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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Must be very blessed - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By TOM HALL - January 30 - 1:46 pmAfter reading the reviews from other owners I must have gotten a good one!! After 139,000 miles have only replaced the brakes and normal maintenance. As for the antifreeze leak these cars came with the 100,000 fluid. Some people add the wrong type, thus causing the leak and in some cases the water pump. It is all about PROPER MAINTENANCE. AS for the Toyota and Honda reference I had a 1996 Toyota and the engine went south at 56,721 miles. With the same GOOD Maintenance.
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Great Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By HH - January 22 - 11:23 amGreat performance, styling, handling. Love the heated seats, dash and gauges, bucket seats. Rides like a much bigger car. Whats not to like? Downside is that resale value isnt very good.
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Fantastic Car! - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Motor75 - January 20 - 10:00 amThis car -- the 2003 model -- is absolutely fantastic. It rides great, it has ample power and the interior options (mine is fully loaded) is fantastic. This car is great on long road trips and also the quick jont to the store. I have no idea why they redesigned it!
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GT is an Awesome car! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Frankie - January 19 - 7:06 pmI really Love the Grand Prix, as a former GTO [I have had four of them] owner I am very impressed with the performance of the Supercharged 6 cylinder. The car has a great stereo, dual climate control, heated sets and remote start. A lot of fun to drive! Awesome acceleration with the Eaton Supercharger! 17 inch wheels and wide-track provide a really nice ride.
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Great car, no wonder it got stolen! - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Betawolf - January 18 - 10:00 amHey i bought my 08 grand prix this about a month ago, it got stolen last week. Very good looking car and has great power and acceleration. The fuel economy is a little on the down side thanks to the fuel thirsty V6. Interior looks modern and nice, with comfortable seats and a user-friendly cock-pit. The exterior is very stylish and sporty, with tinted windows, a spoiler, and sleek curves. I had no complaints with anything except my 2008 model had no anti-theft devices or onstar which in the end is why i do not have the car anymore!
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Pontiac for life - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By sosajriam726 - January 14 - 2:00 ami love this car, i own this and a 00 gtp they are great and very reliable
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Flamer - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By DRJ - January 13 - 1:40 pmPerformance and gutsy sound from dual exhausts is sports car like yet is a family sedan. Impressed with 30 mpg on highway under 72 mph. Great exterior design. Had to upgrade the tires and stereo dvd player. Very visible orangish red color has helped accident avoidance.
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Descent little car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Myron King - January 11 - 2:00 amI traded my 06 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Hemi for this car. Overall, the car is okay. I miss having a truck though. The car had 51k miles when I got it. Its got 61k miles and theres been some problems with it. The stability track module went bad, the moonroof doesnt function properly, window motors went bad. Thankfully, the car has a maxcare warranty from CarMax thats good for 100k miles. The previous owner kept detailed maintenance recds. I cant wait to trade this car in for something bigger and more powerful.
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Great vehicle, much recommended. - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By glenn1312 - January 10 - 5:43 pmMy Grand Prix is now approaching 120000 miles, and Ive enjoyed every minute Ive driven it. This car is great to drive: it handles well, is comfortable, and runs great. The only problems Ive had up to this point have been with the power windows (see below) and losing headlight covers, which as I understand, is a common problem with this vehicle. Other than that, I highly recommend looking into this car.
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Perfect Blend - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Dave - January 10 - 7:20 amAfter reading the Edmunds Editor review I have to conclude that he or she did not even drive the car. First of all the GXP V8 weighs less than the old 3.8 supercharged GTP and I have seen 0 - 60 in less than 6 seconds. This car is a great blend of performance, fun, comfort and if driven correctly on the highway can get super mileage. I have been averaging 29 mpg on the highway and can still punch it out from a red light and leave a nice cloud of smoke in the rear view mirror. True to the G8 is a great performance car, but try driving it in the snow. At least the GXP gives you the V8 push and still offers descent year round driving capabilities. Next time have your editor drive one.