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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Love it - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Kim - August 18 - 4:53 amI purchased my 2003 new in 2004. I leased a 2000 and loved it, but didnt like the look of the 04s, so went out of state to buy it. Totally love the car, driving is never boring, and the acceleration is fantastic. Some minor repairs: brakes, thermostat, and a few other things, but nothing major. Sometimes I think about buying a new car, but I dont think there is one out there with this quality and this much fun to drive. Still looks great!
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2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP w/Comp-G - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Larry Boulier - August 8 - 12:53 pmMy fiancee and I love this car! Fun to drive and plenty of zip off that supercharged 3800 series III V-6 rated at 260+ hp. Styling is eye appealing, the first day we took it out we received several compliments at stoplights and one challenge from some uneducated teen in a Mustang - sorry son- not my fault the 4-door "family car" left you in the dust. LOL! The vehicle interior is full of fun gadgets- though the number of buttons can be a little overwhelming at times - each serve their purpose and are nice amenities to have - such as Heads Up Displace, XM Radio, On-Star, Monitors for Oil Life, Average Speed, Trip Time, Gas Mileage and many many more helpful and informative and SAFETY!
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Love to drive it!! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Kev - August 6 - 10:00 amI purchased my SE 12/99 as a used model. I was looking for something with good handling, ride and interior room. I got it all. The car handles like it should cost a lot more. The engine is ok, could stand a few more horses but its good enough. Now, with more than 135K, its still running very well. Have only replaced the battery, water pump and window motor for the passenger side. (may have to do driver side soon if it keeps acting stupid) Was unaware of the lens problem until I took it for the recall work and the lens was missing. They washed the car so I assumed they broke the lens. They replaced it no charge.
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GTdriver - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By James O. Bynion - August 2 - 8:26 pmInterior started slight rattling and buzzing after the first week. Great handling and power. Great leg room front and back.
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an import beaater - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Joe Camel - July 30 - 10:00 amI am so tired of writers saying the Toyota Camry is the best auto-- it is a bland auto. The new GP is a good example of the new thinking at GM. This car is comfortable and the styling is pure Pontiac- which is not bland! I have not had to return to the dealer for any problems-San Antonio is a very compettive mkt. for car sales. I answered an ad for $4,000 off retail and received it no questions asked! So far mr experence has been very positive with this car.
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mine - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By marciabrewer - July 30 - 10:00 amI love this car. It drives so smooth and has great pick-up speed. It also seems quite safe for me to drive around my 4-year old daughter in . She too loves the car. We only got our car about 1 week ago.
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COMP G - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By DAVID JOHNSON - July 30 - 10:00 amI REALLY ENJOY THE VEHICLE. I LOVE THE PERFORMANCE AND FEELS SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE CONTROL OF THE CAR AT ALL SPEEDS
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Good Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Tim_boo - July 22 - 2:00 amMy experience has been a good one. The build quality is an issue with the fit and finish. It out-performs everything in its class regardless of cost. So trading a little quality for performance is what you have. My maintence on this car so far has been new tires and oil changes. I think this car is very good for what you pay. I dont see anything in its price range then or today that Id rather own. If your in the market my suggestion is test drive it. I thought of trading it in on a Maxima, I drove the Maxima and didnt like it!!! Also looked at a BMW 325 it needs more power and space.
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Great Value - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By M Stiles - July 21 - 11:16 amThis vehicle attained excellent gas mileage - consistently 30 mpg, not in the low 20s as I was led to believe, and it gave me great satisfaction during the months of $4 per gallon fuel prices. Comfy seats, nice large trunk space and flip-down seats, good control and easy to drive. No major repairs were needed. The negatives: shortage of cupholders, some road noise, red dashboard lighting. Overall, an excellent vehicle for the average driver.
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My 3rd 3800 series engine - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Carl - July 18 - 10:00 amIve owned an 86 Park Ave and a 92 Olds 88 prior to buying this car--both with 3800 engines. The 3800 is solid. My car has 31,000 mi. I look forward to keeping this car for the next 15 years. I bought the car used a year ago and have put 6,000 mi. on it. Theres only 2 problems: the keyless remote needs new batteries and the rear seats could use a little more leg room. However, on the pro side, the car handles great in the city and on the highway. Plenty of power in any situation. Im 6 ft. tall and feel fine in the drivers seat. Some folks grip about the interior finish--I think its fine. Overall, I still love the car after a year and would recommend it.
