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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Amazing Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By loveit! - September 11 - 10:00 amI bought the supercharged special edition 4-door sedan. I got a great deal on it and couldnt be happier. It has everything I want and more! The heads up display is awesome and the heated seat gets toasty quickly. I love the power and can now keep up with the best.
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Safe, Fast, Dependable - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By deanfoxes - September 9 - 8:58 pmThis car was my first car, and I drove it with pride until the day that it saved the life of myself and two other passengers. Rounding a sharp corner at night, I found myself approaching a fallen tree across the road. I swerved to avoid the tree and ended up on the embankment hitting another tree at about 45 MPH. Airbags deployed, but nobody was hurt. The car was extremely safe, and was an absolute blast to drive, with amazing handling and performance for a sedan. I am definitely looking into buying another Grand Prix, perhaps this time with a supercharger!
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Uncompromising Sport and Utility to Boot - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By dpdevil16 - September 3 - 3:13 amThe cars looks and amazing versatility make this a vehicle that should stand out, especially for a sports sedan. What other vehicle in its class can boast being able to store a 10-foot 2x4, PVC tubing, or a Kayak inside the vehicle with all doors closed? The suspension meets a fine balance between sportiness and confort, while the acceleration is enough to arouse a the Indy racer in all of us. The Grand Prix is certainly a far cry from the midsized coups of yore and is a great utility vehicle and road cruiser. I am happier with my purchase every day that I drive it. Ive yet to find a dislike.
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Fun to Drive! - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Zooman - September 2 - 10:00 amThe car handles great and yet is very practical. It is comparable to the power of the mustang (automatic V8) but has the room of a sedan. The price was 29K but with all of the rebates, GM discount, etc. I save almost 10K. That really made the decision easier. I was close to buying a new 5 speed GT mustang, but fell in love with the Grand Prix.
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Pretty Face, but no substance - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By ds - September 2 - 6:16 amPurchased a very sleek, stealthy black 2007 Grand Prix GXP in 2/07, new. At 500 miles, transmission began to fail. Dealer stated "no problem found". At 3,000 miles, dealer tried to repair tranny, then had to replace tranny entirely. Still does not run correctly. Also, the only tires which fit rear wheel are Bridgestone Potenza. No one else manufactures 225/50/18s. So far, 3 defective tires, 4 alignments, 12 force variance balances...steering wheel still shudders, and theres excessive tramlining. Car is pretty..but thats all. Nearly undrivable. Ive filed for Lemon Law repurchase, at 3,500 miles.
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Objectively speaking - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Mr. Quick - August 30 - 5:06 pmThis is hands down the best Bang-for- the-buck car for the guy/gal who wants to have their sports car cake and eat family car cake too. It is fast and agile for a large car. Features like touchscreen navigation, performance brakes and V-8 power are great. Leather and power everything as well as a load of driver aids and multi- information data tools are awesome. Other things like the standard HUD and remote start are features no other car manufacturers can offer for anything near $30,000! There was no compromise when I traded in my 2-door 345 hp turbocharged sports car for this 4- door family car. 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, 150+ mph (governor defeated, factory halted at 140) Nuff said, go drive one!
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GXP Grand prix - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By John Wilson - August 28 - 3:33 pmLove this car! Fun Fun and more fun! But I like to just cruise and take in easy in the most wonderful (and great looking) sport seats! Great sound system. Reviewers bad rap this auto, how it looks ( body). Trust me people still look at it all the time. Still loved by the common folk!
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My Poor Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Ben - August 26 - 9:36 pmLike many other cars, this car has its ups and downs. Unfortunately for me, there were more downs than ups. It may be due to the fact that I bought it with 155k miles on it but it still doesnt change the fact that the Grand Prix is not built with quality materials. My car overheated four times within a span of 8 months. I expected the car to last till around 250k miles but Im gonna trade this bad boy in. Car has decent acceleration but no power after 3500 rpm. And nowadays little 4 cylinders can hang and even outrun this V6 and still get better gas mileage. I suggest getting a GTP or GXP and get those extra horses or else youll be disappointed just like me. Dont do it to yourself!
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Great Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Brian99 - August 25 - 6:20 amI love my 99 Grand Prix. It has great power for having over 115,000 miles on it. I have noticed a hole forming on the passenger side under the door and I have seen others with it too. Its an older car so I know its bound to happen, but it makes me sad because I love this car so much!! I recommend the Grand Prix if you want a sporty car with some power.
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Great car not reflective of editors rate - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Rick E. - August 24 - 11:53 amWe have only had the car a few weeks but love the handling, and bought the car because of the great 3.8 engine. Ride is smooth, and engine is not noisy as reflected in editors critique. Back seat is tight, and no molding strips to protect door bangers. But comfortable, fun driving car that looks great.
