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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04 Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By oleedr - October 28 - 9:43 pmI love my new Grand Prix!! It is reliable, fun to drive, stylish and very comfortable. The only thing I would change is a little more leg room in the backseat. The trunk is huge, and I feel very safe in it! I love the Onstar option as well as the Monsoon stereo system and of course the Super Charger. I get lots of comments on my nice car!
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I Love this car. - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Duke - October 28 - 5:26 pmI had a 2005 Mustang GT and that was the 6th Mustang I owned. After only 3 months I sold it and bought the 2005 Grand Prix GXP. Soooo many more features and it handles incredibly great for a sedan. And regardless of what the magazines say. The Grand prix beat the Mustang at the Drag strip in (STOCK) form by a tenth of a second. Not bad for a sedan. The suspension and brake system is great and the tires are the same as the factory Mercedes AMG 500. For some reason this car was never advertised and the magazines wont print much about it. To all the magazine editors out there. WAKE UP. All you need Is a few aftermarket companies to make some goodies and this car will blow the doors off anythn
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GTP COMP G - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jshwarms - October 27 - 10:00 amThe new GTP Comp G is by far the flag ship of the Grand Prix line up. This car is really at home on the highway using the vast power of the engine to pass with ease. Turn the traction control off and this bad boy can tear up its front wheel drive tires like a rear drive sports car.
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Have to keep an eye on - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By meerkat_mayhem - October 23 - 5:26 pmI have had an amazing experience with this car in terms of its performance, but for you fellow owners, you have to be VERY AWARE of any issues with your power steering unit as well as any minute leakage that may be undetectable from your water pump. Watch your temperature gauge for any increase in heat and monitor your coolant levels. I just experienced the worse case scenario when driving on the freeway and suddenly getting the ping informing me to shut down AC due to engine overheating. 4200.00 later valves had to be replaced and head gaskets machined in addition to much more. Google make,model,year "engine overheating" for more info. Please be diligent about this.
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Great car - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By 07gt - October 17 - 3:33 amI have owned 2 other Pontiacs. My 07 is the best car that I have driven. Plenty of horses, sporty but luxury at the same time. I sell cars for a living at a dealer and when ever we get them used I try to get people to buy this car. I believe they are worth every penny!
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Excellent Value - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By pro driver - October 11 - 5:00 amAll I can say is drive this thing and enjoy. I came out of a park avenue and into the grand prix. It rides a little rough compared to the park ave, but this thing is slick. The handling and the comfort form a mid sized Rocket ship is outstanding. The fule mileage is outstanding and the sight lines are also great from a car so low to the ground. Go and have some fun and be safe.
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Salesmans Car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By pakeane - October 10 - 3:03 amTest drove the ususal mid-size imports along with the GP, after crunching the numbers the GP provides much more value for your dollar. Base drivetrain miles ahead of base imports. Ample torque across powerband. Purchased for a salesman who travels 20k+ each year in the car (in addition to countless miles via air). Fair city mileage with good highway mileage and manners. Dont be affraid of domestic cars based on that crappy 1987 Oldsmoford you owned. While maybe not as refined as the other options on the market, this is surley a solid car at an attractive price point.
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great car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By chasma17 - October 9 - 10:00 amgreat car i wouldnt change anything. it is ahead of its time. in features. the extra power of the supercharger is great but doesnt rob fuel millage like i thought it would
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GTP CompG - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By U TI VOM - October 9 - 10:00 amWhen I initially drove and decided to trade in my 02 GTP I loved the new GTP with Comp G package. But Ive steadily seen horrible gas mileage in city driving (hovering around 15 MPG), and a terribly bouncy ride between 50-80 MPH on anything other than perfectly smooth backtop (which is hard to find in Chicago). Its fun to drive if you dont care at all about your gas mileage. The interior is a nice change in styling over the 02, but leaves a lot to be desired in quality. Although
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Love it - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Blitzed14 - October 9 - 10:00 amAwesome car, especially for someone in my age range. If youre still young enough to want a sports car, but you cant afford a Vette, I suggest you lean in this direction.
