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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  Most uncomfortable car (seats) ever made - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By betsy - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought 02 GP several months ago -am still trying to sell, but no one will give me close to what orginally paid. The most uncomfortable seats ever! At 54", average ht for women, I cant reach the gas pedal (located 6" farther back than the brake). This is a terrible design flaw as my foot slips off the gas often. When pushed forward, the seat goes "up", making my head touch the sunroof/visor. Also, seat belt cuts off circulation to my legs & I constantly tug at it (Im quite thin too. The car has a few good points, but comfort and ride are terrible, plus insurance costs are outrageous for a 4-door sedan.

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  2006 Pontiac Grand Prix - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By chevymaster_08 - January 20 - 12:13 am

  Recently I have taken ownership of a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix. It is, overall, a very excellent car. It drives smooth and has a very powerfully V6 engine, even though it is only 200hp. Like most Pontiacs, the market is saturated with them, but that doesnt change the fact that it is a cool car to look at. The interior might be my favorite though due to the jet-like details.

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  Love it - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ryan - January 19 - 8:13 am

  Have had this car for almost a year now. Only problem Ive had with it is the manifold gasket, other than that it is an excellent daily driver very reasonable on gas yet still has enough power to have a little fun. I love the simplicity of the interior design (I have the charcoal gray int.)

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  GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Shaun - January 19 - 4:03 am

  I love this car. It is fun to drive and has plenty of power to get up and go. I have had many coment son how nice it looks when I pull up to a gas station. I have had a 96 GTP and now an 04 and they dont compare. This car has the best response when driving on the highway. I can pass very easy and in city driving it is great with cornering. Great car! Definetly fuel for the soul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Blue Green Crystal LOVED by ALL!! - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Celeste - January 18 - 11:46 am

  We love this car, great on trips, lots of leg room for 63" man driving. Back seat has room for 6 son if seated behind front seat pulled forward one notch. BLUE GREEN CRYSTAL IS FABULOUS COLOR!!! EVERY ONE SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT LOVING THE COLOR!!!! It looks blue in some light, green in others and purple under parking lot lights at night!!! It even looks blue and green at the same time, on different planes of the cars surface!! Handles great, no matter the weather, or driving conditions, love the onstar feature, husband used it when he got lost, (WOW) Monsoon sound system to die for, XM clear as a bell

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  Looks are deceiving - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By johnsoka606 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Great sound system, rides good, fun to drive, nice interior, very unreliable, electronic dashboard has bugs in it, not good gas mileage, alternators are bad

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  Grand Prix GTP, Pontiac Excitement!!!!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Grand man - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 96 Grand AM for the Grand Prix GTP. Should have done it earlier because of the awesome power and comfort of the GTP. I test drove other cars but none were as fun to drive or had the power of the GTP. Ive only had it a month but could not wait to share my awesome experience with this great car. I drove it on a 350 mile trip and was so comfortable that I am anxious to take it on longer ones. The GTP is a head turner and others are constantly starring at it.

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  My favorite car to drive! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ohoeflein - January 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my most favorite car i have every driven or owned. When this one is old I will buy a new grand prix. Put goodyear aquatreds on this thing it cries out for them , the best tire made!

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  dependable car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mothergoose - January 9 - 2:00 am

  A sporty family car

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  GXP = WOW - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By James - January 8 - 11:56 pm

  I went into to drive and buy a G6 GTP and drove off with a GXP. The hiway mileage is great...My first measured tank got 25 mpg...with a 300 hp V8! It is incredibly quick....be ready for a real jolt when you put the pedal down. I got the employee discount. A lot of people notice and ask quesions about it.