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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  The 1998 was better! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By TED BEHR - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had transmission problems (repl under warr.) & brake prblems (pads repl several times under warr. My 1998 was "the best car I ever drove" in 35 yrs 800,000 miles of driving. The 2000 was NOT as good as my 98! I also miss the lumbar support from 98

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  Plan to own it a decade - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MichaelT - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car in August 2000 and havent had a single problem with it. Mileage is as advertised, and power is fine. Survived a wreck with it when another driver turned out in front of us and the car took all the punishment. Dealer repaired it and it drives like brand new. Would buy another one when were in the market. Used the GM Card rebate program when we bought it and saved $3,400.

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  Pontiac GT - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Lissette Quinones - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Fun, Excellent Car!!!! Everything in this car is perfect, big trunk for babys stroller and to fit all those extras in the trunk. Also it is very spacious inside with all confort.

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  First week - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kevin Gilliss - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Okay, after a week of ownership hopefully nobody would be completely dissatisfied with a $30k vehicle. I didnt like the Comp G rims at first but now I dont think I could live without them, sorta like the 35 aniv T- bird SC rims, it just goes together. I cant accurately tell about reliability at this point. But I can go over my first thoughts. The interior sets low. Its a sports car, accept it. On rough roads there is some interior noise. Its a sports car, accept it. I completely walked away from a BMW 330i on the free way, accept it!

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  buy a grand prix youll love it - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By chris s. - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I think the Grand Prix offers a lot of car for the money. the gtp handles great, plenty of power. Very comfortable and the car is very well built.

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  Great car all around - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Anthony - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving this car for couple years now and I would never trade it in.

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  2008 grand prix gxp - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By DUANE - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Best car I ever had, great styling and handling, nice design, 23 mpg combined city and hwy, nice leather seats

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  Very cheap interior and build quality - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By sbronemann - March 26 - 10:43 pm

  I bought this car in May of 2012 with 28,500 miles on it. Currently has 62k on it and things are starting to go bad. Headlights turn off occassionally on their own, valve cover gasket is leaking, sunroof leaks, and ignition switch is going bad. It is fun to drive and does get pretty good gas mileage, recent trip to South Carolina resulted in 31.3 MPG cruising right at 71 mpg GPS verified. The torque steer is absolutely horrible as you could expect with a front drive V8 with 303 HP. Looking to get rid of it very soon.

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  Excellent Car! - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Danny - March 26 - 9:26 am

  As soon as I drove away, I was blown away! For the small of the two engines, the 3100S definitely provides impressive power and response. Quick off a stop and maintains speed effortlessly. 4 speed is definitely the way to go with this car, which shifts quite smoothly I might add. Phenomenal highway car as well, especially when it makes 30+ mpg! Not bad around the city either, I average between 22-25 mpg. The engine sounds great when the car is winding out too, without losing gas needlessly. All in all it is a supremely well balanced car in terms of performance, style, efficiency, and overall intrigue of the vehicle. I got mine used with low miles & never been happier behind the wheel.

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  GTP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MAPhil - March 23 - 6:23 pm

  Great lines with quick response. I have taken down a few of the competitors...sorry Monet Carlo, Im glad I didnt buy one! Too bad it is front wheel drive w/ no manual...oh well the rest is good to go.