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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  Good Looks, Weak Performer - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JEN - March 10 - 7:00 am

  30,500 miles, on the third ISS {intermediate steering shaft}, original tires were awful, on third battery. I let car dealer install new tires so they would be responsible for entire process..of providing a shake/vibration free experience thru all speed ranges.. Have owned 43 cars in long life, and the 75,76, and 77 Grand Prix SJs w/big block engines were the best. Had 1 of each yr and each one accumulated 90k miles..took a beating and never complained.. Current 2006 is nothing more than a Monte Carlo, rebadged GPGT. Purchased car used, w/4300 miles, Caddy tradein..Bargain-pricing was the only salvation..My other car is a 09 Mustang Bullitt..It is raw and rough, love it.

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  Fun while it lasted - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By chrismassey - March 8 - 4:43 pm

  I absolutely LOVED my GT. Having 64k miles, only needed regular maintenance - even in tough AZ heat. Would definitely recommend it. Unfortunately it got totalled last week - will definitely miss it...

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  Enjoying my GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jtc37 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my GTP last Novemeber and up until now it has met my expectations in every way!

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  my best car ever - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By philipbartlett - March 8 - 2:00 am

  as soon as I sat in my Grand Prix GTP I fell in love w/ this high performance machine{competition group}the steering is nice and tight and the powerfull engine in this car I have no problem whatsoever getting onto a highway or out of somebody ealses way. When I first came home with this car, heads turned to see this sharp car and other guys gave and still do give me the thumbs up gester. Ive owned the GTP since Oct.14th 2003, and still cant wait to get back behind the wheel, still to this day{Feb.16th,2004}

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  i love my GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Dawn - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I would not recommend swanson automotive, but i would recommend this car to anyone, i get more comments about it and I love it.

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  Very Comfortable Car: a few design flaws - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By HK2674 - March 2 - 7:00 pm

  We just drove this car for a week and drove 3,000 miles in it (with our dog). It was a very comfortable, great car with a lot of room. We drove it from Nevada to Nebraska in rain, blowing snow, gusting winds and some black ice.

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  Underestimated - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ghengis - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Under valued for its performance and raw appeal. The GTP has everything a yupie could want and your teenage son.

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  tranny at 90000 - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Highwayman - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 31000 miles on it I like it because it feels like a solid car and it gets the gas milage I was looking for 30-32 mpg regular oil changes 3-5000 miles seems to be a quiet ride since new tires and alignment since 90000 miles tranny is shifting very hard I was hoping to get a little more out of it before I would have those problems

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  04 grand prix gt2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Lisa - February 23 - 11:33 am

  Mine had 30,000 miles when I bought. now 78,000. No problems, except do have trouble with 1 turn signal, running light. Very dependable. Would leave going anywhere in it. This is the 3rd grand prix Ive owned. Love this one. Back seats sit a little low. Very spacious trunk. Ive raised 3 kids w/ these cars. Good size, for family. Has great get up & go, when needed. Comfortable ride. Good gas mileage, for a family car. 27 miles to gallon, in town, when driven right.

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  Bad brakes and bad Breaks from Pontiac! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By General Lee GXP - February 21 - 2:03 pm

  Please know that I am a Loyal GM owner! Unfortunately, even with the high performance and fun driving factor, I will Never own another Pontiac and I have owned Numerous Pontiacs over the past 40 years. With fewer than 11K-miles, Pontiac had to replace the throttle-body which left me stranded on the freeway for 2 hours. With fewer than 13K-miles, I had to pay out of pocket for front brake pads And Disc Rotors; almost $700! I had to replace those Awful Bridgestone tires on front with Kumhos at the same time as the brake fix! I drove it from coast to coast right after the Disc replacement and it started scoring the front rotors Again! Neither the dealers involved not Pontiac was of any help!