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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My 2nd Pontiac Grand Prix - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By shawnmichaels123 - May 27 - 8:13 amI am a long time Pontiac fan. While considering the new G8, I also researched other cars that Pontiac had to offer. Once I found out about all the standard equipment that the 2008 Grand Prix, I never looked back. It has everything you need at a MSRP of $22,210. Right now is a great time to consider this automobile. When I purchased my new Grand Prix on 8-8- 2008, Pontiac offered a great cash rebate or fair financing. Also, this is the last year of the Grand Prix. Dealerships will definitely work with you on your final purchase price. Thank you
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2000 Grand Prix GT sedan - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By wild bill - May 22 - 2:00 amI bought this car new. It has had a lot of trim problems, gage problems, radio problems, blower fan control problems, and a cooling leak which was very difficult to get fixed on warranty. The cooling leak turned out to be the upper intake manifold and took two years to get Pontiac to fix. The car drives will and has never broken down on the road, but has lots of road noise in the passenger compartment and cheap interior trim.
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Great Midsize Coupe!!! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By NYPontiacFan - May 22 - 2:00 amIve had my GP/GTP for over 2 years now, and I still get comments from people on it. Love the looks, outside and in. I wish they added a few extra options like a passenger heated/power seat.
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Sayonara Grand Prix GT - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By pnwson - May 21 - 8:28 pmI bought this car in 1998 with 25,000 miles on it. Options I have and have appreciated are alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, power drivers seat and rear spoiler. I have put 206,600 more miles on it in the ensuing 12+ years. It has been a joy to drive. Naturally over that long there has been a few water pumps, a couple of alternators, replaced the radiator in 07, intake manifold last year in 10, oxygen sensor, engine mount, spark plugs...sigh. I dealt with all that, hoping to drive it even longer, but the transmission is slipping has been given a terminal notice by my trustworthy mechanic, and he wont touch it.
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fair - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By friwrench - May 20 - 10:00 amnice car but i still like the bonnaville better
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MY GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GERALD BRAY - May 20 - 4:56 amOf all the words theres none so fine as these last three, i got mine. We love love love our gxp. Test drove an ss impala, theres no comparison. The suspension and brake differences in the gxp are destined to give this car a reputation head and shoulders above the rest.12 In town 20 highway came as a surprise, but were still happy with our choice. Comfort,speed, handling, and style are a cut above the rest. It will even outrun last years 5.7Liter gto.
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Great car - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By TheWhiteGuyFromTulsa - May 17 - 7:16 pmi have one of these cars and they are fun to drive. i would recommend them to anyone
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CompG Package makes big difference - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Aeroheadcww - May 16 - 1:00 amMy GP is equipped with the CompG performance package which includes: Head Up Display, Tap Shift, higher gear ratios, stiffer rear sway bar, and red brake calipers, maybe a few other things. The gear ratios dramatically improve acceleration and the sway bar makes this thing handle like a dream. It still maintains a quiet comfortable ride on the highway but is rigid during spirited driving. My biggest complaint about the car is the shifting performance in standard automatic mode, it just doesnt downshift quickly enough and lets the RPM fall well below the power band before it switches to a lower gear. This is alleviated by the Tap Shift system which will let you shift manually.
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Highly Recommended GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By fredee - May 14 - 5:50 amGood power. Good mileage. Average over30 if you stay at the speed limit. Wish the GTP model was better identified from the exterior. Hard to tell it from any other Grand Prix.
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American Beauty - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Frank Lewis - May 12 - 10:00 amThis car is the most beautiful car ever GMC produced. I was always very cautious about buying GMC car. , but a latest show in Boston area expo this model strike me and I decide to buy one, Oh ofcourse I was looking at the Maxima 2004. I took it for a ride and I was not empress at all, all I can see is a big dash board in front of me, it reminded me like the beatle. I am amazed with this car engine power, performance, handling, taking off, stoping you name it, I fully enjoy driving this American Beauty.
