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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Typical Mid-80s GM Product - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By LibertyNickel - September 21 - 12:10 pmI knew what I was getting into when I bought this 97 GT Sedan, but the price was right. Typical things have gone wrong, but the car has never left me on the side of the road. Heater fan now only works on high, traction control went out (big deal), passengers side base amp is dead (hard to replace) and Ive just observed a coolant leak near the water pump, but I fear its most likely the intake manifold. Clearcoat is peeling off the spoiler. BUT... it still runs great, its comfortable, fast, and handles great. Doesnt use any oil, brakes are fantastic, a/c will put frost on your nose, and the back seat holds all three of my granddaughters. I love the delayed- locking feature, too.
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Not a bad first car these days, but research first - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Keith - September 21 - 3:40 amFirst let me say that this car isnt bad. Its a very comfortable car, and mine came with bucket seats which are very cozy. The sound system is great, mine came from the dealership with Bose speakers that are very crisp and clear. However, the interior/entertainment is not where my issues are. I am constantly having to replace/repair something on this car. In the 3 years Ive had it, Ive replaced the front tie rod, the exhaust, the thermostat, the rotors twice, the brakes 3 times, among others. This car is starting to not be worth the trouble. Not to mention the very mediocre gas mileage compared to newer cars. I drive very conservatively (partially due to the fear of breaking something else) and the most MPG Ive ever gotten out of this car was 26 miles and that was 100% highway driving for 280 miles. Its a very comfortable car, but like my other Grand Prix that I had before this one, its a money pit after a while. Make sure to do your research.
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GXP is Great - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Mr MRG - September 12 - 4:53 pmNo better combination of performance, ride, comfort, handling, safety and practicality. I can have my fun and haul the family away in comfort on the weekends. Solid build and even with the 300HP never seems out of control.
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Loops of joy - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By truthforwho - September 8 - 10:00 am1st G.P. was a 89,Loved it, side impact totaled it, I got out with only a scratch. Then had a 97 grand am, O.K.but not very sturdy. to many repairs. Traded in for 01 GP. Loved it, handled awesome, good mileage, Sharp looks. Took a corner a little to fast, rolled 4 times, but still walked away. Now looking at an 02 G.P.- G.T.
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Almost there, but....... - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Floorit - September 8 - 10:00 amTurned in my 2002GT. Major improvement, but still needs more. I have put over 8K on it since early September with no problems. My biggest problem is with my lead foot - my gas mileage is not even close to what it should be (20 mpg on my last tank - freeway miles)! Would have preferred a MAJOR restyling, rather than an update, but its still better.
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Pontiac Got Outclassed...By itself - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Seth - September 4 - 10:33 amI got a lease and I just recently turned it in and got a new lease on a Pontiac G8. And man, everything the GP does right, the G8 does so much better and all the flaws from the GP vanish. But this is for the GP, though. The Grand Prix is a great car just to push the the limits. But when it comes down to business, it did terribly. I bumped my head in the back, causing the sunroof to get dislodged. I had a headache and a car repair bill. I was so mad. Also annoyances include archaic stereo system that looks like my old 1998 Grand Am. Its ugly inside and out. I was not satisfied at all.
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Great car, if it would quit breaking - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By prettygtp - September 2 - 5:57 amI bought this car with 113,000 miles which is lower than any other car I have owned. In its defense, I bought it from an auction so who knows how it was taken care of. But it ran great! It was super fast. Then things started breaking, exhaust, window switches, suspension, leaky valve covers. I had a bad feeling but never wanted to sell it when the transmission decided to blow. The first gear totally destroyed itself. Will not own one of these again, going back to my mustangs which get 200,000 miles on them before they go out.
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Grand Prix SE a good family car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By WaBa - August 31 - 10:00 amWe have had the car over two years. It handles extremely well, plenty of power (3.8) 6 cylinder. Very roomy inside,an all around good family car.
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OK, but not great - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By ferrisfan - August 31 - 10:00 amOverall, a good car that suffers from typical GM problems. The alternator went out at 30k, and there is a noticable grinding noise in the bushings when hitting bumps. The engine has plenty of power from a dead stop. Sometimes when trying to pass at highway speeds, there is a lag in the availability of the supercharger. Installing Goodyear Aquatread 3 tires has really improved handling/cornering!
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Great car, lacks options. - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Todd J. - August 31 - 10:00 amAs a 26 year old male, this car is a perfect fit. I bought a 2002 GT for the great looks, great power, Great space, and fantastic cornering. However, even at the high end options there are options missing that I would like to see (see below) I will definately buy another Grand Prix in the future, the new body looks interesting...
