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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Grand Prix - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Heather B. - May 2 - 3:16 pmMy Grand Prix has been taken into the shop a couple of times due to what felt like the transmission slipping, but they said they couldnt find anything wrong.. It still has the same problem after they reset the computer. But they did fix a recall that was on the car. I like the style of the car and it does have power.
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It Sucks - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Anna - April 28 - 5:10 pmI have had my Pontiac Grand Prix GT ever since I turned 16, 2 years ago. I have had many problems with it. My windows are broken and they fall down while going down the road. The headlights are so dim that it looks like I am driving down the road using a flashlight. The gauges dont work. My panels came off the inside of the car. After the fuel pump went out I have had NOTHING BUT TROUBLE out of it. I have been stranded on the side of the road at least 6 times within 3-4 months. I have seen that only the GTs are getting the bad reviews, and I know why! My cousin has a GTP and he has no trouble out of his, but my GT sucks. Everything is wrong with this car!
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GRAND GRAND PRIX - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By SARAALYSSA - April 28 - 2:00 amI JUST LOVE MY GRAND PRIX! I LIVE IN THE BUFFALO NY AREA AND THE CAR HANDLES JUST GREAT IN THE SNOW. HAVING DRIVEN A CARAVAN FOR THE LAST 10 YRS, I COULDNT WAIT TO COMPARE, I WILL NEVER GO BACK. THE GT2 HAS JUST ENOUGH LUXURIES TO KEEP THE COST AFFORDABLE. MORE THAN AMPLE TRUNK SPACE. THANKS FOR MAKING MY NEW CAR EXPERIENCE SO GREAT!!
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Black 2004 GTP Comp G - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By ErnieM - April 28 - 2:00 amI love everything about it. Ill change some things but nothing I can say I dont like.
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GTP is the pure excitement!!!!!!! - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Grandman - April 24 - 3:33 pmThis is simply the best vehicle that I have owned hands down. I feel like I own the road when Im dring the GTP. I tried the Maxima and Accord, but they didnt have the excitement or looks of the GTP. The GTP is one brilliantly designed top quality car. I have over 12,000 trouble free enjoyable miles on the GTP.
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Best Looking Car on the Road - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Gary C - April 24 - 10:00 amI think the 2002 Grand Prix competes with the big boys in looks. Actually, I like the design better than the later model design. It also added the 2002 Nascar championship to its resume. What really amazed me about my car with the 3.1 was that I got 33 mpg in pure interstate driving coming home from the dealer. In five mileage checks, I averaged 26 in town. I could not be more pleased with performance. The comfort level is very good especially with the four way driver seat control. I was not used to having automatic controls on everything and that is really nice. The security system is also a nice plus.
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Used GTP 4dr - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Deez337 - April 23 - 10:00 amThis car has over eighty thousand miles on the odometer and is still running strong. No major problems to speak of besides one leaky head gasket. After a one day fix it still runs like a charm. I sell Fords but I can smoke a GT Mustang without feeling bad, that is just how fun to drive this car is.
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Tire Problem - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Art - April 16 - 1:23 amMy gxp is a fun car to drive in the summer. I live in new england. This car is impossible to drive in the winter because of the performance tires. The car comes with two different size tires, 255/45R 18 front, and 225/50R 18 rear. I have spent hours on the internet to try to find a set of all-season tires. I have also checked with local tire dealers in my home area. So far, I have had no luck at all with this problem. Buyers Beware !!!
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1999 4dr Grand Prix GT - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By 911computerguy - April 9 - 12:10 amThis is the second Grand Prix which I have owned. The first being a 98 2dr GT. Performance is better than most V6s and rivals some V8s as well as being a very reliable car. Another thing I love about the car is low insurance rates. I would highly recommend this car to anyone, young or old, who is looking for a car that is both practical and exciting. PS: The specs for the 99 4dr GT on edmunds.com are wrong the torque is 225 just like any other model with the same engine.
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Rough Ridin but gorgeous - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Mut - April 5 - 6:13 pmThis car is beautiful - crimson red. When I bought, there was a shake in the driving. Hubby thought it might be rotors or brakes. Nope. Wouldnt have bought it if Id known it wasnt those. I love the car, but really hate the annoying shake. Feels like an engine miss, but it isnt that either. Would love to find out what it is. Cant figure out how to get the stereo to show names of songs and singers again as it did when I got the car.
