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 shadow - October 9 - 10:00 am

  ONE OF THE BEST BUILT AUTOS IVE EVER PURCHASED. A LOT OF LITTLE EXTRAS THAT I DIDNT EXPECT IN THIS PRICE RANGE.

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  Grand Prix GTP - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Cars4me89 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Good performance and handling. Although rear is extremely ugly without spoiler. Lucky for me I was the next on the waiting list so that one had a spoiler.

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  2004 Grand Prix GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Chris - October 5 - 8:10 pm

  After 2+ years of owning this car it is still fun to drive and still looks fresh and appealing. The car needs a bit more refinement to compete against the best of its class, but the quality and reliability has been excellent. I will not purchase an import

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  I like my car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Cyndi - October 5 - 7:16 am

  I purchased the car in early summer. The AC and heat both work very well, interior is very comfortable. It is also a nice riding car, heavy enough to feel secure on the highway. It also has nice pick-up for highway driving. I now have about 10,000 miles and have had no mechanical problems. I am very happy.

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  Best in the industry - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JuliePitt - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I know for a fact that this car holds up well in collisions. Two weeks after We bought it, I hydroplaned in a downpoor and slammed into a retaining wall at 60 mph. This car held up well, with only minor damage, and all of us (5) in the car, were not injured at all. This car is fun to drive, responsive, and very stylish. You should see people stare as we cruise by. The 3 rear shoulder restraints are a godsend. I cant say enough good things about this car, so Ill say "Thank You Pontiac for making a car that I love!!!!"

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  Awesome Ride - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Awesome! - October 3 - 5:56 pm

  Ive had my 04GP for a few months now, and I love it. The acceleration is superb, styling is great, the "That is awesome!" reply I get from the HUD.

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  Fun To Drive - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ron - October 3 - 5:20 pm

  I have owned a lot of cars in my life but when i test drove the Grand Prix it showed that Pontiac had the driver in mind.Not only does the Grand Prix have style but it is fast,and comfortable and safe.The Grand Prix has a smooth ride and besides the front airbags the side curtain gives me comfort when i am driving my grandsons in the back.With all of the safety features I feel very comfortable behind the wheel of this car.

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  Great for the Money - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GPMan - September 27 - 6:20 am

  I was amazed at the performance of the Grand Prix GTP. The Eaton 5 Supercharger added a lot of fun to the everyday driving I do. The four speed automatic was amazingly smooth and the interior is refined. Even though the engine is pushrod actuated, it is still more efficient, smoother, and more fun than the Toyota V6s. Toyotas overhead cam designs detract from low-end torque and "everyday" driving "gusts" that are needed to pass on the highway. The interior design is also simply and logically laid out. Materials and build quality are excellent.

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  Love this car... - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By joe_velderman - September 25 - 12:20 pm

  I bought this GP with 94000 miles on it July 02. Its been running strong ever since. Its really sporty, incredibly roomy, fast and stylish. The engine is way to big for the car - and has more than enough giddyup. The interior is plush and sporty.

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  great car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By thomas carapelho - September 22 - 1:36 am

  i love this car. it handles like a luxury car and the v6 engine has plenty of power to get up and go. i have 15,000 miles on it and havent had any complaints except for the dimmer switch wich could have been placed in a more conspicuous place on the dash.