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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Great Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By bmxpro789 - March 30 - 2:00 amGreat Car!, Would recommend to anyone.
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My GP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By hibay - March 29 - 10:13 pmGreat value and fun to drive everyday. Good in the snow and wet. Ride needs some fine tuning, especially driving around Detroit roads
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lovin the ride - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By ibike - March 28 - 10:00 ami took a chance on this car as opposed to the camaro. glad i did. with 200HP and 225 FPT you really cant go wrong. i have run a few times against mustang, BMW, Benz, acura.... beat em all with a stock domestic! the only thing i would have done differently would be to opt for the GTP. once you drive one you will wish you could add a supercharger!
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Great car to own - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By marlene - March 26 - 9:33 amThis is the first time I have ever done a review but I wanted people to know that Pontiac Grand Prix was a blast. I purchased the car in 1998 with 30,000 miles on it. I have never had any problems other than replacing the alternator several times and the usual brakes and oil. Last week the car was at 323,800 when the car finally gave up. I have owned the car for 12 years going from coast to coast in it for family vacations. It will be truly missed.
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StubMobile-06 GP GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By BOB_houston - March 25 - 10:50 pmMy wife and I love all of the features on this pontiac. I do not know of another Auto that is so packed with features. Fast, farily economical (18.6 MPG Average)and a-blast to drive. Very comfortable for four people. Onstar, XM Satellite Radio, great Transmission. Black Cherry Metalliac Paint is beautiful.
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Performance, compfort, and style. - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Josh Gray - March 25 - 9:46 pmThe 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix meets all of my expectations, after driving, but not owning, Pontiacs for the past 14 years. I am most pleased with the vehicle. It is full of new features that appear on many of the same class and luxury cars, HUD, Leather seats, sun roof, bose sound system, and now in many GM cars: OnStar. The gas milage is better than they publish at 25.5 city / 33.2 hwy. Perhaps this will lower with time.
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review update.. - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By kita - March 25 - 10:00 amIf you rate this car higher than 7.0 youre either lying, work for gm or probably both. I really wish I waited for more incentives. After 12K miles Im still hating NO auto-dim mirror. Loud engine is loosing its gusto by the month. Monsoon speakers are terrible. Turn on the rear view defroster and my stereo turns into static. Time for ANOTHER trip to the dealership. My 00 GT was roomier and more comfortable to drive. AND nicer styling! My head constantly rubs the ceiling in the 04. I could use the seat to go another couple inches back. Rear seats are a joke. Open sunroof is loud. POOR QUALITY! NOT WORTH THE MONEY!! Would NOT buy this car again.
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fun car, great MPG - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jimp259 - March 24 - 4:43 amaverage of 25 MPG city and hwy combined!
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Better than my VM or Nissan - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By al22 - March 24 - 2:00 amIt handles really well. Great traction. Roomy yet nimble. Powerful - accelerates quickly. Many features that others charge more for. The best car for the price. Four years and not one problem. Knock on wood.
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Great Mpgs, a lot of leg room and powerful! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By k_relyt - March 21 - 4:28 pmI have driven this car for 80,000+ miles and I know what I am talking about when I say this is a great car! I bought the car with 70,000 and now its at 150+ and I have only had to replace minor bits and pieces that come along with driving a car that much. Brake pads, wheel bearings and a battery once. You dont have to buy a 4 cylinder civic to get good milage. This can get 33 tops on hwy and 21 in the city. I avg. 28 driving through mnt. ranges on cruise. For a 2dr the back seat is spacious for leg room and comfy. I can fit my snowboards and wakeboard in my trunk no problem as well as move all my belongings in the thing. Its sharp with the 17" chrome rims and can give you amazing v6power.
