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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  Excellent Car! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RGUTE - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This is an all around great car for someone looking for a sporty, comfortable, and affordable vehicle. The supercharger gives you a lot of punch when you need it, and it handles really well. Climbs steep hills with no problem. Im satisfied with the fuel economy.

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  One of Best cars I have owned - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jim P - March 21 - 3:20 pm

  The Grand Prix GT I purchased off- lease in June, 2006, had 33000 miles at purchase. It now has 55000 trouble- free miles. I have replaced only the battery and a heater fan switch. The styling is still one of the best even after five years! Fuel economy is 17 mpg in stop-and-go city and 30 mpg at 70 mph on the highway. I still feel great about this car and, every time I think about something newer, I change my mind and stay with this car. Too bad GM is dropping this model after 2008.

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  Eye-Catcher - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Thunder - March 21 - 2:23 pm

  Blue-Green Crystal gets lots of compliments in parking lots, gas stations, etc. Great performance, but if the idea for bigger tires in the front really was to reduece torque steer, I dont notice much improvement over my former 98 GTP. Still, be aware of it and its not a problem. Very solid ride with little or no body lean into corners. City mileage hasnt worked out as advertised yet, though I only have 600 miles on it, so far. Hopefully itll get better than the current 14 mpg after a couple of thousand miles. Highway miles are decent (26mpg) and should also improve, soon. HUD is much better and more informative than older models. Exhaust? Aaaah, sounds like my old Z- 28.

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  What was I thinking???!!! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By R3800 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My girlfriend bought a Red 2000 Grand Prix SE with the 3800 and loved it... I liked how it looked, but I didnt think much of it until I drove it. Man was I a goner. 15 minutes later, I was picked up for "Qualifying" (he aparently had a problem with me passing 5 semis at once on a divided highway, oops.) I loved her car so much that I bought myself one. Im not one to be out done, but Im willing to be in the dog house over this car. Im the proud owner of a Black 2000 Grand Prix GT with all the toys. Now, I have to keep her from taking mine.

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  Great Car - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kw4001 - March 19 - 4:56 pm

  Been a great car. Only had one malfunction and that was an alternator had to be replaced. Over all mechanics have been great.

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  Family fun toy car! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Amy Sej - March 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is everything I thought it would be. My last car was a Probe GT, so this car is much bigger, but still feels like it rides on rails. The back doors open to 90 degrees, that helps a lot when moving things in and out. Passengers like the roomyness of the back seat. I REALLY like the controls on the steering wheel, no fumbling with the radio/CD. You gotta try it. MUCH better than the 2003 GT model, more power, style.

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  business owner - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By sheri1 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  the over all review of this car with some miner problems(fuel)it is a very sharp looking car eveyone looks and ask question everywhere we go. most people cant belive that it is a pontiac and then we show them the car they want to see more. if we where to go out today and look for another car i would drive to the next state to get one that has at least half of what this car has. we are very happy to own this car.

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  GrandPrix GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Richcrdns - March 16 - 2:00 am

  the Grand Prix is fun to drive with a nice new look to it. Only thing I dislike is that they made the back of it to resemble the Sunfire too much. From different angles it could look like an overextended Sunfire, and that would be considered a downgrade not an upgrade.

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  I love My 2004 Grand Prix GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bert0724 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Its the best car Ive ever had!

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  Go-fast - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RH - March 15 - 10:00 am

  The only bad experience I have had so far with my Grand Prix is that it is put together so cheaply. The interior doors panels need to be beat back into place a couple times a week. The dash and over head console have so many squeaks and rattles, it is enough to drive you crazy. I get great gas mileage, 24 avg. overall and the car has plenty of power for the average driver.