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:

• 

  Grand Prix GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Frank & Denise - February 4 - 10:00 am

  The Grand Prixs style, performance, options, and comfort are excellent. Its my second Pontiac vehicle and I never had a problem mechanically with them. Only problem is storage area in the front of the car, but its worth it.

• 

  3 Day Review - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By forgop - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Just leased a Grand Prix 3 days ago. Nice car for the money, at least with the rebates and GMS pricing that was available to me. Had it not been for being so upside down on my trade, I could have done a 2 year lease with 15k miles/year for just $200($24k MSRP). Definitely has the Pontiac ride, having leased a 99 Grand Am as well. I think the 3800 engine is perhaps one of the best out there in the midsize market. Very well equipped car for a base package. Roomy interior with lots of trunk space.

• 

  Greatest car ever. - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brian2570 - February 3 - 8:10 am

  I got a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix GT in white with the tan leather interior with only 27,000 miles for a first car (Youd say spoiled brat, but let me just say I got a hell of a deal!). My siblings who drive Hondas say its incredible. The ride is smooth, its extremely comfortable with tons of legroom, the Monsoon sound system is insane, and this thing is FAST. I am in love with this car. There is not one thing more I could wish for, I swear. If you are looking for car, take a look at the Grand Prix. The ratings I gave it are honest, this thing is more fun to drive than my moms Mustang GT. And whoever says theres no back seat room has gone mad.

• 

  Competent value - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Marco - January 29 - 11:03 pm

  Bought the sedan as an everyday driver. Power with base engine is good. Overall competent handling, power and braking combination. Solid feel to build. No other car offered more value (200 hp, auto, power everything) after rebates.

• 

  Silver GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Richm4 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  After considering the ES300, Accord and CTS, I bought the GTP minus Comp-G. Great exterior styling, power an handling, BUT it is a bit rough riding for my tastes. Nice leather seats and the interior materials are an improvement over the prior generation Grand Prix which I had owned.

• 

  A Nice Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By FA - January 17 - 10:10 pm

  I bought my Grand Prix GTP with about 34K miles on it. Its been a fun & very sporty car to drive. The GTP feature resulted in me paying a surcharge in my car insurance though. I guess they thought Id drive like a race car driver. The car has great pick-up & allows you to move through traffic well. To my surprise the fuel economy has been great as I do lots of hwy driving. Im at 82K, so little things are starting need repair. Most of the repairs to date include front- wheel ballbearings, breaks, replacement of a tail light cover ($$$) & fog light ($$$), a valve in the transmission ($900), & a water leak under the dash. The water issue made me crazy, but overall I really enjoyed the car

• 

  My new GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Richard Leavitt - January 15 - 6:30 pm

  I ordered this car fully loaded. I have not been sorry for one minute. Getting in the car and driving it is a thrill and it makes me forget any problems I may have. The performance is more than adequate. Stepping down on the gas a little makes it seem like it is taking off like a jet. It just wants to move. My first long trip rendered just over 26 mpg which is quite acceptable for a higher performance engine. The only problem I have experienced is the navigation system but I understand this is an overall problem and it doesnt really bother me as there will be a fix for it. The best part of this car is my dealer and my saleslady. A big plus!

• 

  I love this car! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By patte_a - January 11 - 3:13 pm

  I bought the GP GT after driving a rental GP GT while my wrecked car was being repaired. I buy cars like most women buy shoes, but I will drive this car until the wheels fall off. It is by far the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. The dealership has been fantastic for service. My stepson has already asked to buy this from me when he graduates from college. It is a definite keeper.

• 

  This things fast and smooth - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By woolly - January 10 - 8:10 am

  Bought the car with 4,000 miles on it, pretty loaded and supercharged. I still have a 1999 Bonneville and I thought it was fast. This car is unbelievable for the money. Looks like an expensive sports car and drives like one.

• 

  Pontiac Built Excitement - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Steve - January 8 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our GP for approx 3 years and love the car. Its our 2nd one with the bulletproof 3.8 liter engine. Plenty of power, it effortlessly gets up to hwy speeds. It has the crystal blue paint which changes to teal in the sun and can appear purple at time in dimmer light. Reliability has not been an issue with this car and Id definitely get another if they still made them. GM got this one right and reliability seems to be hard to find these days. Id also consider the Aussie built G8 as theyve been around along time Down Under.