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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  Sporty for this mom! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tamee88 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my 2002 Grand Prix GT and I totally enjoy it! Its got so much power I have to remind myself the speed limit is 55! Im a mom of a four year old and I tool around town feeling like a teenager again. My son thinks hes got a cool mom too!

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  Awesome Car! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JCSupercharger - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The GTP is just simply an awesome car. It gives a thrill every time I take a drive. I have no complaints. If thinking of buying a Grand Prix I would only recommend buying the GTP - well worth the extra bucks!

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  Pontiac Grand Prix - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dscott8873 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The car is a fun car to drive and responds well, especially when using a premium fuel. I question the long term quality of the vehicle. My Grand Prix needed a new transmission after 42000 miles, I also had changed the transmission fluid at 20,000 miles. The car also had a problem with its computer system at 38,000 mile right after the warranty went out. The quality if the interior is good. Some of the knobs could be of better quality as the paint on the pointer part of the A/C knobs wears easily.

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  Best Grand Prix Ever - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Thunderchicken - July 30 - 6:20 am

  I have owned several Grand Prixs over the years and have found the 07 GXP to be the best yet. It has a great combination of handling, power and technology. Taking into account the car has a 300+ bhp V8, the fuel economy is very good. I get 26 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg city. I am not lead footed but do lean on it a bit from time to time. I find the build quality to be a bit lacking for the interior but a dash dress up kit really helps. The only down sides are poor factory tires and massive torque stear under hard excelleration. Pirelli PZero 255/45ZR18 solves the tire problem. Sorry, no solution for the torque stear. All in all a great, good looking adult sports sedan. Great value

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  Update! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 3800 V6 - July 28 - 10:46 am

  I wrote a review about 3 years ago when I first got the car. It now has 210,000 miles and seldom has to go in the shop. I usually get 24-26 MPG, but on long trips Ive gotten 34 (really). It has never left me on the side of the road, but I did have to make some costly repairs when I first got it. I might buy an 07 or 08 soon, so I thought Id update my comments!

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  Very fun car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tim Olson - July 28 - 10:13 am

  This car is very fun to drive and gets a lot of attention with the right aftermarket accessories. I wish that they kept the same body style through current years though.

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  The 2004 Grand Prix GTP Comp G is #1 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mike A Kay - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2004 Grand Prix GTP CompG for a year now and driving it is more exciting and FUN than when I first got it. Having learned what the car is capable of and putting it through its paces on a daily basis is great. It is a tremendous road car for trips. Spacious and roomy, yet full of pep and fun to drive. The gas milage claims are ACCURATE for the Supercharged engine. I am required to drive a four door sedan for my job, but no one said it had to be boring. The 2004 Grand Prix is fun stylish and exciting to drive. In short, this is a great car value!

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  GTP Performance - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Paul - July 23 - 11:03 am

  From the day I bought the Grand Prix GTP I really enjoyed the performance of the supercharged engine. The only problem is the low roof line. I enjoy driving long distances the seats and gauges are excellent. Gas mileage is okay for a large midsize car. Even though the 3.8 is old technology, GM has come a long way with making the engine quite yet with the supercharger it is very responsive.

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  2002 GTP - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GTPMAN - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I think this veicle is a really nice car it perfores really well i brought it to the track several times and at first i was geting 14.9 but then after it got broke in and it was a little coller out i was running 14.2 at 98 miles an hour bone stock. now i grew up going to the track every weekend and iv never seen a stock V6 no less run a 14.2

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  Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bobk - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Great power, smoothness, quietness, fit/finish, gas mileage,,,, did I leave anything out? A ton of value for the money. One thing not noted is how well the safety is in the wet. The traction control is truly a marvel. I fly past people. Great job Pontiac!