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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Hate to leave this lease car! - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By roxie - December 8 - 9:20 pmI have totally enjoyed this pontiac grand prix. I first had a pontiac grand am for 10+ years and am a die- hard pontiac lover. This has been very reasonable on gas I think - but I checked today and I think city wise it gets 21 mpg. I have never checked highway. Number 1 the car looks grea. I got the bronze metallic which is a head turner. Then I love that the interior is two tone. I have been totally spoiled by the 6 CD changer and the sunroof and all the extras - the leather, heated seats. The only thing I can say about this car is I hate to give up the lease and am thinking of purchasing if the price is right.
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Unbeatable for the money - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Drew - November 29 - 3:50 pmThis car has been great. Ive had it for a year and put about 24,000 miles on it, without a single problem. V8 is awesome, and gives mid-20s gas mileage (mixed driving, but more highway). Looks great in black. Got it loaded with options for under 30k. Very comfortable car for me (56"), and everybody else Ive ever had in it. Car rides, brakes, and handles very well. Id recommend this car to anybody, at least drive it before spending comparable money on an Accord, etc.
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Great car. - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By J Money - November 28 - 9:56 pmI have 154000 miles on my car and never had a problem with it. I drive it pretty hard and nothing has broken. Tranny has never slipped, even though it would be nice if it shifted a lil faster. Tranny fluid flush might fix that. Plenty of power. Wish the top speed gov. was a lil higher then 107...bose sound system is nice if your not gonna do anything to it. but putting subs or anything in and your screwed cuz u got to switch out everything. all 8 speakers, head unit, amp. for me to do it,it would cost 800- 1500.
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Disappointed - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Disappointed - November 27 - 11:30 amI love the appearance of my car, but after a while of having it...so many problems to overcome! Transmission is bad, replace brakes all the time, water leaks into the driver side floor, had to replace the intake gasket and the computer part of the accelerator... etc. I was so excited about the car and then all of these things started happening... and of course... no more warranty. I love my car, I just wished it worked like it should and that I could be 100% sure that I will make it when I get in it and go somewhere..ha ha.
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WIDETRACK4ME - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By WILD BILL - November 26 - 10:00 amIF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A PRACTICAL AND RELIABLE CAR BUT NOTHING TOO FANCY THAN THIS SHOULD BE THE CAR FOR YOU. IT HAS COST NEXT TO NOTHING FOR UPKEEP OTHER THAN NORMAL MAINTENANCE.
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Plainac - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Dave Smithson - November 26 - 10:00 amI ordered not knowing the design...bad mistake...this is one ugly Grand Prix. As Vanilla looking as you can get...what were they thinking? Is there anyone home at Pontiac??? And we thought the Aztech was a joke?
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A WOLF in sheeps clothing - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By captaingary - November 26 - 4:06 amI bought the car with 3 miles on it. I took it home and used a hair dryer to remove the Cloisone GTP emblems. They came off clean as a whistle. This car has the BEST styling of any Grand Prix ever. The supercharger is a work of art! I have basically kept up with Trans Ams and dusted off most Firebirds and Camaros. The HUD is imperative! I wish it had a 6 speed! But overall, this car is a real sleeper! Competent enough in the twisties and better than most off the line and rolling on!
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GET 1 - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By TonyGXP - November 20 - 2:16 amI found this vehicle to please me more than any other performance car Ive ever owned & I can put 2x4s in it!! Ride is a little stiff but that is expected for the handling you get in return. Avg fuel economy is 18.0 MPG thats mostly city driving, short trips & occasional beating (hard not to, its so fun)
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Great Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jetpilot500 - November 15 - 3:30 pmGreat Car! The 3.8L V6 has a lot of power. Looks great, even as a 4-door. Interior components sometimes rattle, especially when its cold. But other than that, its very comfortable and enjoyable to drive.
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OK, so it was a former Mary Kay car... - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By smoo4asw - November 14 - 3:46 am...and it was pink and had the bare minimum feature set. It did safely deliver to me the 128k I love so much from Cleveland (where wed go to buy its replacement when it crapped out on us) and it didnt have the :-(analog) cellular network driven OnStar crap that Verizon Wireless can bollox up at will. What it didnt have was durability. It was reliable until it broke, but when it broke, it was shot and that was all there was to it. Needless to say we werent going to be burned by Pontiac a third time (my Grandmother had a Phoenix and it wasnt even reliable!) It did its bit, but Im glad its gone for scrap.
