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 2000 Grand Prix GTP Coupe - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Myron - November 8 - 2:00 amI believe the Grand Prix is an excellent purchase. For the amount of money you pay for this car I really cant ask for to awfully much more. I think the Grand Prix GTP is the perfect car if you want something that has a resonable amount of luxury and an excellent amount of power.
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2004 Grand Prix gt1 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By clinton - November 4 - 10:00 amReally fun car. We got the base model with a power front seat as the only add on. The base model is not stripped at all to my surprise. Traction control, ABS, CD, Power windows, P locks and P mirrors. The re-design of the cruise control makes it very user friendly. Hopefully all of GM cars will adopt this style of the cruise control. This is a car that I will definitely keep a while. Love the new color also...fusion orange. The cars response to driving is the best. The Pontiac is so much better and funthan the 02 sebring. The headlights give excellent vision at night. Really like the way the doors open wider to a 90 degree also.
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Pontiac Grand Prix GT: Take another look - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By DMV - November 2 - 3:16 pmLooking forward to the release of Buicks replacement for the Regal, I kept looking at the Grand Prix. After driving both the LaCrosse CXL and the Grand Prix GT, the choice was easy. The GP-GT is more to my personal liking due to its crisp handling (for a midsize vehicle, it is great), and the responsiveness in acceleration, even though the LaCrosse & GP are built on the same platform and use the same powertrain. The GP is simply more sporty than its cousin from Buick. On a rercent trip, I experienced 31 MPG at highway speeds. The comfortable leather interior that kept away fatigue on a 5- hour drive: very nice! The Monsoon system would be worth the extra money
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Great Car - competitive - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Greg - October 29 - 10:00 pmOriginally looked at the LaCrosse but found the interior a bit boring and the responsiveness not as good as the GrandPrix... My wife said the LaCrosse was an "old ladys car" and saw the GrandPrix as sportier. She is right.
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The best car I have ever had!!!! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By master7777 - October 29 - 10:00 amI love my DaYTONA 500! It is the best car I ever had It ran a 14.57b in the 1/4 mile stock!!! With under $200 in parts I am running high 13s. It is one of the best things I have ever Bought. Everyone should buy a grand prix and everyone will get along............I love my grand prix GTT!!!
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Love the GTP! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By TomcatRyan2 - October 29 - 10:00 amOk, I only have had the car for a month so I almost hesitate to submit a review this early, But I love the GTP! Its a huge improvement over the 03 VW Junk, I mean Jetta that I traded out of. The GP has excellent highway performance. It is a fun to drive and the heads up display is awesome! This feature has been around for a while, Im not sure why it didnt make it into more GM products. So far my only negatives with the GP is that is a missing a few items you would expect in a car with a $32k sticker, like climate control, heated mirrors, and Navigation, althought they did add it to 2005s. All in all a great car plus over $5,000 in rebates from GM!
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Great styling - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By hawk1 - October 23 - 10:00 amGreat looking car, and in 2004, it still looks as contemporary as the new cars coming out. I always get compliments on the on the exterior styling. Im somewhat disappointed on the MPG, Ive been gettting around 23 mpg on the road and I set the cruise at 72 MPH. A few squeaks, but nothing unusual for a domestic vehicle. The factory sound system is better than any car Ive ever been in, and Ive worked in the car business for the last 12 years years.
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Great car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By bobthebike - October 23 - 10:00 amA true luxo-cruiser. Amazing mileage for size (30mph on road). Quiet enough for a hands free phone. Power is very smooth and unobtrusive. Panel fit and paint quality still look new at 40K miles. Considering all the electrics on the car, never had a glitch. The car tracks very straight with no wandering. And it looks great with tremendous value vs. the competition. Im becoming a Pontiac man!(had another flawless 01 GP)
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98 GP GT Coupe - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By john344 - October 21 - 2:00 amThis is my 3rd GP. I love this car, if only GM would use better quality interior parts. My door panel on the drivers side is loose, cheap plastic on dash. Engine gaskets are poor quality and Ive just had $1500.00 worth of work done on the engine due to leaky gaskets all over the place. Other than that, its a great car, fun to drive, looks hot with the dual exhaust...standard 17 inch rims would be great. Whats up the headlight assembly on these cars?? Mine is loose & wiggles around, was filling up with water every time it rained until I took to a repair shop the they silconed the edges to stop the leaks (the dealer would not fix this under warrently).
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Love Pontiacs - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Brando - October 20 - 10:36 amGood on gas and has pep. Love the car. It was a one owner before I bought it so I dont know prior history. Engine light came on once because I forgot to replace the gas cap on it. I reset it by disconnecting the battery cable for a few seconds.
