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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  Solid Performance Sedan - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MarkK - June 23 - 9:30 pm

  I had the power steering pump replaced at 21000 miles. I had the outside rubber/plastic lining at the base of the windshield replaced at 30,000 miles. The fuel economy isnt the best but it has 260 HP and 280 ft/lbs. of tourque, so I expected it. I get around 23 miles per gallon average on mostly highway driving. Im almost 6 4" and just barely fit in the car (It has a moon roof which lowered the roof line). Regardless, its a fun ride with very good acceleration and decent handling. The fold down front seat is a nice addition. The trunk is large. Overall, Im happy with the car for the price.

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  Love Pontiac - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Vetdoc - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I have all GM vehicles and my Grand Prix is my favorite. It is a 99with a 3.8 V6 and it has 54000 miles on it, but it loks and feels new.

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  Happy leaser - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JAK.1 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is great. For the price of the lease this vehicle is outperforming my expectations. Great ride and handeling. Good engine performance with decent fuel economy.

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  Fun, Comfortable, Great Value - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By da-star - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Great Car! Test drive one if you have not done so. GT is pretty powerful, but GTP is amazing. No one in the streets expects so much power out of this baby, and they are always in shock when you demonstrate. I own a 99 GTP with 45K miles and had almost no problems (replaced both window lift motors). Quality has been better than expected. And the fun to drive this car is incredible. The car is so much fun that my wife hurries to leave for work so she can "steal" the keys. This is absolutely a Great Value: Fun, Comfortable, Good looking.

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  Fun Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Nate - June 18 - 12:56 pm

  This is a fun to drive, very sporty looking car. Only had it into the dealer for a few minor repairs, overall im very happy with it. Had to replace the front tires at 32000 miles, I went with Yokohamas and am very happy with them (less road noise and great traction).

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  Pontiac Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By S Smith - June 18 - 11:03 am

  Great responsiveness upon acceleration. Monsoon stereo makes driving a pleasure. Pontiac stepped up and subsidized the conversion to aluminum caps. Drive 20K + miles per year - best car Ive driven.

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  Awesome - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By James West - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Handles great. I love the outside design. It has the kind of power and speed you love for touch and go situations. I could drive it all the time. I feel like I have been in a commercial where I make excuses to take a drive anywhere. It is an awsome car.

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  Miss the old grandpix - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By angel - June 14 - 10:33 am

  Love the smooth and quite ride. Its was so quite i accidently tried to restart it a few times oops! My bad. but it never hurt the starter. I really miss the car and may get another after seeing one on the road today. I bought mine brand new in 2001 and replaced it in 2007 to buy my daughter a used car. She liked it and learned to drive in it but wanted something smaller. when i got rid off it i racked up 160,000. mostly highway miles to and from work. the only problem i ever had was one power window motor which i fixed myself.Never had to do a timing belt because it was chain driven and never had to replace any CV joints or driveshafts. Just normal wear and tear items.

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  Fantasic, awesome, incredible..... - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Snowman - June 10 - 4:00 pm

  ...and not too expensive. Most fun car Ive ever driven, and safe too. Holds the road like glue, goes like a bat out of hell, stops on a time. Sorry for the cliches, but theyre all true. And my price was below 28 grand for a totally loaded v8 rocketship that is quiet and dependable.

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  Best all-around car Ive had! All my friends are jealous of the Pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By synovialbasher - June 6 - 2:02 am

  I bought this car in February of 2014 with 126xxx miles on it. Currently I have over 133xxx. This car is awesome. I love the interior cockpit design; it really makes the driver feel in charge. The heads up display in this car is by far my favorite feature. Its really hard to find those with other cars nowadays. The GM 3.8 is an amazing motor. Going down the highway I get 30 mpg easily, which is amazing given the size of the car. Whenever a friend of mine gets into my car, their immediate reaction is, "wow, this is a solid car". Then again, these are people who drive Volkswagens and Hondas... Theyre shocked on how safe they feel in an American car.