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:

• 

  Pretty Nice Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By adamb - December 21 - 6:03 am

  This is overall a great car. I get tons of looks while driving this car up and down the streets of my city. I think that these seats are really comfortable, almost on the level of my mas lexus. This car corners like a dream. Taking 25mph corners at 60 is fun and a breeze. (yeah im only 20 so this is something i do on occasion:)) The engine is great. Beat a newer mustang off the line last week, im sure he was happy about that. I think that the build quality could be better. lots of rattles. Also, have had it in the shop all last week for a problem with it not running right sometimes in the morning. Im not sure what this is, but they said the computer was out of date in it.

• 

  Cool ride with a few flaws - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kre57 - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I really like the look of the vehicle and the performance under the hood. The car handles well and for the most part has been mechanically sound. The Problems I have experienced include loose wiring that would cause the power seat to stick, and the transmission went out on us. Both of these problems were quickly fixed and covered under warranty. The power Drivers seat uncomfortable and on rough textured roads the road noise is very loud. All in all I would recommend the car to those looking for a moderately priced sedan with enough HP to satisfy the lead foot in all of us.

• 

  Best car I have owned - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By McLaren - December 19 - 11:53 pm

  My Pontiac Grand Prix was six years old when I bought it in 2004. It had been bought new by an elderly woman who only drove it to church on Sundays, and always kept it garaged. It had 17,000 miles on it. This car has been phenomenal. In the 4.5 years since I bought it, it has had no major repairs. Very reliable. Aside from reliability, the car is Very comfortable. It has all the options, leather, power, heated seats, excellent sound system. I have taken this car on several cross country trips, and the ride was considerably more comfortable than in my old Ford. Overall this car was an excellent buy. Comfy, reliable, fun to drive. I recommend.

• 

  You Got Somthin Here - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Panda - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Handles. Smooth. Go 70 all day. Change oil regularly-- Dont let it go past 5000 mi.

• 

  White Lightening Review of GP GTP - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GFD 6K3 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I have put all 81000+ miles on my Grand Prix GTP, is has been the most fun in the world....next to sex.

• 

  GOOD JOB GM - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GOOD GM PRODUCT - December 17 - 9:56 am

  I have owned this car for 2 1/2 years now and has been trouble free other than the intake gaskets. Great looks for an old car and the acceleration for a 6 cylinder is great. Fun to drive. For a inexpensive GM product I give it a very good overall rating.

• 

  It takes a beating - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mittens321 - December 15 - 10:43 am

  I bought my Grand Prix after totaling my mustang last spring, and I rushed into it. I bought it from a shady, crappy dealer who just wanted it off his lot because I was young and inexperienced in buying cars. Got the car with 131k on it (pretty low compared to the rest I looked at!) and drive it home... you can tell this car has had a rough life. Yet it still runs very, very reliably. Brakes were completely rusted over, ti rods were so bad my mechanic feared for my safety, yet this car never gives out on me. Now at 145k and the tranny starting to slip, it still is a very reliable car. Its just had a rough life, and for as badly as it was taken care of before it runs excellently.

• 

  Great car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Steve D - December 14 - 4:40 am

  I have owned now 4 Pontiac Grand Prixs (1973, 1974, 1983) and I have to admit, the 2004 model has the other 3 cars beat hands down. I like the performance and features of the car. The only disappointment was the fuel economy. I was expecting better mileage, but the car makes up for it in performance. I would recommend anyone to buy this car.

• 

  Rock of Gibraltar - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Macj - December 12 - 12:53 pm

  I bought this car at 6k miles and now its at 64k, I absolutely love it, the engine is a monster and the a/c still causes a polar experience. The sound system is pathetic and a few speakers are torn. In terms of drive quality, this thing really gives me power when I want and offers a majestic cruise experience. Honda and Toyota would have set me back a few more thousand dollars, but I dont see where I lost out with this. One major issue I have is with the seating in the back, its extremely cramped and most ppl have complained of nausea because of the claustrophobic rear styling. Ill keep this one till it dies, my last American car got me 268k, miles to go before she sleeps!

• 

  Just Loving It - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mIKE57 - December 12 - 5:16 am

  Bought GXP and have never looked back. Most fun and exciting drive I have had in 20 years. Great ride, handling, accel and got almost 27mpg on hwy trip. Why did it take Pontiac so long??? My 5 year old loves it.