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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  Why Grand is in the name - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kansasgijoe - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have put over 8000 miles and this car and had a ball in every one of them. Good all around well designed car. I have owned two Z28s and this out performs them both. If only it had rear wheel drive I would be in heaven.

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  Chose Over an Accord - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Looks4Value - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I hadnt even considered buying a Grand Prix until I rented one on a business trip. I found the performance from the standard 3.1 liter engine was adequate under all conditions, the handling was excellent, and the interior was roomy and very comfortable. Ive been getting 30 miles per gallon on the freeway, and it has only needed routine maintenance in 34,000 miles. At this point Im very pleased with the appearance, performance, and quality.

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  showing age - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By rickster - October 28 - 10:00 am

  GP was great the first few years but now showing its age, molding for windows is wearing out, power window switch broke, rear brake wore out. Cant afford a much needed tune up

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  Not a BMW 5 series killer... - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Gomez - October 26 - 3:33 pm

  While the exhaust notes are a delightful symphony, the suspension and torque steer remove any fantasies of carving a canyon and putting the whup on any German engineered product. First impression: throaty growl stimulates adrenal gland...then ride on the street is like drinking sour milk. Suspension is so soft that the front emd bottoms out at speed over moderate undulations in the road. Feels like floating in a raft in the pool. Torque steer nearly planted me in the car in the next lane on the freeway. Under hard acceleration, it is not unlike flying a helicopter: dont even think of releasing the controls! Constant input requirement drowns the fun of the acceleration.

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  a - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MTNowa - October 24 - 11:00 pm

  very dependable, very fun to drive car. Has surprised quite a few people who have ridden in it by how quick it is

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  Back in a GTP - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cudaboy2 - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I was in a roll over accident in my previous 2000 GTP and survived with only a bruised arm. It gets my thumbs up on safety. I expect to have the same trouble-free reliability as my previous 2000 GTP. Love the new OnStar option. I am completely satisfied with this car. Cant wait for the new 2004s to come out, though I might switch to the GTO.

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  fast and fun for a family car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kcoffman - October 19 - 10:00 am

  We just bought our 004 Grand Prix GT2 but so far -- loving it!!!!!!!! Fast and nimble and oh so fun! A little disappointed in the information read- out screen (not enough info listed) and not enough cubbies or cup holders but still an awesome interior. We tried it out as a rental and really enjoyed it then we went out and bought the upgrade.

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  update for GTP; keep looking! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Madusa - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Well, no further problems to report...just the same ones! The windshield is too low at the top (must scootch down to see the street light). the top of my head rubs against the ceiling (Im 64") but never had this problem with my 00 GT. Im hating NOT having an auto-dim rear view mirror. Night driving stinks when youre constantly blinded. People still confuse me with a Grand Am (including my girl friend)..YUK! Drove in the "Detroit Dream Cruise" all weekend and got my butt kicked almost every time. 0-60 in 6.6 NO WAY!! Seen 7.1+ on other sites and feels even slower to me. All talk and no walk. SLUGGISH! STAY AWAY. Dont be tricked by incentives(like me)

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  Jones GP Review - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Wanda Jones - October 15 - 11:06 am

  Had to replace transmission twice,other than that, Ive had good performance and reliability from the GP. Great looking car and very comfortable.

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  great mileage - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By frank - October 3 - 3:53 pm

  30 miles per gallon if you stay out of the supercharger on the interstates. great car so far on dependability.