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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  Pretty Good Car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cheetah - August 31 - 8:36 pm

  Bought my 4 Dr with 14 miles on it. Love the look and really a fun car to drive. But after 85K miles, its been having issues. The cheap driver seat "springs" have broken, A/C is flakey and not fixed after over $500 in repair work, and tranny is starting to act up. Although its been fun to drive, the issues cropping up and my need for something I can haul stuff in is leading me to get rid of it.

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  Fast and reliable - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By raiderzfan422 - August 30 - 9:43 pm

  I have had my 2000 GTP for 3 years now and love it. I cant stop upgrading it. I love to power it has for a v6 and with all the available upgrades its a V8 eater. Great handling and quick acceleration. Also love the sound of a supercharger. Gets good gas milage for the kind of vehicle it is. For under 800 dollars this car can be improved from 240 stock to 300 hp.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By HMT - August 30 - 8:00 am

  Smooth, powerful and, best of all, my wife loves it. I cant get the keys from her. I promised her Id buy a sporty car and this is it.

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  GXP is Awesome - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Dana - August 8 - 7:50 am

  I have had my GXP for about 3 weeks and it turns heads everywhere I go! I Love this car the ride is smooth and the performance of the V8 is awesome. This is my 3rd new grand prix in 7 years I must say the Grand Prix has been a very dependable car and I have never had any problems with any of them.

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  TOPSHELFGTP-This thing goes!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By antsman - August 5 - 11:10 pm

  almost a year since ive purchased it and its still great fun to drive. car runs like a demon. i never thought id purchase an american car, but this thing is tops! great looking car even standing still, hot wheels, and a relatively functional interior to boot. trunk is huge and monsoon system rocks. how a car this good ever got past the generals bean counters is beyond me. but i had to have that engine......and there it is.

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  A Corvette Sedan? - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By youngturk - August 5 - 11:10 am

  Ive had a number of Corvettes, and traded my 04 Vette for an 07 GXP because I wanted something a bit less "in your face" because of my work, but something that would still be a performer. I found it in this GXP, and at $20k less. It does 0-60 within .6-sec of the Corvette, and handling is terrific. The guys in the auto press who whine about torque steer are off base when it comes to everyday use of this car. Yeah, torque steer is there if you look for it when you push this vehicle to its limit, but its not a significant factor, and definitely not a problem. This is a great, fun vehicle thats exceptionally well-designed and well- put-together at a fantastic value.

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  An Excellent Choice - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By S Martin - August 4 - 5:40 am

  Ive owned this car for nearly 9 years and Im so happy with it that Im buying another GP and giving this one to my new 16 year-old driver. After 124k miles, nearly all of the electronics are original and fully function. No problems with window motors, window switches, windshield wiper motors, nor are there any leaky window or sunroof seals. No odd noises and no problems with the power steering. Original transmission still shifts well and the leather interior has held up wonderfully (looks almost new). No fluid leaks either and the engine is nearly as strong as it was the day I bought it. I still average almost 25 mpg (though Ill admit this is partly due to my non-aggressive driving)

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  99 grand prix - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By lcbsacto - July 30 - 4:49 am

  have had this car for 184,000 miles and has been a great car decent gas milage from a 3.1 v-6 engine

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  americanmade - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By americanmade - July 24 - 8:33 am

  truly american made, very reliable, no regrets. good mpg, pleasure to drive. did a lot of research b4 bought car. stayed away from supercharged models. nothing but qudos for 3.8 stnd. good rm for big people. plenty of power. looks great(for american made. I got a good one!

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  Awesome Car! - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By pontiacdude - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Own a 1998 GTP that has given me 70000 miles of trouble free driving. Great power, great handling, good ride. Lived in Germany and the car easily kept up with any European car on the autobahn except I was limited to about 130mph (pegged the speedometer) Its been the best car Ive owned because of the power. Owned 2 other trouble FREE AMERICAN cars before this one also.