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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We Drive Excitment - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Drive Excitment! - December 25 - 12:03 pmI bought this car because I have always loved Pontiac syle. Its a two door and looks mean. It has very good power from a v6 200hp, 240 supercharged but not worth the extra $$$. Reilability of these engines are suppose to be unsurpassed. Handling is very good and you can take curves and stuff faster than normal cars. As for some of this reviews below, these cars DO NOT have a timing belt! This is the old timing chain, pushrod, dependable motor that has been around forever! (since the 70s) As for the bad... Its not common to have a steering itermediate shaft go out... Bad GM design. *dealerships tend to try and replace the Rack and Pinion to cure this sound* beware its usually the shaft!
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the review - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By joe cinotto - December 20 - 2:00 amthis is a very quality vehicle if your wanting something that has some speed for its class but is still comfortable to drive
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Awesome Car!!! - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GrandPrixForever!!! - December 13 - 10:20 pmI love this car!!! This thing has some great power! Not to mention a great stereo, great handling, Great ride, and awesome style. I would highly recommend this car to anyone! I would definely buy another one. :)
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Perfect - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By RedHotGTP - December 12 - 11:53 amI purchased this car in January of 05 with less than 80k miles on it. I had to replace the Supercharger coupler (bought at ZZperformance.com for $40) right after I bought it and I had it fully serviced at my local dealership. I love to drive this car! I recently owned a 99 Grand Prix GT and when you go from 200HP to 240HP it makes a big difference! It is fully loaded, HUD, Bose, 12-disc changer, heated seat (great in the winter), sunroof, everything. The only problem I have noticed is the display on the radio gets confused and shows weird numbers, but only for a few seconds after start- up. I have heard of several GPs doing this with or without Bose. This wont be my last Grand Prix!
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Great car interior lacks somewhat - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Aces - December 10 - 1:00 amApparently Pontiac Motors thinks a lot of plastic is ok in the interior of a retail $30,000 car. I disagree. The car preforms fantastic, great power and exceptional handling. The car will understeer if pushed too hard. The brakes are ok if you dont consistently pound on them, they are not track ready. The size of the car is to be taken into consideration as it is a wide body and can be difficult to park. I love the car.
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Great Car, Great Price - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jovinski - December 9 - 12:50 amAlways like the Grand Am, and was looking for a GT when I found this on the lot. Drove it and was in love. It is just a great car! Tons of power, very comfortable. Im 65" and its got plenty of room for me. Seats are some of the best Ive ever had, had Caddys, Acuras and Saabs. The leather is top notch and shows no wear. Monsoon sound is incredible, but distorts a little when its way up. And probably could use more bass. For its size, it drives smaller and corners great! Highway miles are smooth and comfy and the seat heaters are great for my lower back. Climate is strong and works quickly. What a great car.
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05 GT - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Griffin - December 8 - 11:06 amAfter trying out several Fords, Dodges, Chryslers, and Chevrolets, my wife and I kept coming back to the Grand Prix. It has the perfect blend of sportiness that she was looking for, and the roomy practicality that I wanted. Fully loaded with black leather, moonroof, CD changer, and Monsoon stereo (which is the best factory stereo Ive ever heard), you cant ask for much more in a family sedan. Interior ergonomics are unmatched by anything Ive ever owned and the heated bucket seats make long drives a pleasure. No problems to report.
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Very nice car - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By RICKTART - December 7 - 7:50 amI bought this car and drove from New Jersey to Florida and back very nice ride for long distance the front seats felt kinda hard and uncomfortable but the handling and the speed makes up for it a lot of power for a 6 cyl. For the size of the car spins tires with ease great high speed handling would recommend to anybody
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Buy Something Else - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jayrod - December 3 - 10:00 amI totaled my 97 Camry and needed a car fairly fast, saw it, liked it, bought it. Fit and finish is pathetic, there is plenty of horses when I need them, however that comes at a fuel premium. Window motors, window switches, cup holder broken from normal use, Drivers window regulator, all had to be replaced. Leather is complete junk, sure if you dont sit in it, it lasts. I am meticulous with my car maintenance, however the engine makes ticking noise, burns oil, and the breaks squeek constantly, even when they are new. Its a shame Detroit cant figure out how to build a car like the Japanese, the Sweeds or the Germans. Im selling for a new Volvo.
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pros and cons - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jjp - December 3 - 10:00 amgreat handling good gas mileage sport car feeling, good response comfortable seating, front and back if you are not over 62. three pontiac grand prixs owned in the family. a great coaster that saves gas.
