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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My Cherry GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Cherry GXP - January 5 - 3:00 amMy GXP has been perfect, no problems at all. Really is fun to drive and I love the purr of the V-8 motor. I trade cars every 2 to 3 years, but this is a keeper. I even bought an extended warranty for 7years and 84,000 miles. Told my wife to bury me in it. Mileage is not great, but a 400+ mile trip last year netted about 24MPG and not at 55MPH either.
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GP CompG - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GP2004_compG - January 4 - 11:53 amThe car has run great, performance is excellent. It has a large trunk and is very comfortable. The Heads Up Display is a plus. This car replaces an 04 Altima. Reason for replacement was the Altima, like many Foriegn brands, have no space.
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Vibration that wont stop - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By dave - January 3 - 10:40 pmOverall, I like my GP although it has been in the shop 3 times in the 1 month since purchase. There is a vibration in the front that the dealer cannot repair. After balancing, new tires, full alignment and rebalancing, the vibration persists. So far this experience does not make me a happy customer. I may have to go back to Chrysler products to be satisfied. Any ideas to fix the vibration before we have to replace all the rims to try that? HELP! I like the car but dont need the vibration.
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Needs toys to get going - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Greg - January 3 - 8:53 amI bought my GTP when it was two years old and had only 7k on it. At first I really like the torque of the supercharger, but after ridding in other non-supercharged six cylinder coupes/sedans im no longer impressed that much. The car has a nice exterior look to it, but once you open the door and set inside the cheesy interior appointments is what gets your attention. Way too much plastic inside. I have to say that the drivers seat is very comfortable, but the passenger seat is a bear. Ive put 2k worth of go fast goodies in her and she now performs at a level that she should have stock with the almost 30k MSRP she had when new. Pontiac has lost there love afair with true real world performance
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The Perfect Year - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By John Fraser - January 1 - 10:00 amI never realize how good of a deal I got ($4900) until I saw a friend spend $33,500 on a loaded 2003 model. Other than mine lacking mood roof and dual heated seats (only the driver in mine). The style interior and everything else looks exactly the same. I love the drive and the great gas milage on the highway (in town is not that good however).
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Hard to Follow - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By TAKerr - January 1 - 10:00 amAmerican cars have come a long way. My Pontiac Grand Prix has been such a pleasant surprise! Its has such wonderful features, like the heads-up display, that would normally come in a much more expensive car. In the four and a half years that Ive owned it, I have not had one thing go wrong. I just love it. Unfortunately, the new Nissan Altima I just purchased just doesnt measure up. Its a nice car, but Im going through withdrawals from the Grand Prix. Its just a hard act to follow.
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Alright car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By farmboy - December 30 - 10:16 amThis is the car I had from sophomore year in high school through college and only now looking to replace. I bought it at about 115K miles and it now has 223K miles. It has the 3800 V6. I had to replace the intake like this engine always has to have done with it. Recently starting at about 210K Im getting the problem with the transmission as stated on the reliability on here and rust on the underside is starting to get bad. Things that went bad: cruise, AC, blower, pwr steering, sensors, wiper fluid pump, ABS, etc. Otherwise, it has stood up to all the abuse I put it through and kept going. Its a fun ride and has gone a long ways. But to much has gone wrong for me to want to buy another.
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GXP - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By SG - December 28 - 5:40 amI traded in my 04 Grand Prix GTP to upgrade to a 08 GXP and I must say that what a difference it makes having a V8 engine. It rumbles and has much more power than the GTP. It handles better with the front tires being wider than the rear. Im a Grand Prix fan and always will be.
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Simply a great car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jazzz - December 26 - 10:00 amI didnt think American manufacturers would ever figure out that this is the kind of car consumers want. Looks great, fun to drive, good interior design, and doesnt cost $40k. Much better ride than the Maxima (which costs more) and way ahead of the Audi A4 in every way I can think of. Oh yeah - get the Competition Group option. Best $1300 youll ever spend.
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Going back to foreign - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Disgusted - December 26 - 2:20 amThis car is by far the biggest loser Ive ever purchased. Problems started at 28K miles and continue today: Cloudy headlight lenses, rear window motor, rear window motor switch, 2 alternators, steering rack, oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, heads up display, stereo display (twice), water pump, front hub bearing, windshield seal coming out, rear window exterior trim coming off. You might think Im just a person that doesnt take care of a car, but Im a maintenance and detail fanatic! Thought Id be a good American but shame on me, Im going back to foreign. Actually, no...shame on Detroit and the overpaid CEOs that allow crap like this to be sold to Americans! My Toyotas never did this!
