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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  SWEET RIDE - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By B Niemi - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the first pontiac i bought. I love the car, glad i bought it. Dont understand some of the reviews complaining about loud road noise. I think the road noise is very quiet. More than enough headroom and the back seat is huge. performance and handling excellent.

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  Pontiac GP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MICHY - April 11 - 10:13 am

  Within 6 months of purchase I had a warranty replacement of the rack and pinion steering that also caused me to have to replace the tires, which was not covered. I also had a warranty replacement of the a/c condensor. Other than that, it has been basic maintenance, but with the warranty issues, the quality expected just was not there.

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  03 Grand Prix - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Susan Cip - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I had a comfortable, secure feeling from the first time I got in and drove the GP. Its good looks are agressive as well as stylish. It has power and handling that makes it fun to drive. Plenty of room for 4 adults as well as a cavernous trunk. There were no flaws found inside or outside of the car. Ive had it 2 1/2 months and feel Ive made the right choice.

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  great - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tony - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I love the way it looks in and out.it drive awsome handles great .it also very fast.

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  First GP, definitely not the LAST one!!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Lunchbox4124 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  My parents owned a 1999 Grand Prix GT 4dr that I loved to drive every chance I got. They purchased a 2002 Bonneville SLE last year, and they swear by Pontiac. I wasnt so sure with the first couple of 04s I saw, but then I drove one, a GT1, and liked it a lot. We were closing in on a GT2 with a roof and leather, and then I gave in and bought the GTP, and its worth every extra penny. Ive had it for 3 days, and let me say I finally got the cool car I always wanted in high school, only now Im 30. So far Ive challenged a couple of newer "muscle" cars, and they all wound up shaking their heads.... Im definitely a future Pontiac buyer already.

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  Pontiac GT - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fronczek - March 24 - 10:16 am

  Car has been trouble free, plenty of power, fun to drive, has some wind noise, handles very well, great gas mileage

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  Best Reliable - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By B Boulch - March 23 - 4:33 am

  I have always owned a Grand Prix. Last year I purchased the 2004 Grand Prix GTP and love it. The looks, speed, performance and luxeries are great. My boss bought my 1998 Grand Prix and now he is hooked on the Grand Prixs. They have always been great cars.

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  My Pontiac Experience - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fran - March 21 - 2:26 am

  This is the 3rd Pontiac Ive owned. I had a 1974 Grand Am, a 1989 Grand Prix and the 1998 Grand Prix which I am currently driving. The only complaint I have about this car is with the headlight lens. So far Ive replace one headlight and now the other lens cap has fallen off. As for the driving experience, the car has a lot great pickup and is nice to drive in either traffic or highway conditions.

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  One Hot Car! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By brune55 - March 20 - 1:16 pm

  This car was a dream come true when I bought it and more of a dream to drive. Believe it or not, even the big blocks and new Vettes were envious of the style of the rear end of the car, which is all of what they saw. The car handled like a dream on the highway, side roads, country roads and laughed at the corners with no effort or a squeak of the tires coming loose. The only problem I had was one day I shut it off and about 20 minutes later I saw the whole engine on fire with flames shooting out from underneath the hood. I hadnt even traveled down to the end of my driveway or even warmed up the engine. I looked up online and saw quite a few people with the same problem

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  woopie - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By hottieskaterchick - March 18 - 10:00 am

  it is the funest car that i have ever drove and it also has enough room for a car seat to fet very easy and comfertably.