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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  4 Door Corvette - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By PFWiz - September 6 - 10:40 pm

  If you want a truly quick 4 door car with a nice size trunk and you know that rear wheel drive just doesnt cut it in the snow belt then the GXP may be the car you are looking for. Blazing fast (Car & Driver says 14.3 seconds in the quarter) with very good handling for a large front wheel driver. Yes, I know rear wheel drive is better for 10/10s driving, but be honest how often do you drive 10/10s? On the other hand I drive in the snow every winter and front wheel drive wins hands down there. The Heads Up Display is a hoot and watching it display direction to your destination from the nav system is extremely cool. Build quality pretty good, nice even gaps, no squeaks or rattles.

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  Grand Prix GT Coupe - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Sweets629 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Grand Prix GT Coupe a few months before I got my lisence. The first time I drove this car I knew I had to have it. Not only is it unbelieveably fun to drive, but extremely reliable. I am so happy that my parents chose Pontiac as my first car.

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  GTP Rating - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dr560 - September 3 - 9:26 am

  This car is fun to drive, but it has been a nightmare to maintain. We have kept up the maintnance, but it is just a break-down looking for a place to happen. We dont beat it. Security system died. Alternator left us stranded. Front headlamps fell out (X2) Rattles and squeaks (dealership could not fix). Valve cover gaskets (X3) Sunroof died at 6 years ($1,500+ to repair) Window actuator died Spider-web hood paint Shifter wore out at 6 years The car only has 85,000 on it and most of these items took place in the 55,000 range. The car is truly fun to drive, but it just has not been of the quality we expected, nor does it compare to other vehicles weve owned.

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  My Pontiac Grand Prix GT in less than a year... - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mohammadshakhtra@yahoo.com - August 31 - 4:27 pm

  This car is great dont get me wrong, I was just unlucky and bought a "lemon" I shouldve seen this coming as I did buy the car for only $2,000. When I bought mine I was led to believe it was in almost perfect condition. All I knew was that is had a bumper crack and that was all. But two weeks after owning it the battery went dead on me and that led to all my problems. Now here I am 10 months later and almost $2,000 into the car. And now I have to get rid of the car as now the transmission has gone out on me and I do not honestly feel like putting more money into it. I love this car so much dont get me wrong. I love the look and the speed from the supercharger. But I cant keep dumping money into it. I just thought Id share my story and to tell people dont shy away from this car! Just be careful when buying.

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  Amazing Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cole_graham - August 31 - 1:06 pm

  This car is one of the best I have ever owned. Good bang for buck. The best MPG I have got is an average of 33MPG highway at a speed of 66MPH. But I average 20 city and 29 highway. Great performence as a daily drive. The only down side is that is is hard to find performance part for this car.

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  Grand Prix - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 3Hendrix - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I own a red 2001 Grand Prix GT. I have also owned a 1998 white Grand Prix GTP and a 1988 Grand Prix. My experience with these cars is exceptional. My 1988 Grand Prix did have some trouble with quitting when pulling out into traffic but this problem was corrected in my later models. These cars are fun to drive yet practical on gas mileage. There exterior is sleek and sporty. I have one child and there was plenty of room for the car seat, toys, groceries, etc. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who likes to drive.

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  Pontiac Hits Homerun - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By John Scheu - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! The GP GTP Comp G polo green exterior and parchment interior car I purchased impressed me so much that we purchased another (black) GP with exact same options for our daughter as a college graduation present. The safety feature options were a major factor in this decision (HUD,stabilitrak, traction control, ABS, and head side curtain impact bags). Performance and handling are superb.

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  One cool car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JD - August 28 - 4:30 am

  Its been a fun and nice car to have. But at only 21,000 miles im already having problems with belts and rotors. It would be better i think to have it as a awd drive car with 305hp. Other than that i love all the features.

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  Sad To See Pontiac Go - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By indianmike - August 25 - 12:24 pm

  I bought the car new in December 2003 and am still driving it in 2013 with 105,000 miles. Got the GTP and it still accelerates like a champ and handles very well. Im pleased with the interior with easy to use controls, plus it fits me like a glove. This car is big but doesnt feel too big like our Chevy Monte Carlo. Excellent factory stereo, heads up display that should be in every vehicle and a reliable 3.8 engine. The paint still sparkles, the chrome wheels look great and the body style isnt embarrassing for a 10 year old car. The problems Ive experienced are a recurring problem with the traction control and body squeaks that drive me crazy. Too much plastic in the interior.

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  midwife crisis - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Matty - August 20 - 1:43 am

  Purchased used 04 GT2 to replace mycompany car. Blows away Taurus and Intrepids at this price. Previous Pontiac owner and impressed with improvements. I love to drive it and have had many compliments.