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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  Loved this car! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Spirit711 - July 17 - 3:33 am

  I bought this car with 17,000 miles on it as a program car. Its absolutely been the best car Ive ever owned. I have 76,000 on it now and I doubt if Ive put over $1,000 in it, including regular maintenance. Its time to think about buying a new one, but I keep trying to wait until something goes wrong with this car, and it just keeps going and going!

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  Its the little things that matter most! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By New York Driver - July 12 - 6:56 am

  21,000 miles - I have had no problems with my GP mechanically yet. I am however a new york resident, and I often get pounded by the snow here. One of the first things that I noticed was that when lifting the windshield wipers up, they are stopped by there arms hitting the hood. This only allows for about 6 inches to clear all the snow and ice off, and they dont stay up, so you have to hold them. Also, the salt requires frequent squirts of washer fluid, but even the slightest cold weather freezes the squirters. The windows freeze easily too. The heated seats will burn your butt though! The chrome handles get scratched very easily. I always wanted a GP, and now I have one, its nice.

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  one great car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By driveone - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money. Puts my 2001 Honda Accord EX V6 to shame in performance, fuel economy, quality and reliability.

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  One Great car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GreggWright - July 11 - 10:00 am

  The car is a wonderful balance of sport and luxury.

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  04 GTP WOW - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jackgit - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery yesterday $200 over Invoice minus 500 dealer cash & 500 holiday cash, 1,000 GM $ 36 mths 404 per mth. I had am 01 GT dealer took back on drive ahead program. GM did an excellent job tight steering alot of power super ride. This is my 5th Grand Prix & the best so far!!

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  Why I love my car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By SweetC - July 9 - 8:46 am

  I love my car. It snowed about two weeks ago and I had the opportunity to use the traction control. It worked great. The remote start is also a very nice feature when it is cold. I can stand inside the building at work and start my car.

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  Looks, Comfort and Fun to drive - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GT - July 4 - 12:06 am

  Handles like a dream. Very responsive - will "move" when needed. Great size - not hard to park but big enough for adults to be comfortable front and back. Sporty but classy. Perfect.

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  I might get another! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By packisgreat - June 29 - 10:03 pm

  Ive had 2002 GT Cpe since 2005 and at 125K its going strong. Only larger repair has been a wheel bearing. It gets up to 30MPG-which was a 2200 mile trip at about 83 MPH in Mn and ND when it was at abt 110K. Uses no oil. Only irritating thing is the water leaking into tail lights. Im looking to get a 2001 for my son.

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  Not Happy - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By John - June 25 - 7:13 pm

  This car was great for the first 50K miles then things started to fall apart. The catalytic converter went out at about 55K, and the transmission started operating real sloppy. From there the transmission went downhill. The transmission had a certain lag when you needed to accelerate and it started making funny noises. At 85K the transmission started dropping into gears and continued to sound worse. I just got rid of it before things got worse.

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  I Miss Pontiac! - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By I Miss Pontiac! - June 24 - 9:46 pm

  I do like my 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix. I still dont love it. I am a Mercury Cougar fan, I had 2 including a 25th Anniversary Edition. The Pontiac and Grand Prix version is a wonderful car. I have leather, heated seats, dual temp controls, sunroof, remote start, and the XM and 6 CD changer. All in a regular GP, not GT. I was told it was customer built. My car was also a program car. I have not had any problems. Just the normal oil and maintenance routines. The Drivers Info center is fun. The car does have get-up- and go, you can pass easily.