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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Great car, very reliable - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By deabomb - January 7 - 5:46 pmI have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix SE that I bought in February 2003 with 24000 miles on it. Almost 12 years later with just under 110,000 miles on it, she is still going strong. The only major problem I had with it in 2008 was the known issue of the intake manifold gasket leaking and blowing coolant out. It cost me $700 to fix the damage. Other than that snafu, it hasnt given me any trouble. I love this car. Hubby wants me to trade it in for something newer with more bells and whistles, but I cant part with it. It has been a solid, reliable car for me and I hope I can get another 100,000 miles out of it.
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Vroom - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Cheri - January 6 - 10:00 amI LOVE this car. I might have to stick with the Grand Prix because I doubt I will ever be able to go back to normal cars again. The ride is super smooth, interior spacious, and dont get me started on the POWER. This car has made my nightmare commute bearable.
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2004 ponriac grand prix GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Bowtie guy - January 3 - 10:00 amOne of GMs best held secrets. You get a lot of car for your money and outclasses its competion in most instances. Do your home work ,compare,test drive them, youll be impressed just like I was.
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Grrrrrrrr - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Kevster - January 2 - 9:43 amI bought my 04 grand prix gtp with about 12,000 miles so it was basically new...Ive had nothing but headaches! Ive been to the service center at least 15 times...im still unhappy.. The enterior is crap..the carpeting is so cheap...The seats are always breaking..ugh...between my car overheating, sunroof leaks, cheap tires and plastic exterior...i give this car a 3 or a scale from 1-10. Im def going back to foreign vehicles.
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Great Grand Prix GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Bobby - January 1 - 4:30 pmI cant say enough about this car. Absolutely fantastic ride and comfortable.I would recommend this car to anybody.
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Could have been better - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By thepontiacdude - December 31 - 5:46 pmIf you care about "coolness" more than "utility" than its worth considering this car. However, if you are looking for a family oriented car, I would consider cars like Accord, Camry, Impala, etc. I own a Grand Prix and I think it is a pretty good car and is a lot of fun to drive but unfortunately there are some cons that stand out.
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Better than good, but not quite perfect - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By CEN19 - December 26 - 12:06 pmJD Power rated this vehicle as a good buy for reliability and I have to agree. Ive had only two minor issues that were quickly corrected under warranty. Very comfortable around town and on the highway. Acceleration with the supercharged engine is excellent, as is braking. This is a large vehicle, so handling is good but not great. Fuel economy is in the low 20s with mostly highway driving; nothing close to the 28 mpg listed on the window sticker. Interior materials are a mix of good to cheap, with some areas nicely padded and textured; others are cheap in feel and durability. Red illumination of instrumentation is very appealing. All controls are easy to operate and very intuitive.
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My first year in my Pontiac Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Carol Acre - December 21 - 10:36 amThis is a beautiful car, I love the Sedona Beige Metallic paint! Since I bought it many people have commented on the style and color.....its so sleek! The interior colors are light, but nothing sticks to the fabric, it wipes up without any spotting at all. It is absolute luxury at an affordable price.....so whats not to like??
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Realiable is the way - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By pontiacmall - December 19 - 1:15 amI purchased this car 2 years ago with the intention of having it temporarily and then trading it in. It has proven to be realiable after I added another 60k to the odometer. Just recently had issue with heater core which caused no heat and air. Once fixed it worked like a charm. I also put a twin mattress in the trunck with back seats down and was able to close the trunk. No pick up truck necessary!!May be time to get rid of as the kids are complaining they dont have enough back seat leg room of which I have to agree is a little on the short side. Just hope I can find something as realiable as the Grand Prix.....
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I do love my car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Tiffykc07 - December 14 - 6:56 pmIve had my car going on 3 years now, for almost a year Ive had trouble with the key getting stuck in the ignition to where i had to use a nail to put underneath the steering wheel compartment and stick it inside this hole to get my key to come out, Im not really sure why this happens but someone I know who has the same car as I do has the same problem. To roll down the passenger window from my driver side sometimes it doesnt work and then a few minutes later it does, but other than these problems I do love my car I just recently got brakes for it and the tires were still in great shape. I love the look of it and it is my first vehicle, I got it when I turned 18.
