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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Will miss the Grand Prix, get one if you can - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By bobr15 - August 3 - 11:53 pmBought my 2008 GXP used from a MA dealer who bought it at rental auction at 12k miles in June 08 (was a former Alamo rental). Excellent car, but burned through brakes like crazy. After replacing front brakes with rotors at about 18k, needed all brakes/rotors again at 25k. Some light arm twisting at the local dealer and GM rep agreed to a whole new set of rotors/pads front and back. Still holding at 37k though theres a lot of brake dust on the front wheels. Smoking, fast car. Even better than the 2000 Grand Prix GTP turbo I drove for 8 years prior. Too bad, its the end of an era.
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Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By mrwenger04 - July 30 - 10:31 pmThis is my second Grand Prix. Traded in 95 with over 200K (transmission started failing). Bought my 2004 with 33K in 2005. Now has 180K and engine still runs as smooth as when i purchased it. Transmission tends to slip when HOT. This car has had NO REPAIRS since purchased. I call my car THE ONE. She will never leave me stranded :) One down fall i will admit is the back seat. With a tall toddler and being tall myself i have to adjust my seat forward for him to have room. Great mileage since day one. I take great car of my car as well and hope to see 250K before i turn her in. Or maybe ill keep her and buy a 2008 with low miles. Love my Grand Prix :) wish they would make MORE!!!
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Grand Prix - Food for the Soul - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By TommyMigs - July 30 - 10:00 amThe new Grand Prix is driving excitement! Purchased for my wife, our GT2 has leather seating, sunroof and polished wheels. The new styling turns heads...the power and handling make the Grand Prix a pleasure to drive. With all of the rebates and incentives available, the 2004 Grand Prix is a great value!
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Great Car! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By BrittaniMcD - July 29 - 10:43 amI bought this car when my daughter was about 4 months for the extra space, a 2dr Civic just wasnt working out anymore! So far it has been a great car, it has about 176,000 miles on it but runs like its new! I would highly recommend this car, especially to new moms switching from a small car to a bigger one but still wanting something sporty!
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WOW - Simply Put - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Digger - July 27 - 2:00 amAt first I was skeptical about buying the Grand Prix, but now I am so happy I did!!! This car has been totally reliable, fun, and economical.
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99 gp - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By stevie - July 27 - 2:00 amfast, fun to drive,but economically bad.
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Very good car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Rob9512 - July 25 - 4:03 pmOverall this car is just great. Car has great performance for this type of car, very good gas mileage for the hp, and has plenty of room. The cars do have some common problems like leaking intake gaskets, failing window switches, and blower motor resistor failures but its just general repairs. The drivetrain is overall extremely reliable and it is very common for these to hit 200k+ miles. The overall performance, style, gas mileage, features, reliability, and practicality make its pros far out weigh its cons. People who post on here about reliability issues with the motors in these cars are insane. Most of what people list are general maintenance. The 3800 is a very proven motor
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Well - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Mike - July 25 - 2:00 amA month after I bought the car, the both power windows went out. GM wants $315 per motor. You can find them online for $50 - $80. I bought a power motor online, and it wasnt an exact fit. Sent it back, and requested another one. Hopefully it will work. The car hesitates when pushing on the gas when it isnt warmed up. Im sure guy I bought it from warmed it up before I came since it didnt do that when I test drove it. Long story short, I wished I hadnt bought it.
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A lot better than my 2001GT - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By pontiacrod1970 - July 23 - 5:46 pmI purchased this car after owning a 2001 Grand Prix GT that seemed to have alot of drive axle trouble!
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Grand Prix SE1 - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Justin26 - July 22 - 10:00 amGreat car... love it, though Id rather have a GT.
