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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Pontiac: two words you lose - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GTtoGTO - December 21 - 10:00 amwhen i first bought my GP it had 106K on it and now currently has 184K the performance even with the N/A 3.8 is very adequate and can only be better from the aftermarket. Ive had a few issues over the last 4 years with it needed a new sway bar, steering rack, shocks, head gasket, intake gaskets. Ive had many vehicles with far less miles on them and far more problems. Even after it all the car was worth fixing the amount of fun the car offers far out weights the cost(did the repairs myself cost about $1200). I live in central new york and the car has no rust Amazing! it has hooked me on Pontiacs forever hopefully the car will last that long because Pontiac no longer exists if you can buy 1
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Just bought GP1 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GPLARRY - December 17 - 2:00 amI just purchased a new GP1 and was pleasently surprised. List was $23,490 and with rebates the purchase price was $17,700. The car rides great! 04 looks and rides better then previous models.
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Grand X-iting Prix - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Kichigai - December 16 - 5:26 amDriving this car is a lot of fun, I dont recommend test driving it if you arent interested in purchasing it, because you will after. The guys at the dealership love when someone test drives it. I was looking for a vehicle in the $20,000s and drove a few, but after seeing the GXP and the test drive the next day, yeah I went back, I forgot all about the civic si, mazda rx-8 and saturn redline. It handles great and all components are easily reached by the driver, which is bad for passenger because they will have to lean to use any of them. My gas consumption has averaged about 19-20 mpg so far, even all highway. I hope this changes as the engine breaks in.
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Excedllent used car, fun to drive! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GiGi - December 11 - 9:46 pmI needed another car, wasnt in a position to buy a new car right, saw this car and liked it right away. Ive always liked the Grand Prix, they look so darn good. Ive only had mine for a couple of months but so far I have put about 1500 miles on it and have had no problems with it even though it is a 9 year old car. The previous owner took care of it and I love to drive it. It has power when I need it. It is roomy enough for my three children, it feels like a big car on the inside but it is sporty looking on the outside. It burns more gas than my previous car, which is to be expected since my Mazda was a 4 cylinder and this is a V6. I just love this car.
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My first - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By ram1957 - December 11 - 6:53 amThis is my first Grand Prix. I always wanted one and I was not dissappointed with the one I received. I lease this vehicle and will continue with the Grand Prix if they are available in 3 years.
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Nice package - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By 66GTO - December 11 - 2:00 amMy GTP is the Anniversary edition. I also own a 1997 GTP sedan which has 150,000 miles. That car is bullet proof. Only repairs were alternator and power window motor. Both covered under warranty.Still runs like a champ. My 2002 is a coupe and it has been flawless. These cars are fun to drive, extremely comfortable fairly economic (24mpg)and look good.
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I wish I could use my window! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Kitkay - December 10 - 9:23 pmI bought my Grand Am in 2000 with 5,000 miles on it. It was all fine until 2003. If you have automatic windows they are terrible. All that hold them in place is a piece of plastic. Which through all the hot weather in TX make it weak and they break. You of course cant buy just the plastic piece that breaks you have to buy a whole motor replacement which cost between $80- $150. I had to replace both of them within two years of each other. Also the Door just mysteriously started not to open. The rear-view mirror fell off and the headlight bulbs are a pain to change. Also the transmission fliud has to be changed at a dealership.
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Sedan for a teen - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Rob Jones - December 9 - 10:00 amI got this car by my own choice, I am 16 and it has good power, speed. Not likeable gas mileage, but a 6-cylinder wouldnt have as good as my former 4- cylinder car. The gas detector has gone out leaving gas gage broken, air conditionar buttons break easily, It does have a stong body in hail storms, and is a slick looking car.
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POJ - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By deanke - December 4 - 2:36 amThis was the biggest waste of money I have ever seen. I will never by a GM product again. I had to get the intake gasket replaced twice which was over $1200 each time. The headlights, heat, air conditioning, and windows stopped working. It burned anti-freeze and I had to replace blown-out tires 3 times. NEVER buy this car!!
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Great Car; Nice ride - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Brandee Benson - December 1 - 10:56 pmThis is an overall great vehicle to own. I have been happy with mine for the 4+ years that I have owned it. I bought it new and have taken good care with maintenance, etc. I get about 30 miles/gal. Things to look for: leak in through vent under the hood by windshield. The gasket just needs to be placed better (cost $25 to fix). It needed new computer part for the heater mechanism at about 40000 miles. Needed to replace wiper motor at about 50000 miles, needed new ABS sensors around 70000 miles. Other than that it has been regular maintenance. If you are looking for a good looking car, good gas mileage, great get-up-and-go, and some roomy interior, this car is for you!
