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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  2008 grand prix gxp - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By DUANE - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Beast car I ever had, love how it handles and hugs the road. Great body design

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  Lots of Problems - ready for a new car - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tsfergus - April 26 - 4:36 am

  Was fun to drive in the summer, but living in Michigan - it is single- handedly the worst vehicle I have ever driven on snow and ice. It was so bad that it could no longer be used on the freeway during the winter. Also, for over a year now, there is a constant squeaking noise coming from the front tire. Three times to the dealership, new brakes and they still cant find out whats wrong. Have also had a electronic system failure warning pop up on the dash display twice. Not very comforting when you drive on the freeway everyday. Overall, too many problem for a new car.

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  good used car to buy - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By johnny g - April 24 - 6:43 pm

  When I bought it, it was 3 yrs old with 38,000 miles. Got a great deal. Im happy with it, fun to drive. My gas mileage is not as good as others. I get about 17 and 27. My biggest complaint are the seats, they are comfortable, but when cornering, youll slide right off the seat if you go too fast. I love the heads up display!!

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  Best Used Car Been Very Reliable - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ladylynnette - April 24 - 11:53 am

  this car is the coupe and has very good suspension with the low track. Has luxury along with takes corners really well. I bought my car with 95,000 miles on it and it still runs like a new car, it now has 112,000 miles on it. I occasionally have something go wrong. I had the air mass flow sensor go out and then replaced and runs great again. It is more sporty luxury than complete sports car. I have really enjoyed it. It is much harder to find the 2 door couple which is much sportier looking.

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  Practical and Pretty - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Frank - April 23 - 12:33 am

  Affordable sedan that looks great, front wheel drive for Colorado snow and sporty feel and drive. Reliable and refined W platform means nice ride and long life power train (3800 Gen III) V6 engine. Power is adequate.

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  2004 Grand Prix GTP Comp G - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mjs - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. A tremendous number of features (tap shift, stability control, traction control, head up display) at a very reasonable cost.

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  No more Hondas for me! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GM Convert - April 14 - 11:30 am

  After an accident I got a Grand Prix as a loaner. Turning the key & hearing the rumble of the twin exhausts got my undivided attention. Good acceleration, gas mileage & style won me over! The V6 Accord & Camry get about the same mileage but both look like Grandpa-mobiles! Initial quality is great-I’ve not been back for anything to repaired-my Accord had many trips back! Upkeep is less & the insurance rates are lower than my ‘superior’ Honda. The GT is the best value w/extra toys, traction control, antilock brakes & twin exhaust. One rental week converted me– I haven’t owned a GM car in 20 years but I don’t think I’ll ever consider another foreign car again… this one is too good!

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  Good but it has its moments - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By nails - April 14 - 10:00 am

  The car drives awesome, never a problem with engine ever. Now lets get to the other things though..I have had my drivers side motor replaced twice, it needs to be replaced. I cant get it replaced with the warrenty co because the motor is not totaly burnt out. So when i want to raise the window icant most of the time..hows this one try driving down the 90 in BUFFALO in the middle of WINTER and the window is stuck in the down position. fun!! I also had to have the wiper motor fix once. The spark plugs were messed up when i first got, the car would get up and go put it sputtered.

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  Excitement in a 3100 4-door - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cubre - April 12 - 6:10 pm

  I purchased this car from my father who put 115,000 highway miles on it. It tracks great, gets great gas mileage (35 mpg hwy), and is a strong runner. Unexpectedly fast for a smaller V-6. Car has great throttle response and excellent field of vision (unlike so many new cars). Also, noticed there is a heater vent under the drivers seat which is great on winter days (heats the seat) A credit to Pontiac for building a great car. An excellent value buy

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  Excellent - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Travis - April 10 - 2:16 pm

  Excellent car. Very reliable and fun to drive. 3800 V6 sounds sweet with dual exhaust. I have always had GM vehicles, and have been impressed with all, but especially Pontiac. Sporty, yet comfortable.