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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Okay Car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By ginah04 - May 14 - 10:00 amI have owned my Grand Prix for approx. 3 years and cant wait to get rid of it for a few reasons. First, I want to say that this car is not all bad. It has great styling and excellent handling. There are a few things I wish I had read up on before purchasing. First, the car has a lot of electronic problems. I have had 4 motors in my windows replaced in only 3 years! The car rattles A LOT in the dash area and the noises are just about impossible to get rid of, also very annoying! I dont drive the car that much (4-5 days a week) and my rotors were pitted after 18,000 miles and had to be replaced.
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koo koo - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By rikoo - May 9 - 10:00 amvery enjoyable ride - responsive. happy with the purchase from day one. The only thing that has gone bad in the past three years (other than two fuses, two headlights and a dealership)was the driver-door power windows control, which costed my warranty $800 to repair.!!
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BLACK GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Mike J. G. - May 9 - 10:00 amWe chose the GP GT2 over the Mazda 6 and Accord. The exterior is sporty, distinguished, AND tasteful (not a word associated with Pontiac). The interior is stylish, although the cloth seats have an odd pattern (we chose leather). Even the GT2 has superb handling with very little body roll in the corners. The 3.8L is powerful, but not blazing. Front seats provide good support (especially side and lumbar) but are not too hard. Back seats sit low, and are uncomfortable for adults on long, multi- hour trips. In-town rides in the back are certainly acceptable. The folding rear seats and the wide-opening rear doors have come in handy.
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My first car, - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By MB - May 8 - 1:06 pmBought mine for 800 bucks from a cousin who let it sit for a year. his couisn bought it brand new and took great care of it. had to put about a thousand dollarsof work into it but for that 1000 put a brand new radiator, trans line, rear struts, tie rods,stabalisers, front wheel bearings, new motor mount and main oil switch, tires and belt tensioner. love this car, runs like a champ, never had a problem with the engine, always starts. great fuel for havin a 3.8L, and fast for a v6. will definatley buy the same car once this one blows up in a few years if that happens. absolutley love this car.
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Never own one again - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Tara - May 5 - 7:33 pmI am a 17 yr. old female and bought my 2002 off the showroom floor. The biggest mistake I have ever made was buying that car. Yes it looks nice and will get on it but I will never buy a Pontiac again. After the first 1,000 miles it does not run the same. My horn has the tendency to go off without me pushing it. There are all kinds of sounds coming from the panels. I work at a Ford dealership and I have never seen a vehicle cheaper built than Pontiacs. I will be switching back to ford this year.
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Good Car- Very good Price - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By TinMan - May 5 - 5:30 amOverall, I have been pleased with the GTP. I have owned the supercharged engine before and its a primary reason why I bought this car. It is very strong at 260 hp- although I have not gunned it too much yet- still new. The car definitely looks cool in black- almost batman -like. I get all kinds of looks from people. Lots of features plus a good, sporty look got me into this car. I also got the GM employee price minus my GM card rebate which came out to be around 25K for a totally loaded 2005 GTP. Pretty good deal for what you get. Definitely not a boring-looking Accord or a Camry..
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Great Fun Car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By pwalsh - May 2 - 5:50 pmI just leased a GXP and Im very impressed. I just finished graduate school and got a good job so I could finally afford a nice car. I looked at the Charger a lot and was almost set on it when a friend persuaded me to test drive a GXP based on what he had read about it online. I took his advice and ended up getting one just weeks later. Everything everyone has already written here is true. I leased because I want to wait to see about the reborn Camaro and Challenger in a few years. But regardless this is a sweet car. Im 23 and I love driving it. It feels and looks like a sports car despite its sedan heritage. Loud, fast V8...good old American muscle. Whats not to love?
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Good Car....for a few years - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Tony2000GT - May 2 - 10:00 amMy Grand Prix was great the first 4 years with the exception of trim coming off around the windows or other minor things. Just recently I have been having bigger problems. Door panels are low quality with connectors that break very easily (plastic!). Even more frustrating is the window regulator that failed. The dealership wants $450 to fix - ridiculous! They are poorly designed and can be expected to go bad in time...so beware and dont use your electric windows.
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Owner, Auto Mechanic - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Joe111089 - May 2 - 10:00 amThe 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4Dr is a real nice car. Spacious interior front and back. Comfortable ride great stereo and handles very well. Other automakers should follow suit and stop making cars so small. This is America we like to eat.
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40th Anniversary Winner! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Johnny Grapes - May 2 - 10:00 amAn excellent vehicle on all fronts. Great styling, handlng, supercharger kicks in nice and smooth with a steady excelleration, much more so than that of a turbo. Dark Cherry paint and interior two tone nice touches. Best of all is the braking system, which is the BEST I have ever driven. No complaints with the MPG as I am averaging 26mpg highway, and 20city.
