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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  Piece of junk - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By LCYon - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Im not sure how Pontiac designs cars but they completely failed here. Even the repairs were not done very well by the dealerships (as evidenced by the repeated failure of the same part). I will never purchase another Pontiac and have moved to a more reliable car, a VW. Years 1-4 - three bad oxygen sensors - plastic molding on both doors fell off (replaced 6 times!!!) Year 5 - bad oxygen sensor - rusted through brake rotors ($500) - cracked power steering rack ($1200) - completely fogged headlights ($400)

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  2006 grand prix - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By chaseprusia - October 1 - 10:50 am

  great full size car sporty comfortable fast awsome mileage i 160 miles a day and average 28 mpgs

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  Love It - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By xxxx - September 24 - 4:16 pm

  This Car is a lot of fun! Ride is great. Sightlines are poor due to sporty design but large sideview mirrors make up for it. Have not had one problem with car. Headroom is a little short due to sunroof.

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  2003 gt limited - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jess - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this car.There is plenty of interior space, the trunk is huge,the bose stereo system shakes the car when loud and is crystal clear,the car has great get up and go. the limited has lots of gadgets including the on board computerand heads up eye-cue. for the price of this car we got the most for our money.

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  Great used car for teen driver - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jhairston - September 11 - 5:40 pm

  Im only 16 years old, and I got this as my first car. Bought it used from an elderly woman who rarely drove it, so it was practically new. It had 100,000 miles and now 10,000 miles later it has been very faithful and never hesitates to start. Pros: Excellent performance, reliability, sound system, interior comfort and room, exterior styling, interior add-ons like automatic lights, etc, great sounding exhaust, sporty suspension and great cornering, Heads up display:displays info on windshield, Cons: Cup holders: when cup is there it gets in the way to get to the shifter, rear lights:water can get in them but it is a pretty easy fix, small amount of interior rattles (but that comes with age).

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  More reliable than moms 00 Accord - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By J. Holliday - September 10 - 6:46 am

  IÂ’m the original owner and I now have 7 years and 95k on my GP. I disagree with othersÂ’ statements that this car has a poor build quality. My problems have been few and far between: all electronics are fully functional, havenÂ’t had to replace window motors, no problems with AC, leather seats in great condition, transmission shifts seamlessly, no squeaks or squeals or other undesirable noises, no badges or moldings have ever fallen off, no engine troubles or bad oxygen sensors, sound system better than the premium system in my DadÂ’s Lexus.

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  Decent Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jonesy - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car back in the summer of 00. Since then the car has a pleasure to drive. But with all good things there are some hidden flaws. There have been problems with the radiator, brakes, alternator, transmission, heater core, water pump, and some electronics. After a year or two of driving this car the expenses have grown more than what was expected. But I must say that this car has been much more fun to drive than the beaten up 91 Saab sitting next to it.

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  SUPERB CAR!!! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cigardave - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this 1997 Grand prix GT new in October 1997, the first year for the "Wide Track" model. This has been one fine automobile. The handling is superb. It is such a great road car. My daily commute consists of approximately 50 miles per day, all interstate. I really appreciate the "get-up-and-go" and responsiveness of this car. I would buy another one if I was ready to unload my 97. My kids tell me they want it if I decide to get rid of it.

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  Good car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By pmn - September 4 - 1:53 am

  Basically a good car. Have had small problems. Heater knob cracked, starter replaced, power window control replaced, leaked antifreeze, had seals replaced. New problem every 6 months - thankful for extended warranty. Have owned 2 pontiacs for 7 years each, both grand ams. Have to say Im disappointed with this grand prix. Exterior paint did not hold up and interior carpet matted

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  It has been good to me - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Amy - August 31 - 11:00 pm

  I purchased my grand prix in 2002. The previous owner only had it for a 6 months and couldnt keep up with the payments so she turned it back in to the dealer. I bought it with close to 15,000 miles on it (I have no idea where this woman drove it to). Anyways, Im now at 194,000 miles. It was great up until two years ago when the transmission died on it. I was very meticulous with repairs on my vehicle, which were all normal wear and tear. Since the transmission, its had other major problems that have been costly. Great car, but I am trading it now for a more reliable vehicle for my family. Overall its been good to me.