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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  2004 pontiac grand prix gt2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dpkoszyk - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Just thought I would drp in revview for the 2004 pontiac grand prix gt2. Since day one when i started looking for a new car i was looking at buying another pontiac.So i went to the selling dealer of my last 4 pontiacs and got some quotes on prices for the 04, the prices were not bad at all.Have not had any problems with the car since day one and it runs pretty good just wish there was a little more pep . Other than that I have taken it on long trips and it is comfortable for me and my family.I have hauled wood in it with the front seat folded down(very nice feature).Other than that thats about it.I would not hesitate to buy another one .

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  Excellent Car! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Speed Racer - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Super fast! Nothing short of a genuine sports car with a semi-skilled driver can consistantly keep pace once you drop the pedal. Cruises effortlessly at speeds over 80 mph, and even at that speed there is still plenty of power for passing. On a lightly traveled backroad, I ran it up to 120 mph and it was still pulling hard by the time I lost my nerve. Gets 18 mpg around town, but a respectable 30 mpg on the freeway. This engine likes premium fuel. Handling is very good, but suspension could be firmer. Interior trim is fairly low grade, fit-and- finish could use some work. Overall, an excellent ride.

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  02 Grand Prix - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Testerman - March 23 - 4:43 pm

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. Only problem has been with the front wheel bearings. Both have gone out and it isnt a cheap repair. Engine is exceptional for the performance you get and the fuel economy you achieve. It has also run flawlessly for over 60,000 miles.

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  Third Times the Charm! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ncix1 - March 22 - 1:06 pm

  As this Ameicans love affair with SUVs wanes, it was a pleasant suprise to test drive a "real car". After having owned (okay leased) one of the first 200 supercharged GTPs off the assembly line for the 1997 model year and later trading that for a limited edition "Daytona 500" GTP the new GXP comes out way on top. It is a shame I had to stumble accross it while the wife was test driving the new Soltice. She also is impressed, with the looks, power and feel of our new Grand Prix. If she wasnt Id be looking at convertible "garaging" the rest of the winter out. Pontiac states you may not be happy with the "beasts" snow manners, quite the contrary in the 3-4 inches we got caught in.

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  Great Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By G Munney - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive

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  Excellent - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Coqui - March 15 - 2:00 am

  The car is a great car. It has a very smooth ride like that of a Cadillac. It has good fuel economy as well.

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  Love the car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tina - March 8 - 10:16 am

  Have had a lot of problems with expensive items. Thank goodness for extended warranty GMPP. Paid for it all. 3 climate control systems, 2 radio/cd players, 2 power window motors, an engine coolant seal leak, 1 heads up display, and another $1500 repair for some kind of sensor that kept shutting the engine down when it warmed up and we stopped. I love the car even with all of the repairs because like I said I didnt pay for them GMPP did. :) I think all of the repairs have totaled about $6000

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  Four Doors of Fun - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Trexler - February 25 - 10:50 am

  This car is very impressive, and fun to drive. The four doors dont take away from the looks or performance. 0-60 is plenty quick, and the handling is very impressive. Heads up windshield display, tap shift transmission, and virtually every power option available in a car make the comfort endless.

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  Finally Arrived from GM - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Lead Foot Grandfathe - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a great looking car, which handles extremely well. Stopping power is excellent. This is my 18th General Motors product, most of which have been Pontiacs, Bonneville SSEs and SSEi. This is the best put together car that I have ever owned from General Motors. Everything fits exactly the way it is supposed to, from interior to exterior.

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  Sportiest 4-door around! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Matty K. - February 24 - 10:00 am

  im 17 years old and my parents just bought a 2002 Grand Prix GT...let me tell you, i never thought a 4-door car could be sporty but boy was i wrong...its got power, aggressive looks, and its so much fun to drive!! sticks to the road like glue and acccelerates very quickly, in 2 years ill pressure them into buying the GTP ;)