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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Dont know - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By hartman - June 3 - 2:00 amThis car has been very dependeble for me. I enjoy my car very much.
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It aint the 99 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By ruffner6 - June 2 - 7:33 pmI had a 99 and loved it every day I had it. On a whim, I traded it for this adult version with leather and sunroof. Almost immediately I was unhappy. The sunroof hesitated for the first 3 years then fixed itself. The front end has been repaired at least 6 times. It ate a set of tires in 8 month. Tie rods, bushing alignment issues. The interior stinks: My 6 foot husband cant get into it, period with out moving the steering wheel and seat. "leather is all cracking, wheel is peeling, plastic is impossible to clean. I miss my 99 in myriad ways. It was huge, got better mileage. I HATE leather, especially this leather. And the AM radio is affected by sunspots or something 2x a year. weird
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Power, Performance and Style - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Don Richmond - May 30 - 11:06 pmI am a driver in my mid 40s. I guess Ive become bored with the average sedan. Looking for something a little different. This is it! This gives me the sporty look I wanted, the power to get there fast, and the comfort I desired. The car is loaded. The 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP has great acceleration and has lots of toys. The salesperson pointed out the Eyecue Heads up Display. He informed me the GM had bought out Hughes Aircraft back in the 80s. Hughes makes the F-16 fighter jet. He asked if I had ever seen Tom Cruise in Top Gun. I said sure. Well remember when the jet information was projected onto his windshield .... check this out..the same technology was in my Grand Prix!
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mecham - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By CUEVAS - May 28 - 11:23 amThis vehicle is a supercar on racing it gives out an outstanding performance when it come for take off and racing. Its also very comfortable from the interior (the seats, a/c radio/cdplayer) and the most important part of this vehicle is that you can make some modification to the gtp (illuminate your gages, upgrade your system) and all this details wont cost you a thing.
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best car Ihave owned - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By francis joubert - May 26 - 11:53 amI have 42,000 miles on it and have not brought it back to dealer. Handles very good and the 3800 engine is superb, very peppy.Gets 30 miles per gallon on highway.The fits are excellent. No squeaks or rattles. Seems to me GM has finally built a good reliable car. Will definitely buy another car. I tried a nissan,and camry,but this is quieter and handles better.
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2003 gp limited edition - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By mkpolley - May 24 - 10:00 amive had 3 other g.ps 87,99,and 2003 never had a problem with any of them. this is the first gtp i have had, good looks with the limited edition package.if you have the extra 2000$. very fast and good rebates. got a 30,000 car for 23,000.
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very good - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By seby - May 24 - 10:00 amI dont belive that I was just "lucky" but in 3 years (more than 75.000 km) I didnt have any major problem. The only "problem" was related to the "experience" of the guys that are doing my maintenance ...
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Average Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By juan_david - May 19 - 11:13 pmExpensive repairs... ABS, Steering rack, rear tail lights, seat belt buckle.
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Ouch, its the tranny - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Skeeter - May 14 - 7:03 amI just took my GP GT into the dealership after hearing a bit of extra noise under the hood. They called me back saying that it appears that a bearing is going and pieces are floating around the transmission. Cost to repair it, $3400. Not too happy about GM build quality after this. The other issues Ive had are "warped", distorted windshield, a spot in the paint that had been redone poorly at the factory, and a leaky rear window that had water sloshing underneath the rear seats onto the floor.
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Great Sporty Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Lenora - May 10 - 10:00 amThe GT is a very smooth, fast riding car. Lots of front leg room and width room. Fun to drive. If your looking for a 4 door car thats sporty and young looking - this should be your first and only choice.
