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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Detroit can build a great car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By DB - March 20 - 3:56 pmThis is my second Grand Prix. my 1992 went 155,000 mi before I traded it in for the 1999. At 165,000 mi this GTP is still going strong. Aside from typical wear items: tires, brakes, belts, bulbs, etc, all that was replaced was the fuel pump at 156,000. The 3.8L motor is a strong GM plant, runs strong, still gets 32mpg hwy 20 city and uses minimal oil (1/2 qt between changes). The body integrity remains tight. People are amazed to hear the year and mileage when they see the condition. Very roomy in interior and trunk cargo area.
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Reliable Grand Prix - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By gina - March 17 - 9:26 pmI purchased the car new in 2000 and I currently have 65,000 miles on her. My only major complaint is the regulators/motors for the windows, at least 15 times since new combined all windows and I rarely use the back windows. The headlight lens have been foggy since 15,000 miles and GM refused to fix under warranty. Other problems, lost fan speeds for climate controldriver door panel is loose, and a blown speaker. Its been paid off for years and only requires routine maintence, oil changes, 1 new battery, new tires on front &and 2 new tires and brake pads at 60k. I love my car and wont part with it!
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Great Car on the Whole - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By STLbill7982 - March 16 - 11:06 amIm the original owner and my GP has had no major problems after 94k. The headlamp lense did fall off at 75k, but I replaced the whole assembly for $100. I sealed the other headlamp lense myself and have had no leaks since. Nothing leaks in the car, no mechanical problems, no leaky gaskets, no badges or bodyside molding have ever fallen off. The CD player quit working after 6 years, but I replaced stereo for $300. Original brakes after 94k, got 54k out of tires, transmission runs like new, no switches have ever failed, original window motors, all electronics are fully functional. Dont understand why others complain of poor quality - my brothers 2000 Accord has had far more problems.
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190,000 Miles Later...... - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By rose38478 - March 16 - 6:09 amYes, what it said. I put 190,000+ miles on my Pontiac. Bought it 4.5 years ago, just traded it and I miss it horribly. No mechanical trouble except basic maintenance and 1 thermostat. Paint stood up well to the test of time. Only thing interior wise is my dashboard cracked a little way up by the window. Other than that, stayed great. Seats didnt tear, rug didnt wear out. The engine gave you enough power to get where you needed to go quickly. I wish Pontiac had stuck around. I would have bought another.
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its really good - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By southsidelak - March 15 - 1:50 pmthis car is all u need for excitement to family vacations. performs great,looks great and best of all the price was right.. had no problems other then rain water coming in from the fire wall but it is fixable for under 10 dollars. Smart buy....
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2004 Pontiac Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By mschmehl - March 13 - 10:00 amI have owned my Grand Prix GT1 for about 1 year and I have been very pleased with its performance and comfort. For the cost and value of what I received in my Grand Prix, you could not find a better mid-sized sedan. One complaint I do have is that it does not come with map lights on the GT1 model as standard. Never realized how important a little thing like that can be. Otherwise, I look forward to gettng another one soon.
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yeah! for Pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By IBEX - March 13 - 10:00 amFinally an answer to all the boring Grand Am and Grand Priz models. I bought the 2004 Pontiac GTP model with the comp G package. I have never been so pleased with a GM vehicle. This car is fast and it gets good gas mileage. Ive driven it in Alaska during the winter (handled the icy roads no problem). Ive even driven it through the Colorado Rockies (can you say fun). Next stop Hwy 1 in California
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a fair grand prix - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By aldinero - March 10 - 2:00 ammy gt is a good handling somewhat noisy car.doesnt ride very well but the front sears are comfortable.good brakes and good visibility.
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Twisted Thoughts - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Sonny - March 10 - 2:00 amI was always a 2 door sports car kind of guy, but this 4 door Grand Prix SE is very sharp looking to the human eye.Chicks dig the car, and it has alot of room in it.Very comfortable for the long drives.However, I now hear engine noise at 25000 miles, The dealer said the pistons need to be replaced, and this is common in this model of car.Who needs to buy a new car and have this kind of problem right off the bat??? I always have second thought about this car.Talk to the service dept. in Pontiac before buying this car.I never beat on my vehicles, so tthink about it.Thank god for warranty.
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favorite car in 26 years of driving - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Scott - February 28 - 3:36 amOk, i have had a lot of cars! 3 brand new ones and 25 used. This is my first Pontiac but I have had many GMs. The first time i drove it i new i was going to buy it. Sounded good, seats and interior are like a cockpit of a jet plane. The only negative is its really hard to accelerate without the front tires breaking loose. This is my favorite vehicle of all time. I would highly recommend this car to anyone that likes a sporty sedan with a great motor, great looks, great comfort, and a great exhaust sound.