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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  Hunk o Junk - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By yoodle - March 18 - 10:00 am

  In the year that Ive had this car it has been nothing but problems. There is a consistent problem with the steering that three trips to the mechanic have not fixed. I am aware of the recall, but even after my mechnic replaced the entire power steering rack, the problems persist. Things seem to have improved after the struts and a tie rod were replaced though. I also had the fuel pump go, and now there is a stuttering when Im accelerating that seems to indicate a transmission problem. At just over 50000 miles, this car has spent way too much time in the shop. Im staying away from Pontiacs in the future.

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  2000 Grand Prix - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Josh L - March 12 - 8:23 pm

  Apart from being a sexy looking car, the Grand Prix is a great performer and very fun to drive. As with any Pontiac, though, its interior is plasticky.

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  gtp - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By magilla - March 11 - 6:53 pm

  handles like a giant go cart, acceleration and braking are right there at your reach, very happy with this car. tony

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  Absolute Beauty - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By L C - March 9 - 12:00 pm

  This car thrives on the lead foot driver that can resist temptation. This car can also double as a contemporary family sedan.

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  maybe I can make lemonade - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By lemon owner - March 7 - 2:00 am

  loved the looks and fun to drive when its driveable. Owned one year repaired wiper motor twice, battery, alternator, replaced the steering rack, brakes and rotors twice, oil leak, park interlock on shifter broken replaced once now needs a new shifter. a/c stopped working, so far in one year we have spent over $3,ooo on repairs and now are having transmission problems.

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  Pontiac power windows, UGH. - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Cal - March 6 - 9:50 am

  I have had a truly horrible experience with the power windows. To date I have had 2 switches 4 regulator/motors replaced. Thats 6 and I only have 4 windows. And, this all occurred within 75,000 miles.

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  Stupid cupholders ! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By xtreme_1 - March 5 - 10:00 am

  As far as performance goes.....hands down over anything Ive ever owned...never going back to imports thanks to the Grand Prix GT....but, I enjoy an armrest and with 2 coffees in the cupholders,not the biggest issue I know, it is for me however, its the only issue I have with the interior, not the most comfortable position for my arm, but overall....BUY THIS CAR (I cant wait until I can buy a brand new one!)

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  A Big Mistake - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By samstinks - March 5 - 2:40 am

  My husband and I shopped and shopped before deciding to buy this car and despite our careful planning, we made a poor decision. At 20k, I had to have it towed due to a malfunctioning anti- theft device that cut the fuel after 10 seconds. That, at least was under warranty. At 25k, I had to replace my front wheel bearings; a $500 repair. At 56k, both my intake manifold gaskets blew out - $700. Six months later, my head gaskets are blown and the heads possibly damaged from the heat. I commute 25 miles one way to work in it every day, and have had only dealer repairs on it. Ive taken care of this car by the book, but it is a horrible car and I cant wait to trade it in.

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  Loyal to the Prix - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Cherise - March 2 - 6:33 am

  Although I dont love the color (I loved the cherry red that my 99 offered), or the fact that I was forced to buy a 4-door car (2-door no longer offered), overall I still like the car well enough to buy it again. Its a nice ride, has the options I really like (HUD and heated leather seating), and handles well. Its sporty, but still reserved. I love the large trunk and fold down seats (VERY useful for those of us who dont want to buy gas guzzling SUVs). I like the upgraded lighting package. The cruise control and HUD display control is awkwardly placed. The glove box is too small. The back seat doesnt afford much passenger room, but it works well for kids. A great car all in all!

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  grand prix SE - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bsedgal - March 1 - 4:23 am

  This car was ok, but had some issues and depreciated. Bought it in 02 for 7k and sold it in 05 for 1400 while in college. Issues were leaky weather stripping on the sun roof, would drip on me after rains. Gas gauge out (bad sending unit), a/c went out. Other than that major mechanical was fine and so was drivability.