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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  GP#2! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Lotsamiles - February 28 - 1:53 pm

  What a fun car to own and drive! This is my second one, this one purchased used w/ 32k miles. Now at 100k miles and its getting those tranny and brake shakes. At least it has the great 3800 engine, one of the things GM has gotten right! It gets very good mileage if you keep your foot out of it, but hard to do.

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  Its cool - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mr.Rob - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my SE model used with 28k miles from Dave Millers Carmart in Matteson, Il (I dont recommend them). The car has been pretty reliable-Ive had to have trans work-my key gets stuck and I have a knocking noise sometimes when I swicth vent directions

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  Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By scotkris - February 20 - 4:43 am

  Have driven 25-30K per year and never done anything except routine or preventive maintenance. This has been the most reliable and best performing vehicle Ive owned in 30 years of vehicle ownership. Can haul a family of 5. The flat folding passenger seat can allow you to carry items up to 8 in length.

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  My 1st Brand New Car......The GTP - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Slick Steve - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is EXCELLENT! Ive had other cars before, all used, but this one is the my 1st brand new car. I had a 98 Grand Prix SE right before this one that gave me the insight that I liked this car already before I bought it. I was right. The 240HP supercharged engine has great power and the interior with full options with leather seats is awesome. The exterior on a GTP is also nicer than on the basic SE model on the front end of the model. With the options, the car has it all when it comes to comfort. Also for 23k the car is very well priced when compared to other mid-size sedans that cost about 27k through 30k with about the same performance.

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  Definite Improvement by Pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jwoerth - February 15 - 10:00 am

  My new 04 Grand Prix GTP is great. Handles crisp and accelerates more than adequately. This car flat out blows away its comparable competition and is a vast improvement form the previous GP model.

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  First one and I love it - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By DAMN SKIPPY - February 12 - 7:13 am

  My wife and I traded in her stratus for an 05 Grand Prix GT and couldnt be happier about the decision. I drive a Mustang 5.0 and I feel like the power from the V6 is quite comparable. The front seats are super comfy and I feel very "in control" with the HUD and the many other features on the console. Although, I wish that the back seats had more head room. It would make it easier to get our infants car seat in and out. All in all, I am satisfied with this car and hope to trade in for a new one in the future.

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  Junk electrical with these cars - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Earl - February 9 - 1:20 am

  Car has done very well in all areas except electrical which have been a nightmare. Can we talk? The drivers side window motor failed at less than 10k miles (in-warranty). Two of the other three failed out of warranty (one window failed after it had only been up and down ONCE). The blower motor failed at about 75k. The alternator and battery failed soon thereafter. The AC works great but makes squealing noises for years now. Have tried everything short of replacing compressor to fix it. Dealers want $400+ to fix the Pontiac- designed window motor problems.

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  First Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jdaily01 - February 8 - 2:46 am

  Bought a 2002 pontiac grand prix se for my first car only 6months ago. When I got it, it had 122000miles on it, which though high isnt too high. Since buying this car, Ive had 3 windows crap out on me, only fixing the driver side one. It cost about $350 at a dealership to get the window fixed, luckily I found a local mechanic to do it for a lot cheaper. Though now the ignition wont recognize the car as being in park, therefore not releasing the key. Problems just keep adding up, I am able to bypass the the ignition to release the key but I cannot recommend this car. There are multiple reviews online showing that I am not alone, pontiac uses cheap parts making problems more probable.

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  Tampamans 98 GT - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By david johnson - February 6 - 4:13 pm

  I just turned 145 K on the clock and keeps going. Replaced the alternator. Now it leaks oil, water and the air is out. However, it is 9 years on the road and high milage. I plan to replace it in a few months so just nursing along. I wish they made a 2 door Grand Prix would buy another. I hope to get a hardtop solstice if they will make it. Overall, been very pleased with the car.

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  Comfort and style - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Binnsky - February 4 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. Coming up on our two year anniversary with this car without a problem. Cant believe all weve needed to do is change the oil and rotate the tires. We usually trade every three years or so, but have no plans to sell this one - dont like the looks of the new model anyway.