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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Gotta Love it! - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Cheryl - January 6 - 10:43 pmI just purchased my 2008 Grand Prix Sedan & I am just loving it! I had a Chrysler Sebring, then a Chevrolet HHR & my favorite is the Grand Prix! Just wish it was summer so I could ride the highway! But I just enjoy driving it back & forth to work. Its comfortable, classy, and has get up & go when you want it to. Plenty of space too. Love the display that lets me know if the tire pressure is low and also the option to have OnStar makes me feel a little better driving in the snow in Michigan. I feel secure. A must drive, must buy and enjoy!
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GTP COMP G - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By JG GTPCOMPG - January 3 - 10:00 amThis car is awesome.
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Must be a GXP ... dont skimp! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By SciMjr - December 31 - 9:00 amThe 2005 Grand Prix GXP is my first new car & I LOVE IT!!! I have black exterior with the Ebony Suede/leather interior. LOTS of power and you have to learn how to step on the gas w/o chirping the wheels! If you are planning to FLOOR the gas at the light you must hold the wheel because theres a little torque steer and the wheel will try to jump. Not a big problem. Interior is very nice and the two front seats are very comfortable in my opinion. I love the cockpit design; all radio & climate controls are angled to the driver. I feel the back is roomy and I am 6 1" ... the seats are a little hard though. Gas milage is good for a V-8 but I do 10 mile runs so it may be off for me.
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BRAKES! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By 98 Grand Prix GT - December 29 - 10:00 amIts a exelent car, I´m 18 years old, I´m Mexican, and I own a grand prix gt, u can go at 100 miles and u dont feel a thing, the sound system is great, the only thing that i would change is the brakes.
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Great Car to Drive... - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By pauly - December 29 - 10:00 amEverything is perfect except the headlight cover... Great car and Fun to drive...
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Going to a minivan :( - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jenn - December 27 - 5:23 pmMy husband bought this car for me right before we got married. It has been a very reliable car, but the traction control system has been a bit of a problem in the snow. Most cars come with a button to turn it off, but not mine. So I have been stuck in an inch of snow. No fun! It is comfortable and fun in the summer. I would like to keep it but due to a growing family I am not able to.
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My favorite car - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By hawkeye22 - December 25 - 9:29 pmI cant afford a BMW or Mercedes like the car magazines want you to, but count me as a Pontiac guy. This is my 3rd one and my 2008 Grand Prix is my favorite car of all time. I got it with 13k mile on it, have 89k on it now. No problems. Lots of horsepower, love the heated leather seats, the tire pressure system has come in handy. Slight hum from the climate control motor (drives my wife nuts, doesnt bother me). Started getting better gas mileage the more I drove it. I thought about trading it in on a 2014 Mustang but I would miss this car too much. Im keeping it for now. (accidentally posted 1rst as comment to another review)
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Awesome Care! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Breck - December 23 - 1:13 pmThis car is great. I havent owned an American car in more that 15 years. I love the sound of the engine when you start it up. None of my Japanese cars ever sounded like that! It has great pickup and pretty good fuel economy. Its fun to drive. The inside is comfortable and the service I get from the dealership is awesome...free oil changes as long as I own it. I got the car loaded with everything and still got a great price with the employee pricing. I could never have gotten a Japanese car with all the features for the price I paid.
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GREAT NEW DESIGN -THATS A BLAST TO DRIVE - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By djrlw - December 23 - 10:00 amLives up to drive excitement. Excellent proformance & handling with many great features. I test drove many other cars in this price range and found this to be the best buy and most fun. I even drove cars almost $5000 more and found the proformance and handling superior with the 2004 Grand Prix GT2
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love my prix <3 - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By elizabeth - December 21 - 10:00 amthe one & only problem ive ever had with my car is that it needed a new battery cause the alarm was draining it (alarm went off all the time) otherwise i LOVE it. its sporty but not too little either (not too much into the little cars) runs like new & i always get compliments on it ;)
