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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got two of them - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Pete04 - May 6 - 10:00 amI drive the GTP model and my wife the GT2. Both look sharp and much better than 98 GT and SE models we had. Car got great extÂ’r changes, but GM took away some of the nice features from the old cars. The GTP burns more gas than GT2(let me think maybe the 260hp engine is at fault here).I love to drive this car and my wife loves it too, even though she had a problem with the CD changer.
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The best 4 door - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Mike - May 5 - 2:46 pmThe 2004 Grand Prix is the best looking four door car out there. I love the car inside and out. The GTP has a lot of power for 260 hp and when the 303 hp 2005 GXP comes out, that is going to be crazy.
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I love my new car! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Lastone1 - May 4 - 10:00 amGranted, I dont know much about cars...but I have been driving this car for almost a year and it has been wonderful. The ride is smooth and comfortable for the long drive I have to work. I dont think that I can ever buy a car without Heads Up Display again. I no longer have to look down when changing my speed...or my radio controls. Also, the car has so many more features than any other for your dollar. The only problems are watching speed...a smooth ride makes you forget how fast youre going and hitting the breaks on a heavy car like this means you have to leave quite a bit of stopping distance!
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Car that wont stop - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By fugary - May 1 - 4:41 amI have a 2005 gp that now has 361000 miles that has given me many years of use. If you take care of the 3800 V6 you will get your money back in return.
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Beware of Transmission - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jimbabwe - April 30 - 10:00 amGreat car in every aspect except the transmission. Ive had mine replaced 3 times, 24k, 38k, and 55k. Glad I got the extended warranty. Read other reviews and youll see a lot of transmission problems. Dealership denied having knowledge of a problem, but lots of owners have told me the transmissions are a real problem.
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It has always been good to me - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By matt9404 - April 29 - 10:23 amThis is my second Grand Prix and I love this one just as much. The mechanical quality has always been great, although the interior quality could be improved. Fun car, Id buy it again if I had to do it over again, although Id probably spring for the GXP with leather.
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Bad car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By bigdogdriver - April 28 - 3:40 pmBought car for daughter, worst mistake ever. Only 92,000 miles on it and I have replaced the air cond. Unit, alternator and right side head gasket. This car will nickel and dime you to death.
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Great GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Will - April 27 - 5:06 amAgree with others very nice car, fun to drive and all. Otherwise my pick of the 3 new cars to drive at home that have this is the first choice. Have had many Grand Ams GT and also 1973 Grand Am with V8 with 4 spd and this GXP V8 much better as 1973 Grand Am would get scratch shifting into 4th gear at 90+ MPH but Grand Prix GXP with 4 dr. is much better all around car. Happy with purchase. Was considering Toyota Camry Hybrid but "The Fun" and not a commuter drone is what this is about. Some vibration noise in instrument panel at top so put some silicon fixed that, and twice slight noise when take steering hard turn in or out of parking spot but trying to narrow that down to fix. Thats it.
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Gotta love it - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Gman2003 - April 27 - 2:00 amI just bought my GTP limited and think it might be the best car I have ever owned. It is fun to drive and has tons of power. The design is awesome and the interior is nicely equiped. It is just an awesome car!!!!!!
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Pontiac 3.8L transmission - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By hymark - April 22 - 1:06 pmExcellent car, transmission went at 120,000 miles, had it rebuilt, still the same problems, no one can find the problem 12,000 miles later!
