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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  Red is hot - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Dorothy - June 21 - 9:43 pm

  I absolutely love my car. I have had it over 6 years and it now has 120,000 miles on it. I just drove down from Massachusetts to Florida and it was a joy. The car purred. Great on the highway and suburb in heavy traffic.

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  We love it - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Hburns - June 15 - 10:00 am

  We recently went on vacation and had this car as our rental car. We liked it so much that when our week of rental was over we were bummed out so we came home and bought it. We have only had it for a month but so far so good. Love the Onstar and Xm radio. Very fast too! My husband wishes they had a 2 for 1 special because he cant get it from me!

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  I love it! - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Klatu - June 14 - 7:20 am

  I have 3 Pontiac Grand Prix sedans, 2000, 2003, both silver, and now the black 2007 GT Special Edition. This one is the best for performance, handling, and comfort (well, they all are good in my opinion). The car can really go when it is needed; like merging onto the highway to avoid the speeding trucks, or when you need to pass someone quickly. All of the controls are easy to see and adjust while driving. The Monsoon system has great sound whether using CDs, XM or normal radio. When I first got it there was a harsh sound through the speakers at times from the normal AM radio, but it went away within a few weeks. This really a fun car to drive; a real classic.

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  04 GP GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By blue1 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a 99 GP and liked it so much I wanted another one. I like the idea of having a warranty. I wasnt crazy about having 4 doors, but Im almost over that.

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  GTP Rules! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mikes1998GTP - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Love the Acceleration, Love the Styling, Love GrandPrixStore.com and all the great upgrades to put on the car. Aggressive styling and power, this GTP is PIMP!!

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  2004 Pontiac Grand Prix~~~~ - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By TomOBass - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Good looking, safe, comfortable car. Has nice features. Good pick up, and fuel efficient for a midsize car. Its sporty yet comfortable for a small family.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Dick Leavitt - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. excellant acceration, just wants to go... a great sporty feel.. happy with the car but wonder what the GDP is like over this great sound system A great dealer and saleslady I have been doing business with for years along with a superb staff.

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  Coolest Car Ive Ever Driven - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Happy Happy Happy - June 1 - 11:46 am

  Ive owned a Jaguar and a BMW and this is still a far better car. It has timeless styling and the dashboard isnt boring at all. I bought it four years old and have only done routine maintenance and replaced the brakes. It is a great car. Mine is a black GTP. The supercharged 3800 is excellent, powerful, and still gets great mileage. Buy one if you have the chance, but I would only go for the GTP.

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  built to put a smile on your face - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jmdz06 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  it took 6 months for me to decide what my next car would be. i looked at everything from the 99 impreza 2.5, to the firebird formula-then i test drove a 1997 gtp coupe. simply put, the car is fabulous. yes, the firebird had more grunt, and yest the impreza is more fun to drive in rain, but the gtp combines excellent performance, good looks, and provides a level of comfort foreign to both of my other choices. not to mention that you can speed past a camaro or firebird in a red gtp, and watch the other chump get pulled over!

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  Fun vehicle - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mike s - May 31 - 9:53 am

  Have enjoyed this car from day one. As a automotive mechanics instructor I know cars and this is a good one. This thing has give me one problem wheel bearings the left bearing got loose at 45000 well out of warranty but Franks Pontiac in Lyndhurst,NJ repaired it at no charge even though I could have fixed it myself. The handling is great for a decent sized car as are the brakes. The engine is GMs bulletproof 3.8 Normally aspirated V-6. I replaced the tires with BF Goodrich Traction T/as at 39K the thing handles like a sports car great in rain/snow and NJs horrendous roads. Still looks good and runs great after 75000 miles. I plan to buy another in a short time.