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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  Very Reliable - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By C. Davis - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is far and away the best car Ive owned. Recently the lighting behind one of the instrument panel displays went out. That is the first and only problem of any sort Ive experienced with this vehicle and Ive driven it for almost 3 years and put about 50,000 miles on it. The car is a pleasure to drive. Acceleration is outstanding, nearly on a par with Corvettes I’ve owned. Handling is good for a car of this size. It is not quite as nimble in city traffic and parking as a smaller car, but not enough so as to make driving to and from work unpleasant. We’ve found the car to provide more than adequate interior room to make long family trips pleasant.

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  Couldnt ask for more!!!! - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MonGre - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is a dream. Both inside and out!!! Eats up most cars on the road, looks great, and a steal for the price I got it for!!!

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  Enjoy your GTP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Peter jones - January 21 - 4:00 am

  Handling is excellent, the styling is most attractive particularly from the side and front/three quarter views, I love the rush of power in the midrange when you feel the superchargercut in... it really is a fun car to drive.

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  Exciting Family Sedan!!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By TMC - January 20 - 2:50 am

  As a former salesman at a luxury high- end new car dealer, I am definitely impressed with this car! And, Ive driven probably a couple of thousand different cars(cadillac, lexus, infinity, acura, and the normal domestics, etc) Pontiac did an excellent job with the 2004 Grand Prix. I kept finding myself going ever so faster on the highway. Virtually no roadnoise at 80 mph+. I recently did a 300 mile road trip through small towns and highway driving & averaged 28.5 mpg. Tons of legroom in the front seats. Easy to read displays. Some people complain that the interior plastic is too plain, but I was never a fan of imitation wood trim as on some of the "high end" cars.

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  A Nice Balance - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Slee_Stack - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Its not a vette nor will it ever be regardless of how much money you dump into it. It is, however, a remarkably fast car for a surprisingly low price. As a bonus, you can seat 5 comfortably.

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  True Ride - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By M john J - January 17 - 6:46 pm

  lets see not only is this car very comfortable it also looks sharp. the interior is very sleek with tons of extras i couldnt even list them all. never had any problems but like any car its all how you treat it i had a friend who beat on it pretty bad and even his held most of the torcher, all age car ia right on the money i like it and all my friends complement it and i let my parents borrow it for 2 week and they loved it! they fought over it... good in the snow and i always feel safe in it. Avoid 2 accidents in it and had complete control while swiving ... Its a keeper in my eyes!

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  Hold onto this one for a long time! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By rbk - January 12 - 11:16 pm

  I drove this car for 220k miles, then handed it over to my 16-year old daughter. She is now 19, the car has 265k miles, and it drives great. Spent $1,900 to put a new transmission in it at 185k. Other than that its been relatively expected maintenance for more than ten years. What a great engine. You could probably shoot it with a shotgun and it would still run smoothly. After 250k, the interior began gradually deteriorate, but how can I complain. I went out and bought a 2003 Grand Prix to replace it, and have already put 190k miles on that one.

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  grand prix - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By lab04 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive fast great hanling good comfort all the things a great car needs

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  Great Choice - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Happy Couple - January 7 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car in Amarillo, TX and from there we drove it to Dallas, Red River NM, and then to Seattle, WA. It never missed a beat. One of the most dependable cars weve ever had. The V6 runs great and is a lot of fun to drive. This car handles well for its size. It also has an enormous trunk which was a great benefit when moving from Texas. The doors are way too long, however, and can be impractical in small parking spots.

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  best - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 2222 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  this is probably the very best cruising vehicle because of its good looks and is a very comfortable ride