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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All the benefits, none of the expense - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Movie Buff - May 21 - 5:26 amWe just purchased this Grand Prix, and so far have nothing but positives to say about it. And Im a die hard Japanese car buyer. But, after speaking with many Grand Prix owners, researching and test driving, we took the step to domestic. Weve met many owners with mileage well into the 100,000k, many over 150,000k, on model years 03 forward, with little if no problems. Ride is fantastic, corners like a pro, with little "roll". Interior comfort excellent, quite and well mannered on the road. Acceleration is excellent, and were getting 28 to 30 on these mountain roads of SW Virginia, which by the way, the car does very well in the snow and ice. We kept our "Subie" as a second car
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My Blue Bird - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jackrussel420 - May 20 - 10:58 pmI have a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix SE with the 3.8 Liter motor and I have to say it is a fast car, for being just the SE anyways. Ive gotten up for 115mph in under 10 seconds! Engine has oil pressure problems anyone know why? other than that the only thing that has gone wrong is I had to replace a window regulator which is typical for any car these days. Oh and did i mention mine only has 47,000 miles and it is 13 years old!
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4th GP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Tom Misialek - May 17 - 10:00 amThis is the 4th GP Ive owned, traded in my 40th anniversary edition for this great looking GTP
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Pontiac Has It Right - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By NC - May 12 - 8:00 pmI almost did not look at this car because of the Edmunds review. Happy C&D got it right. What a pleasure the first month of my black GXP experience has been. Great engine & exhaust note Great Trans (Tap shift is allot of fun) Great brakes (cant get them to fade. Excellent handling for a FWD. Understeer is safer for the average driver. Fit, Finish, all the extras, big truck, room for the kids. All a big plus. best part- LESS THEN $28K Already have embarrassed a few imports costing much much more. JOB WELL DONE PONTIAC.
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Cool Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By drewcampbell - May 10 - 10:00 amCool Car, Awesome Ride To Have. Could cost a little less, but still an awesome ride.
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First time owner and lovinnnnnn it - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Kim and earl - May 9 - 9:56 pmThis car is very comfortable and has a very smooth ride. I love the interior design the red dash lights against the black back ground. I also love all the features included on the dash. The exterior is very sporty looking for a sedan. I really love this car
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decent all around car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Ben - May 6 - 11:06 pmThis car is great. The main problem with this car is the tires if you ever have a flat or have to get new ones. The tire sizes are almost impossible to find. I had a flat tire and had to wait almost 3 days to get a new one because no one stocked it. Definitely a bad thing for a daily driver. This car also does not come with a spare tire. It comes with a tire repair kit which does nothing for an unrepairable tire. Then comes the gas mileage. I only drive this car around town mostly and am lucky to average 16 in town and 22 on the highway. I still only have about 3000 miles on it so hopefully those numbers will improve. The rear seat entry is pitiful for this cars size.
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My second GTP - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Keith - May 5 - 8:26 pmThis is my 2nd GTP. Both have been great cars with the second reaching over 110k miles before trading it in. Having owned both 2d and 4d I recommend the 4door. You have plenty of back seat space so it is just easlier to access the back with doors. Nice power when needed from the supercharger, climbs hills with no problem, does well in rain and snow. The car is solid inside and out. No rattles!!! The radio display in both cars do some weird things!!! The HUD(heads up display) display is the best feature. This is a 98 and I yet to understand why this feature isnt in any other cars but the GP and Bonn. I would think this must have technology would be in most cars by now. So why not????
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Fun Car - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By oma Deb - May 4 - 2:00 amMy husband loves it because its fun to drive. It turns easily and drives very smooth. Of course he loves the sporty look. I have to admit even I love the outside design of this model. Fuel efficency is okay. The front passanger seats are very comfie, and the dashboard design looks great and is user friendly.
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Ts review - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Tom Gallo - May 4 - 2:00 amI owned a Grand Prix SE before I bought the GT2. I was happy with the old car but when I test drove the new model I couldnt get over how much improved it was. The ride is better, the handling is better, it has better pick up and the styling inside and out is an improvement.
