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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  Last of a great car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By grand prix no more? - May 28 - 9:30 pm

  I am on my third gran prix and wish they would keep making them. This is a good car is you drive 20k miles a year. You can drive it for 8 years, get 160k and move on. You can not beat it for the price. Everyone raves about the foreign cars in this class but those cars cost $8k more and those owners put money into the car. I will miss this one when it is done.

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  Love my Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By AJCasares - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I love the Sporty look and the interior. The engine is a bit too noisy. The drive is very smooth and acceleration is very good. The information center is very helpful and the red dashboard is wonderful.

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  Buy American - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Wadefs - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Pontiac GTP, my first was a 2001 GTP. Ive been a European car buyer all my life and was truely surprised at the cars handling and performance, as well as a giant step forward in build quality, fit and finish. The new GTP with the Comp G package is proof that GM is listening to its buyers and that Bob Lutz is a man of his word in his efforts to bring the driving experience back up to what it should be....exciting!!

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  Watch out for the catalytic conv!!!! - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Stan the man - May 26 - 5:23 am

  I bought this brand new when 0% first came out. Good car overall. Luckily, I have escaped the tranny problems so far, well see. All you owners out there, BEWARE. The catalytic converter on these, the GTs, and the GTPs are bad. There IS a warranty to 80,000 miles on the SE, and they raised it to 120,000 for the others. I have an SE. Got it fixed at 79,600 miles, didnt even know about the warranty. sweet! Oh, by the way. This thing cost 21 grand new, and is now worth 5. Can you say "Honda" from now on!!!!!!

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  Comp G is great fun - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mike - May 26 - 12:20 am

  Just recently purchased an 05 GTP Comp G with every imaginable extra available, which on this car is a lot. I like the power of this car, although it could use an auto 5 speed so it gets up and goes a bit better at higher speeds. Very comfortable up front; in back I dont know or care. My only complaint is I already have several creaks and rattles on the interior pieces which are cheap plastic.

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  Great car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By racing 8 - May 23 - 5:40 am

  This is my first new car and we love it, the appearance is great, the ride is the best that I have ever been in, has a great sound system, its quite inside the car and has a lot of room in the back seat

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  Love The Speed - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kevin P - May 18 - 2:06 am

  I have now owned my GTP for three + years now and I love it ... I have had to do some work to it.. Fuel pump resister, window motors, and upgraded the brakes... But all in all a fun car to own and a lot of fun to eat up all those v8 guys out there.. Have had a cooling system problem at like 190,000 but all to be expected Now working on upgrading the interior and putting in a gen 3 motor for more power...Would definitely suggest for a fun weekender that will get you to work on mon...

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  The Family Heirloom - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 3ggplant - May 16 - 9:58 pm

  My grandmother purchased this vehicle new back in 97. Since then it has passed down to me. From a teens point of view, it is pretty much all you can ask for as the engine doles out plenty of torque and noise on the high end of the rev range, yet is perfectly capable of being composed highway cruiser. We have taken numerous camping trips and the cavernous trunk would swallow up any gear we threw in. However, as I grew, the back seats really became unbearable as they sit so low to the ground your knees are practically digging into your chest and you worry your bum will scrape the pavement. (a slight exaggeration) All in all our car has held up over the years and is still in full use today.

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  Good stuff - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By riggermatt - May 14 - 5:26 pm

  I havent had this vehicle for very long yet, but I am very happy with the car so far. The gas mileage has been great. Im getting any between 30-33 mpg on the highway. I also only go 65, because its much more efficient than 70+, and only lose a few minutes in travel time.

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  pontys - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ponty - May 14 - 10:00 am

  It is fun to drive due to the handeling, engine performance, with a balanced economy. the style is for 4 people to fit comfortly, and still look like a sports car. This is my second grand prix and I would by another one, a two door version only.