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 Old Pontiac! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By prdsubrbndrvr - February 20 - 10:00 pm

  My parents are the original owners since new! I drive the Grand Prix whenever I come home because I love it, nice break from my Suburban! The Grand Prix has 114,000 miles on it and still resembles a newer car. The 3.8L engine is undestructable and has never failed us! Just usual oil changes, and minimal problems. My dad will run this car until it can go no longer, which should not be anytime soon.

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  Great car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bigmatt87 - February 17 - 9:55 am

  so theres a lot of stuff that goes wrong with this car. coolant elbow under alternator goes bad, blower motor only works on 5, and some other little quirks. but thats not where i want to go with this review. This is a SOLID CAR. i beat the crap out of my car for 8 years. from 118k to 212k miles i drive it hard. always changed the oil. the only thing that happened is 3rd gear stopped working. and honestly im surprised it lasted as long as it did with all the burnouts and snow doughnuts i did.

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  Reliable, Fun, American Owned Co. - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mick - February 14 - 6:06 pm

  This was my first new car, I traded in my 1999 Mazda Protege on it. I absolutely love it. I keep it clean and get comments all the time on how sharp it is. I have the CompG package (highly recommended) that stiffens up the rides. I have no regrets on this purchase. American owned company, the way to buy. The Heads Up Display is so nice. Talk about a safety feature, I can change the radio, CDs, cruise, all seeing it on my windshield, so I never take my eyes off the road. All these control buttons are located on the steering wheel. The HUD also displays direction and temp. The supercharger rocks! I will take this motor over a 260 HP motor w/out a supercharger any day. Hang tight!!

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  Love this car - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By awhite - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2003 Grand Prix Gt. It is a lot of fun to drive and it is roomy and still sporty at the same time.

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  140k and counting - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By darkcarnival - February 11 - 11:23 am

  I have had this car for almost 8 years. I LOVE this car. Yes, there are a few things wrong. The windows clamps do break and the windows fall. When its 110 out, the plastic does not hold up to the heat. The other thing is the Intake Manifold Gasket. Yes.... Replaced twice... My mechanic flushed all the DexCool out and replaced it with normal coolant. It has been that way for 5 years now, no problems. I love the way the car drives, looks, runs, and the power it has. I am so sad that they did away with Pontiac :-(

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  Gxp, Pontiacs best - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By AL - February 6 - 5:56 pm

  Have had this car for a year now, the only repair we have had was a flat tire. They best car we have owned! For someone who is big, comfort is excellent. Power is enough too put down most cars. Why they axed Pontiac is a crime.

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  Ryans GTP - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ryan - February 3 - 12:43 am

  Amazing vehicle all around. From the handling to the style, this car is impressive. The response of the supercharger is instant and more than adequate for highway passing. Driving the 4-door sedan still feels like your driving a sport coupe. The powerplant not only outperforms most, but is also easily accessible for the backyard mechanic. Its also nice looking. All around suspension is sporty, so avoid those construction zones. When you hit a bump you feel it. I cut out the resonator and replaced it with 2" pipe. It has a growl to it now that isnt too loud, but sounds great. My 100% thumbs up for this ride.

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  My Review - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mrgills - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. It is obviously not a high performance sports car, but it does have that feel.

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  Fuel for the Soul - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By motorin - February 1 - 2:00 am

  The GP 2004 was my choice for company car for the next 3 years and I am not dissapointed. Excellent acc. off the line and moderate to good handling make this car a sales reps dream. The interior design is fine outside of the classic stock GM stereo (easily replaced). Improvements in glove compartment space and hangers for suit jackets in the back would be nice. This is an excellent step up from other pontiac contributions in the past. I would never chose this car over an import if I were going to spend my own money.

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  Id buy the same car again - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mlaner92 - January 30 - 10:16 am

  Its hard to write everything I like about the car: performance, handling, mileage (for the performance, its pretty darn good), the front seats, features, options, looks...im sure theres more. The drawbacks: I probably could have been OK with the added MPG of the GT over the performance of the GTP, but whats the fun in that? Im glad I dont ever have to ride in the backseat. Ride seems to stiffen a lot during cold weather, more than any car ive owned in the past.