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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Fun Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Lucy - February 6 - 2:53 amThe car is both sporty and practical. It has lots of pep. I drove it in a snow storm and felt very safe. Front seats are comfy. Rear seats not so comfy for adults.
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Not so great. - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Ashtyn - February 5 - 8:53 amIve had mine for about 2 years now and have had nothing but problems with it. It did have 89,000 miles on it, but still should not have had that many issues. Ive had to replace the breaks, roaders, some of the wiring and tires since buying it.I currently need to replace a head gasget and have oil leaking into my anti-freeze, which is a repair that is going to cost me a little over a thousand dollars. I was told that most Grand-Prixs start having mechanical problems once they reach about 65,000 miles.
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fun to drive.... bad to wreck - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By erin - February 5 - 3:40 amI bought this car about 2 years ago first and last pontiac i ever owned. owned 2 different cavaliers previously both went to 180000 miles with only oil changes and alternator going out on both. the grand prix on the other had... it was a blast to drive great acceleration... looked great....automatic start wonderful... my husband was unfortunatly involved in a serious crash in this vehicle and was killed instantly... was hit in the passanger side door and the entire car broke in half... the sheriffs department,tow company and others that were at the scene stated they never saw another car split like it did. the weld in the frame came apart upon impact and possible was defective.
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Well worth the money - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Super Charged Six - February 1 - 10:00 amYou could not ask for more "BANG" for your buck. Many of aftermarket parts and websites to help you increase your HP. I could not ask for more.
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Old Faithful - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Carl - January 22 - 8:10 pmOther than the initial recall of the gas pedal assembly when the car was new, I have had no issues with this car in the 6+ years/66k miles Ive had it. Other than routine maintenance, I havent put a dime into what would be considered a "repair". Its by no means a "sports car", but it is very good at what its intended to be--a comfortable, quiet, good handling, RELIABLE sedan. And fuel mileage is decent too-- 30 mpg @ 70 mph on long trips/20 mpg stop & go. If it continues to be as good as its been, I will drive it until the wheels fall off, which should be quite a few years off.
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good car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Dave E - January 21 - 1:30 amI bought this car, and I am the 4th owner, but the car has been in the family since it was new. even with 120,000 miles on it, I get 22 mpg around town. The only complaint I have is that the interior door panels are falling apart, my rear speakers quit working, and like someone else reported, the doors are starting to bind against the body panels when opening. I easily solved that problem by putting WD 40 on the hinges. Now they open and close proper. I have had, nor has any previous owner had any issued with this car, engine, transmission, nothing. I know that car has been well maintained and has been treated gentle. Other than the interior quality, I like the car.
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GP/GT Excellent car for the money! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Frankie - January 19 - 4:06 pmI had been looking to get the Grand Prix GXP but they are hard to find used and insurance costs are higher. I bought my GT model with 15,000 miles on it and could not be happier. The Eaton Gen 5 Supercharger really puts some punch into the 3800 V6. The seats are super comfortable [stitched leather]they are heated, with electric lumbar support. The remote start is great. I drive 95% freeway, so the power is Awesome when you need to pass, or enter the freeway. The ride is very smooth and for a sedan it corners quite well. It is a great combination of Luxury and Performance.
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Beware Car Fires - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By bpalmer27 - January 19 - 2:00 amI loved this car, all the way up until it caught fire and burned. After only 70,000 my GTP burned up without any warning. Apparently there is an investigation into these cars and a number of fires in the engine compartment. National Highway Traffic Satey Administration is attempting to get GM to admit to it and issue a recall.
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GREAT CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By AllanSmith - January 18 - 9:13 amThis is an AWESOME VEHICLE!! You cant go wrong with a Grand Prix GTP! The interior is so comfortable, especially when equipped with leather and heated seats like mine!
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First year went well! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By BlackBetty - January 11 - 9:43 pmI bought this car just over a year ago, and I still absolutely love it. I havent had many problems... my shifter remains stuck in park, which is annoyingly solved with a key every time I start the car. Other than that, I couldnt be happier with it! After owning a 1987 Park Avenue, this is so much more fun, but its still practical for Wisconsin Winters. I guess Pontiac could have put a little more into the interior styling. Its a little cheap feeling, but not ridiculously so.
