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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  Drive Train troubles - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By pontiacrod1970 - August 21 - 8:26 am

  For about the last 6 months this car has had cv problems, shifting problems, Have had the front wheel brgs replaced on each side at least twice, now they have to replace the automatic transmission valve body and the 2-3 shift solinoid also replaced! Also had to replace left axle assm. and has had 4 fuel regulators in 2 years!!!!!!!

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  Heartthrob to Headache - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Illinois Girl - August 19 - 4:06 pm

  Purchased 2 1/2 years ago. Loved the vehicle from the beginning. I still like the car, but not the repairs. I have had to replace the thermostat 3 times in the 2 1/2 years, the fuel pump 3 times within the last year, engine replacement, and now my gas cap is leaking air and the temp light is coming on again at times. It gets me to and from where I need to go on a somewhat reliable basis, but everyday I Wonder when will be the next time its not going to start and need yet another tow. I have taken care of the car and still these problems. Makes me wish I didnt still owe so much on it!

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  Awesome Car! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bruce Helton III - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I needed a car that had lots of room for a tall person like myself, and that had a lot of power, and this was it! I especially like the fact it can outrun a Mustang GT with about $500 worth of mods! Ah, the look on their faces when a "family car" beats them! I bought it with 96,000 miles on it, it has 102,300 miles on it now with no problems yet.

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  Best car for the money - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By HKK1 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  One of the best cars I have ever had. Its sporty, quick, and drives great. The gas mileage is excellent and the deisgn is a gret new change. Best decision I have made and the dealer made a great deal on it. Better deal than any foriegn car I was looking at.

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  Great dependable fun car! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Karen - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have a 98 Pontiac Grand Prix with 117,000 miles. No problems with this car. Fun to drive and turns heads. Only complaint is the headrests on the front seats, they definitely need redesigned. Other than that, a great car.

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  Great Car, the best Ive driven yet. - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By TjO - August 13 - 4:16 am

  I am totally amazed by the review and the specs given on this website being that they are showing the lowest numbers yet by any other website. Seems that "Dan" the editor must have had a rough day or just doesnt like Pontiacs. Anyways, Ive had my share of Fords, Dodges, and VWs etc. and to date this is the best car for the money Ive driven. No squeaks rattles or odd engine problems, just perfect.

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  3rd Grand Prix - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By VVT - August 12 - 8:23 am

  I love this car it is my 3rd grand prix. Its got all the features you could want with a strong engine, what more could you ask for?

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  1st new pontiac - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By john - August 7 - 5:33 pm

  Ive only had this car for 6 days, highway was nice with little background noise with auto radio. I get excited every time I drive and love the car its the newest car IÂ’ve ever owned, and more power then IÂ’m used to but IÂ’m trying to conserve. its roomy for everyone. The car does have get up and go, havenÂ’t gone on highway for long distance. I too like cockpit feel and how everything centers around me driving and easy access to info. I would like less plastic and stronger feel buttons I want this car to last and look good the whole time. I also hope they might bring back and improve gas or turn to cng car or hydrogen car for zero emission! and Id get that I got this cause owned two pontia

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  Good looking car, but not more than this - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By diolta - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Not a reliable car. You never know what will break down next. Constatntly have to fix something, even though I do not drive it too much. Most of the problems happen when it is too cold or too hot. Interior plastic is cheap. Headlight glass on each side just falls down by itself (probably it is a bad glue that GM uses) Dealership sells the lamp and the glass as one piece and charges around $120. I know several people who had the same problem with this car, but GM does not have a recall on them.

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  MY MOMMA CAR - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BONNIE - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAAR ONE MONTH AND I REALLY LOVE IT! I HAVE ALREADY DRIVEN 1000 MILES, A LOT OF MY JOB IS DRIVING AND I AM ENJOYING IT!