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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  Not to Bad - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mrsbro5 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Head lamps stink, replaced both. Radio display goes in and out for about 3 years now. Drivers window froze, fixed myself. Heater fan has been rubbing and clicking for about 3 years but still works. Rear window leaks somewhere into back floorboards, Dealer can`t find it either. replaced frozen belt tentioner a couple months ago.

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  Grand Prix - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By smpf4 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I am happy with this vehicle. I have experienced a rattle in the power windows. Recently the air conditioning settings of 1 and 2 have gone bad. Worse yet, 125.00 to fix! The car handles well and gets good milage on the highway versus the city.

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  Above Average - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Phillip - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 1992 3000GT VR4 for this car and I have no regrets. The VR4 had more ponies and the All-wheel drive handles corners better but The GTP is very close to the performance and is no where near the high price of a new VR4. This car is awesome bang for your buck.

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  great value - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By docV8 - July 12 - 4:30 pm

  I had to go a ways to find this car, but it was worth it. I was looking at this or a BMW 545, and this took the cake (yes, really). Interior feels wonderful, exterior is beautiful. Power is everywhere. Despite what journalists are saying, torque steer has not occured yet, but for one time when it was floored at 10 MPH on uneven pavement. All I had to do was hang on tighter. Rear drive cars will break traction and get all twisted up (slip/regrip/lurch)if you floor it on uneven pavement, so whats the big deal? I guess some self proclaimed enthusiasts like to kick out the rear end around corners, but if you ask me, Id rather stay pointed where I want to go. Back seats are great too.

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  GXP Rocks! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By birdman64 - July 7 - 12:16 pm

  This is one of the most rounded cars Ive owned. I have had 5 Corvettes, ranging from c4s - c6s. And far the money, you get an awesome vehicle! I am very impressed by the gas mileage I achieve, I am averaging 27.5! Now keep in mind, this is a V8! Very responsive! Very quick for a midsize sedan. I love the looks and stares I get from others that wonder what im driving. Most people have not even heard of a GXP!

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  Daves Take - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Raimondi - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I first was this model as a GT1 in the summer of 2003 and test drove it while my 96 was in for srvice. I loved it from the get go. total redesign, yet distinctively pontiac. Pretty peppy for a normally aspirated 3.8 V6. Then we bought our own... a GT2 with HUD, infotech and a cassette along with the cd. Its even better than the GT1. Handles well on dry or wet roads. This march we had snow after the revieved the car and had no issues with traction or control. Its a great car!

• good job pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By t deering - July 7 - 10:00 am

  First I liked the look then the drive then the mpg and last the price so I made the purchase without even popping the hood open!!!!!

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  2002 grand prix with many issues - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Margaret Paoli - July 4 - 8:46 pm

  Car has been in the shop more than any car I have owned since purchased new. Window problems, loose dash, intake gaskets replaced several times, wheel bearing bad at 34,000 miles, catalytic converter replaced, heater has never worked and Gay Pontiac service center never fixed when reported 10+ times in there service shop for all other listed issues, leather seats coming apart, loose door panels (possibly from all the window repairs). This is my second grand prix and 8th and LAST GM vehicle as I will be getting a Toyota on my next purchase and dont even want to start on the customer service or lack of when calling what was GMACFS now India handles and Pontiac division customer service.

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  Great Car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By PM - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car, the only problem that I had with it was the sending unit for the check antifreeze light

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  97 GTP - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bribrad - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I Love this car. Its a high performace car with plenty of room. Its very sporty looking. The only thing that I can say bad about the car is having a few problems with the transmission, 4th gear overdrive.