since day one. This is not one of those cars that you will regret owning several months later.

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  GXP Black - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tonyGXP - September 29 - 4:20 pm

  My gxp is loaded without navi, what can i say?? Go and drive one!!! Its nicer than anything in its class, foreign & domestic. Fast, handles like its on rails, stops better than any car ive ever driven, i get compliments on this car without people even looking on the inside ( exhaust especially)how & why would you buy an accord or camry or an impala ss (even with a v8) i paid 27k for mine sticker was $33,396, beat it, you wont be able to.

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  Hot ride - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By J. Holliday - September 27 - 3:03 am

  IÂ’m the original owner and I now have 7 years and 95k on my GP. I disagree with othersÂ’ statements that this car has a poor build quality. My problems have been few and far between: all electronics are fully functional, havenÂ’t had to replace window motors, no problems with AC, leather seats in great condition, transmission shifts seamlessly, no squeaks or squeals or other undesirable noises, no badges or moldings have ever fallen off, 54k out of first set of tires, still have original brakes (unbelievable), no engine troubles or bad oxygen sensors, sound system better than the premium system in my DadÂ’s Lexus, my brotherÂ’s 2000 Accord has had far more problems. Acceleration as good as new

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  04 GTP Comp G Outstanding - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Milfordman - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Picked up 04 GTP this week. This car is awesome. This is my third Grand Prix and this is certainly the best. Great acceleration and handling. XM radio is worth every penny..go out and get one.

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  great car! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By pontiac owner - September 15 - 6:26 am

  i bought this car not knowing a lot about it. I had some repairs, the normal. wheel bearing assemblies,intake gaskets,etc. i got a clue for everyone that hates repair bills. Buy extended warranties. Learn how to fix small things on your car. I myself have begun modifications to it. I can honestly say my Grand Prix is unique. And everyone that complains about repair bills, try the other companies. I work at a dealership, working on Saabs. I know about things on the inside. If you think a few thousand dollars is bad over several years. Saabs are thousands of dollars in one repair bill... Honestly people, American cars are great

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  I feel like a Giant in this thing - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Dr. Rob Rice - September 15 - 1:53 am

  All-in-all, I love this car. Handles well, all the gadgets you can ask for and its beautiful. However, Im not a giant (just 61") yet I either have to slouch or lean my head. XM radio should be moved to front or all the way in the back - its covered with sunroof down which makes for poor XM reception especially when traveling S. Both interior and exterior are stylish. People are definately jealous when they get in. Heated seats are awesome. I hate winter.

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  2003 Pontiac GTP - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Flyer Scot Sailor - September 12 - 8:46 pm

  Owned the car for 3 years. Have had no problems whatsoever. Car is very reliable. Fun car to drive, handles well, good acceleration, rarely have the supercharger come on but still has very good pickup. Mileage around town is 15 gets 31 mpg on the highway. Very nice car.

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  grrrreat vehicle - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Keith McDonald - September 10 - 2:10 pm

  Just bought the new GXP, my first Pontiac. Have had Chevy, Geo, Nissans, Toyota, and Mazda before. This by far is the slickest, most powerful, fun to drive, and packed with the most features for the money. This one came fully loaded with everything except navigation system. The driver and passenger seats are very soft and comfortable and can be positioned in numerous ways. Dual climate climate control is nice. Radio automatically adjust for sound as you speed up or slow down. The V-8 will cut off 4 cylinders once you get to cruising speed to save gas mileage. This puppy gets about 27 MPG on the highway which is nice for a V-8 with 303 hp.

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  Great car for the price - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Lee - September 7 - 4:23 pm

  The 06 Pontiac Grand Prix is one of the best buys that Pontiac has in this class. You have comfortable seating for 5 and with folding rear seats that open the trunk area up, a very large amount of area to easily hold many items most vehicles could not even hold in the back seats. This car has ample power and is very agile while handling tight corners. The estimated 30 miles to the gallon highway mileage is accurate since I average 29.8 on the highways i travel often. Take good care of this car and you will have very few problems for years to come.