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:

• 

  Bills review - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By William Weirich - August 9 - 7:50 am

  This is one one the better cars I have purchased in the last 10 years. Drives great, great takeoff, handling is perfect, and the comfort of the interior is excellent.

• 

  Im done - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By neveragain - August 4 - 2:40 pm

  Well, I love the interior and the sound of a V8 and thatÂ’s the extent of my love affair with this car. I have been towed to the dealership twice. Steering issues at the shop three times. Two additional home steering repairs. Serpentine belt tensioner rod brokeÂ… towed again! Multiple broken rims and blown tiresÂ… low profile and Michigan bad combo. Average MPG 21. Not great, since I drive 90 miles round trip to work daily, of which about 70 is hwy. I am actually paranoid when driving it now waiting for the next break down. I owe $11g on this beautiful heap and gotta get rid of it! Thanks Motor City!

• 

  Too New To Rate But Liking So Far!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RMCLECMBS - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I am not a GM fan but bought this car for my wife who absolutley loves her new GT2 with leather and sunroof. Fit an finish is excellent. New styling is well done. Re-do from previous model hits the mark. Avoid the cloth interior. Seats are very firm and take some adjusting to get used to but lateral support is excellent. The 90 degree openings rear doors and forward folding front passenger seat are well engineeered and practical. Ample interior room and spacious trunk. Tight and quiet - firm handling.

• 

  FUN CAR - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GI JOE - July 30 - 1:56 pm

  I have had this car for a year and a half and love to drive it every time I get in it. I have owed and driven Z- 28s, El Caminos and a Malibu, but none can corner like this GTP with the compitition package. It also handled the ice and snow of last winter with out a problem. When Im accused of buying it as a mid-life crisis car I point out that with 4-doors it is a family car. (I think the fusion orange with silver racing stripe throws them off) I dont know what its top speed is yet but I do know that at 117mph it is still accelerating.

• 

  pretty car with frequent problems - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tahayah - July 27 - 10:00 am

  When I first bouhgt my car, I loved it. It was fast, reliable, fun to drive. Within the year that I had it, problems began to occur. I assumed that if I kept up the maintenance that I would have no worries. In chronological order: the motors in 2 windows went out, the fuel sensor had to be replaced, the LCD screen on the radio becomes illegible, the trunk light went out, the door panels are loose, the cup holders only fit one size of cups, sometimes it wont start up and now the transmission is slipping. For a car thats five years old, it sure doesnt hold up like one.

• 

  Great car!! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By hillmankc - July 26 - 9:16 pm

  Purchased GXP after much research. It is AWESOME - just as the other GXP owners say it is! It has nice styling cues borrowed from classic Pontiacs of the past (turned-aluminum style dash, fender vents from 2nd generation TAs), but is not a rehashed "retro" car. I believe this FINALLY is the car Pontiac had in mind when they presented the Grand Am in 1973: a sporty sedan with performance that surpasses imports costing many $$ more. Handling is superb; build and paint are outstanding; interior look and feel are nice, especially compared to GPs of a few years ago. Cabin is ultra-quiet, until you hit that gas pedal! This car is the proverbial "iron fist in a velvet glove"! Love it!

• 

  piece of junk - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jztoronto - July 24 - 1:01 am

  typical pontiac-looks great but the build quality is a joke. there should have been a recall on the rear window reg so we can raise and lower the window like a normal car. if you leave the problem eventually the window will fall out of the bracket and as you drive the window will roll down on its own not fun when its raining and you are on the highway. wipers are a joke never had a car with so many wiper issues. be prepared to replace bearings every two years and the abs light on ever car in america is on in this car. leaks oil, and the tranny is not a good design. radio light burned out, fuel reg is $500

• 

  Love this car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MJ2 - July 19 - 10:33 pm

  I have had Pontiacs since I got my license (ok, forget the 69 Dodge Dart), but have also been loong at BMWs and Acuras. This is by far the best bang for the buck. Every time that I have gone in for service (nothing wrong) or a car wash, the car receives compliments galore. Get over the import hype, and you see a vehicle that is (hopefully) the new beginning of the American auto industry. Worth every penny.

• 

  pontiac - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By paul - July 18 - 1:06 pm

  wonderful, I am most comfortable in the seats, I do wish for more side bolster support

• 

  Fast, comfortable and good value - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Sami H - July 15 - 9:16 am

  I just bought my 2005 GTP a week ago and I couldnt be happier! The car is fast, and surprisingly quiet - road noise is lower than in BMW330i I was test driving. With the ton of GM year- end rebates, this car is a bargain! NOTE: there seems to be a rebate on leather interior - free! I found it after checking out the list of rebates the dealer had on his computer; thats free leather until 3/1/05! Ask the dealer. I chose to take the GTP without the CompG - after test driving both, the non-CompG version seemed just as fast and nearly as responsive while having a very smooth ride. Monsoon stereo sucks - bass is muddy and undefined, power lacking; will be replaced. But overall, a great car!