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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A great car for the money! - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By gpfan4life - April 22 - 2:00 amThe Pontiac Grand Prix GTP is a great car for the money. Peformance, looks, and comfort are great, not to mention the good gas mileage for a performance engine. I would recommend this car for a person that needs something practical yet fun and fast.
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My First GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By tj1davis - April 17 - 10:00 amI have had my Sport Red GTP for about 6 weeks and love it. It is a big step forward over the previous model years. I love the look of it from the outside and inside. Any time there is a body style change if you loved the old style it takes a while for the new one to grow on you.
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A great blown Grand Prix - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Joe - April 12 - 6:23 pmIve owned this car for 2 years, was a previous owner of an 04 non- supercharged version, and I love it. Its fast and stylish and gets pretty good gas mileage. Although good, I have to clarify the mileage rating as was given in a few of the other ratings. This car has never averaged 30 mpg for me, and I live 7 miles from my job. My trip computer indicates 21 mpg (avg) on good days, 17 if I get on it hard. The trip computer will show avg, instant, and range mpg info. Its good, but not that good. Still, for the size of its motor, its weight, and the hp rating, its plenty good for me. It provides a very smooth and stable ride and can hold the road very well for its weight.
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New GP Rocks - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jkeener71 - April 11 - 10:00 amGreat Car. Looks great, Handles great. Very good power. Impressive Braking. HUD (Heads-up display is sweet). Very informative information center.
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the fastest and best looking sedan - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jeff johnson - April 11 - 10:00 amif you are over 5 feet tall you and you want the fastest sedan available for under 31000 then get the GTP. otherwise you will end up with less.
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2004 GTP Competition Group - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Robert A. - April 11 - 10:00 amThis car is outstanding!! The performance, handling and comfort is exceptional. The styling is great and I regularly get comments from people such as "nice, nice". Best automobile purchase that I have ever made!
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1998 GTP Sedan - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Andrue - April 5 - 10:00 amI bought this car new in 1998. It was my first new car and It had everything that I wanted. The car had excellent acceleration, especially for a large car. It handled well and it looked good. I can also attest to the safety. I was involved in a wreck that totaled the car but both myself, and my 6 year old son walked away with no problems. This GM product served me well from the moment I bought it, until it met its untimely demise. It sacrificed itself to protect its occupants. Excellent engineering!
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Good Value and Performance - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Dominickc1 - April 5 - 10:00 amThis is my third Grand Prix GTP as this is what the company I work for issues (Revious years were 2000 and 1997). The 2004 GTP w/ Comp. Group Pack. is the way to go. A little more refined versus previous years though drivers seat is mounted way to high for a sports car. Tap Shift works well and is fun to operate although not required to get the performance.. The Supercharger (GTP) is and well worth it. Heads Up Display is great and controls are improved. I do miss the Auto Night Vision Review Mirror Light Dimmer though.. GM please send me one. Performance is excellent and very responsive, ride is stiffer, steering is tighter and brakes are improved.
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WOW! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GTP - April 5 - 10:00 amOverall, a great car. I would admit that it would have been nice to have cup holders in the back seat and an auto dimming rear view mirror, but these are just minor details. Great handling, fast - maybe too fast. I love the new look. I suppose for someone who traded in a 99 Cavalier this is a slight step up in quality and performance!
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10 year original owner - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Eric D - April 1 - 2:33 pmBought my Grand Prix Dec 26, 1999. Absolutely loved to drive it. The car was great until it hit about 75k miles, then things really started to wear down. Had one major repair of the rack and pinion and power steering at the same time. Was about a $1500 repair. Many other little things also began to fall apart since 75k. Driver power window quit working. Gas gauge began to malfunction and I had to track the fuel level with the trip odometer. Also, the low coolant light was always lit and even the fluids were topped off. The carpeting wore very early on. Overall, it was a satisfying ownership but mostly because I paid it off two years earlier then I had expected and owned it free and clear.
