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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  Hoe lotta car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RoadRunner44 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  My Grand Prix is my first car and its absolutley great. Hugs the curves, Bose system is high quality, HUD is a nice feature, and boost gauge is fun to play with (by flooring it ofcourse).

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  Supercharged Excitement - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jduff72 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I upgraded my GTP to the SLP Ram Air GTX, with the added exhaust. This car is about the most fun you can have for under $35,000! There was a recall on the starter, which had already failed in my vehicle at 10,000 miles. The transmission blew at 65,000 miles. Fortunately, I have an extended warranty. Anyway - the car is blast to drive, but I question the reliability of the vehicle. If you drive it like a sportscar, expect high maintenance costs. The paint also chips very easily. Its the best car with 6 cylinders made by an American company.

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  Disappointing 04 GP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JDCar - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Im really disapointed...only 5 exterior colors. Wheel design is poor. Styling is as bluh as you can get. A change was way way over do, but I was hoping after 7 years Pontiac would have done a better job. The "cloth" interior looks cheap...like it came out of a striped down pick-up. What were they thinking??? Is GM trying to go out of business???

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  4 Doors Can br Sporty! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By KensGT - April 20 - 7:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive! With the heads up display to the nice quality sound system. The car rides very well and handles 3 adults and 2 kids in good comfort and gets up and goes extremely well. The car is 7 years old and I must say it has held up well, Pontiac did a good job on this model. I give it 2 thumbs up for is looks too!

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  07 Grand Prix N/A - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kruzy - April 17 - 1:46 am

  3rd Grand Prix after owning an 01 GT, and an 03 GTP. The gtp was ballsier, but the 07 n/a really puts you in the seat just as hard upon acceleration. Body lean doesnt seem bad at all, and body design is nice.

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  More than Meets the Eye! - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Samurai - April 16 - 2:43 pm

  The biggest bang for your buck! A refined machine that is easily underestimated. The exterior is sweet and the interior great. The interior design is made for the driver (that is the purpose of driving, right). I hate how the imports overly centralize the dials and in some cases the gauges right in the middle of the car. The interior is simple and not over done like the imports. Their designs tend to be a lot busier. The power is just right, handling great.

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  Fun, looks good but poor quality - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By CEH - April 16 - 11:10 am

  Bought the car new. Still like the car, but expensive to maintain. Have had lots of minor problems and some major ones. Water leaks around doors and trunk, lumbar support switch replaced several times, Bose radio led disappeared, heater fan replaced, headlight plastic replaced, power window switches quit working, auto feature on rearview mirror does not work, fuel pump replaced, brake light wiring shorted out, etc. Major problems: Car vibrates when accelerating. Dealer replaced HUBS and axles and motor mounts three times as well as brake rotors. Alignment did not help. New tires did not help. New wheels did not help. I just live with the vibration now.

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  A Review - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GT Owner - April 16 - 2:30 am

  Has proved to be reliable and comfortable transportation but not the "fun to drive" vehicle I was lead to believe it would be by several automotive reviews.

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  2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kdstan - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2000 Daytona 500 GTP in May of 2001. I have owned 3 Grand Prixs. This is by far the best one that I have owned. It has great looks and acceleration. Has the whole package- great interior and exterior. Cannot wait till the newer body styles come out. Get compliments every day on how great the car looks.

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  Love it/Hate it! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By James123 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought used two years ago. Has 90,000 miles and still runs quiet and quick. Too many window problems and Pontiac customer service problems. I recomend staying away from this car based on the window problem.