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:
Showing 391 through 400 of 1,601.00-
All around good car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By wally012006 - May 17 - 3:26 pmI just bought my grand prix. Aas far as i can tell it is a good car, power when you need it, power when you dont, handles real well, nice seats, dash, and radio. I havent had a problem with it and others I know who own one have not either.
-
great car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By QQnancy - May 16 - 2:00 amI love my Pontiac Grand Prix. I love driving it and I feel secure and comfortable. It rides very nice. Im so pleased with my selection. this is my second Grand Prix, I had a 2001 and it was great too.
-
Bad Transmission - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GP owner37 - May 12 - 10:43 pmI have a 2004 Pontiac grand prix It was a great car till the transmission went out on I 90.. I had it towed home took the trans pan off and found chips in the pan. cleaned it and changed the filter but it would not move it was shot. I never drove it hard but I bought the car with 27,000 miles on it every now and then it would hesitate before it went into gear but always ran fine once you got going, could not believe it went out so soon.I was hoping to get at least 100,000 miles out of it.It always ran fine as far as the motor goes but the transmission has serious issues. I am going to try and replace the trans and see what happens because I like the way the car handles in the snow.Thanks
-
My Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jeremy Eshleman - May 11 - 10:00 amThis car has been great to me. I love the speed and the handeling of it. I wish it was a stick. I goes just about anywhere in a short time if you know what i mean. I love this car.
-
2001 GT 4DR in Canada - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Rogue - May 9 - 10:00 am2001 GT 4dr. 32000 kms (T.O. Canada) So far the car has been performing pretty good. Only finding minor squeaks. Other than that car is very responsive and fun to drive. Performes excellent in highway driving but, city dirving eats too much gas.
-
2001 grand prix gt - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By ct - May 9 - 10:00 amI have had a lot of trips to the dealer with this car. Trouble with power locks, defroster switch, fan switch, window rattles,and rear spoiler filled up with water. The car also has a rattle in the dash.
-
MEH! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By never again - May 9 - 6:36 amits a beautiful vehicle with a lot of base options that would make anyone want the car. The build quality is HORRIBLE. I have had it in for service 12 times in the past 2 years and they have not been able to fix anything. The power steer pump has leaked twice as well as a co-worker rented one and and had the same problem. It collects mildew in the window sills and will smell everytime you open the window during the summer. I have been a die hard GM fan for life, but save your money and get something else... this car is JUNK!
-
Lots of power and style - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By bw626 - May 7 - 8:40 pmWe had a GTP 4dr with the supercharged V6. It had all the options. Bought it used with 100000 miles and didnt have a thing go wrong with it. I only had to do routine maintenace, get new brakes, and a align it. The ride was good and the interior was appealing. These are great, stylish cars.
-
My First Pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By R. P. - May 5 - 10:00 amThis is my first GM Product - I was considering an import (Acura TL, Maxima, etc.) but I am very happy with this. Very quiet, the engine is strong, and handling is very confidence inspiring. The transmission shifts with precision and always seems to be in the right gear. If you enjoy spirited driving, this car will defintely put a smile on your face. The 90 degree opening rear doors and fold down seats (including front) make the car very handy at Home Depot. Lots of comfortable interior room, and all the controls are easy to reach and operate nicely. Ive had no problems this 1st year (15,000 miles) and plan to keep the car for many more.
-
Great Car! - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Great Car - May 3 - 5:43 pmThis is a great car! I get about 24 miles per gallon average, which isnt fantastic, but isnt that bad, either. I love all of the features, like remote access, CD player, cruise control and especially the on-board computer system with trip meters, tire monitor and oil monitor. I feel very safe in this car! The other day I had run over a nail and didnt even know it until my computer system warned me that my front passenger tire was low! I love the sporty style, so unique from other cars out there. This is no boring Toyota! Great power, better than my 1996 Subaru. Only bad thing is the poor quality materials in the interior. Interior is set up nicely, though. Massive trunk space!
