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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Favorite Car - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By mike_ike - July 13 - 1:44 pmI am writing this review on a 2008 Pontiac Grand Am that I own. I have owned this car for about two years and have only one bad thing to say about the car but other than that the car has been a great fit for me. I have owned the car for about five years. It has great gas mileage, great horsepower, it has needed only minimal repairs, and the only thing bad thing about it has been an issue with the ignition but that has been fixed. This is my first Pontiac I have bought and I don’t regret the decision one bit. Every day I have to commute about 20 miles to work, so most of the miles I have put on my car are highway miles. My Pontiac gets around 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
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Perfect car for me - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By 2K GTP - July 13 - 10:00 amThis car kicks A$$... You get strong acceleration, sharp handling wraped in one of the best bodys on the road. I almost always opt for this car over my wifes 99 Maxima SE. Gas milage is impressive for 240HP, 280 ft. lbs. The computer reads an avarage of 24.6MPG mixed city/highway and i havent reset it in about a month. Just waiting patently for the 280X2 3800 V-6.
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GTP Review - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By CWM - July 13 - 10:00 amLots of power on demand for passing or steep hills. The "head up" display is a feature ALL cars should have. It is convenient and more importantly, a saftey feature. It does not interfere with normal driving vision as it is projected only slightly above the top of the hood. The only real problems have been the Driver Info Computer, which resets itself at times, and wind noise from the side windows. Mazzei Pontiac couldnt repair either of these conditions after several repeat visits. Im sad to hear that GM will drop the 2- door model when other manufacturers are now producing 2-doors at an invigorated pace.
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GTP with Comp G Package - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By JPatton - July 10 - 10:00 amThis car is amazing. Very fast and comfortable for long trips. I drove to Tennessee and to Boston and both trips it was fantastic(I live in Philadelphia.) The seats are amaizingly comfortable and the Supercharger really pushes you into them. I have enjoyed every second of owning it.
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Holy COW, this car is great! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Mr. Hyde - July 8 - 9:23 pmDrove every other car in its class and this one came out on top by a HUGE margin. Super engine, quiet, awesome driving position and seats. Very good mpg and incredible brakes. Consumer Reports rated this car poorly. I think they must have hit their heads on a few washing machines. This car is FANTASTIC. Try it, then see if you agree with me. The GXP is an animal.
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Great Drive! - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Tiger II Jim - July 4 - 10:00 amWhat a drivers car! I have the GTP Comp G version, and I get a big grin on my face every time I get in and drive it. Comfort, convenience, and performance all rolled into one beautiful package.
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Its a looker - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Candlepersuasion - July 4 - 10:00 amMy father recently bought the new Gt2- 4 door sedan in the Ivory White color. He was a previous owner of 2 Buick Centurys from the 1992 and the 1998 years. This car is very attractive in appearance and Sporty. I love the spaciousness of the interior. I love the sunglass compartment and maplight feature. It certainly is a sedan for a single person or a couple, I would not recommend this vehicle for a family.
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Fueling Excitement - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By aboatz - July 3 - 9:43 pmCars are often rated by factors such as reliability, safety, and performance, but there is one key feature that most reviewers cant explain...the thrill. The Grand Prix, particularly in the GTP w/ Competition Group package, was a car that was immediately exciting to sit in, and even moreso once it was taken on the road. All stresses and worries are taken away every day when I get in it now...it has the stability and roominess of a large car, but effortless steering and power more typically associated with lighter sports cars. Not only that, but the car allows me to go fast, look fast, and not look like a pompous jerk or a pimpled teen while doing it. Accords dont have that ability.
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Fun,fun,fun! - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Fiesty Diva - June 24 - 6:03 amThe Car is fun to drive, the suspension is much better than my previous nissan,the only thing i would change is possibly more compartments in the car for storage and possibly an additional power source for a handy mp3 charger. If you enjoy power, buy the car!
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It was a good investment - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By SedanMan - June 22 - 3:00 pmI just passed the 8 year mark of my Grand Prix GT sedan purchase and am a few hundred miles away from 110k. Its been a fun car to drive over the years. Ive had my share of issues, but nothing too major. The alternator failed around 90,000 miles. The power drivers window quit working around 100k. The A/C needed recharged earlier this summer ($180) The LED display on the radio quit working between 90-100k. The car still gets around 19-20mpg in day-to-day city driving but I often get over 30 mpg on road trips - and thats with a family of 5 and a full trunk. I just test drove a Sienna but really dont know if I want to give up the power/handling of the Grand Prix.
