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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Grand Prix - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Timmy Lupus - April 10 - 10:00 amThis car is great for the money. I got this when I graduated from college and it did not cost me and arm and a leg. Getting a new car hasnt really crossed my mind. The Grand Prix has been treating me well for the last 3 years. I have made frequent, long-distance, weekend trips with the car. It is comfortable and gets good gas milage. Passengers have noted how big and roomy the back seat is. I really like the hatch in the backseat, that opens up into the trunk. I normally have a ton of sports equipment sitting in the back seat and this makes it really easy to toss into the trunk when I need the backseat for passengers.
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Pontiac Enjoyment - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By heathbarwsu - April 10 - 10:00 amMy Grand Prix has been put through some extreme conditions, and still came through a champ. During a 5 mile white out on Christmas Day my Grand Prixs braking was put to the test. Cars were spinning out left and right as I passed by. I always felt in control and 100% confident with my car. During a 90+ degreee day in bumper to bumer traffic for hours heading into Chicago, my car never once cracked above its normal temperature. My car is an absolute joy to drive and the compliments I get (when its clean) are numerous!
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Awful Build Quality/Reliability - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By cpuuri-3 - April 1 - 2:00 amAt 6 yrs and 83k miles, I have a few more problems to list. Now the power door lock actuator (front, passenger) works when it feels like it ($52/part). The clear portion of the other headlamp fell off ($72/part). Dealer tried to BS me about WI climate and it not being a frequent problem (Ive done the research). Still losing about a quart of oil/change, and now the high pressure hose coming into the power steering module is leaking. I rarely get above 20 MPG, now. I have reached a dilemma, do I buy a Honda, or use the $3k I have in GM Card earnings?!?!
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Replaced My Boring Toyota Camry - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Aldo - March 30 - 3:13 amI purchased my Grand Prix because my wife has a 2002 Grand Prix which has 83,000 miles and the only repair was a wheel bearing. I have replaced tires and brakes but these are normal maintenance. I replaced my 2001 Camry, with the 2005 Grand Prix, the Camry was not a good car, I purchased it brand new and it had issues at 25,000 miles which were under warranty, but the last two years it was starting to cost me big bucks, it was time to get rid of it.89,000) Iwas always comparing my Toyota with the 2002 Grand Prix, which I purchased with 16,000 miles. Toyota makes a good car but mine must have been built by trainees. When I saw the 2005 Grand Prix and I took it out, I fell in love with it.
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Lauras review - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Laura - March 26 - 11:23 pmNeeds cup holders in the back seat. also I have noticed that when you turn the steering column pops. I only had 25,000. miles on the car when this happened. the dealership said there were a lot of problems with this in a lot of there Pontiac made cars. Other than that I love my car, its very sporty but I can still carry my kids with me.
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Sallys Ride - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Sue the car - March 26 - 3:40 amSo far we like everything about the car. The super charger is great for getting out on the highway.
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Great Car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Hawkeye84 - March 22 - 7:10 pmGreat styling and fun to drive. Pleasure to drive. Doesnt generally get the full 30 mpg on the highway, but very close.
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Dont buy the 2000 Grand Prix - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Bill12215 - March 21 - 10:00 amMy 3rd GP - getting worse. My 1990 was a good car traded in at 60,000 miles. My 1994 developed transmission problems at 50K miles but toughed it out until 100K when it finally failed. My 2000 is terrible. The front windshield gushed water when it rained after 2 weeks - was missing about 4 inches of caulk. The radio died. The replacement died. After 2 years more water leaks coming in from the roof. The interior lights will no longer go off - fuse pulled. At 50K miles this cars transmission is failing worse than the previous one. Its made it to 60K miles but it wont make it to 70K. Its a fun car to drive but I would not recommend it.
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Nice Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By bean - March 21 - 10:00 amMy last vehicle was a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I was tired of the ride and the poor mileage. The Grand Prix has been a nice surprise so far. I get lots of comments on how sharp the car looks (red Metallic exterior). The ride is smooth and the mileage accepable (24mpg city/country). Im anxious to see how the car responds in the snow.
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Great Car - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By ken - March 20 - 2:10 pmgreat looking car, great handling, the 3800 V6 has everything you need, very reliable motor, not a sportier looking car on the road for the money
