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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Great American Iron - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Buddy04 - December 3 - 10:00 amThe car really looks and runs great. Plenty of passersby comment on how nice it looks. I would have hoped for better mileage, but other than that, I have been entirely satisfied.
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New to me - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By skitterbug - December 1 - 2:50 pmMy 08 grand prix is 2 yrs old w/ 60k miles. Ive only had it 2 days but so far it seems like a good car. The interior could use some work, Im 57 and I feel like im going to hit my head on the roof w/ the seat completely lowered. On the other hand my 2 children cannt see out the windows in the back because the seats are too low. My son is 43, 5 yrs old and in a booster, the window placement is way too high. Plus Im use to driving SUVs and I dont like how low the car sits I feel like I have to pull myself up out of the car. Time will tell I love pontiac and this is my second one. My sunfire lasted 7 years w/ tons of driving and little maintence hope this one holds up as well.
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Lousy car, Lousy dealer - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Heff - December 1 - 8:30 amThis was my second GP...what a disappointment! The A/C was repaired 3 years in a row. Once under warranty and the last two on me. The A/C was not working again this year, so the car is gone. Given a different reason each time, supposedly, but the result was always the same - no A/C. Water leaks, bearings, undiagnosed vibrations, excessive road noise and tire wear, a stereo system with speakers that constantly cut out, and non-stop computer problems made this car the worst I have ever owned. The most the dealer would say - well, that happens some time. Ive purchased several cars from this dealer, but never again. Likewise for the Grand Prix.
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Great 1st Vehicle - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GTGuy - November 30 - 2:00 amBought this as my first new vehicle and ordered it before it was in the showrooms. Still drives like a dream without any problems. Sporty, reliable, and fun. I highly recommend this vehicle.
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NO PROBLEMS SO FAR ALL HIGHWAY MILES - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jon Miller - November 24 - 2:00 amI bought this car with 64,000 on it. As of 2/11/03 it now has 106,000 miles on it. I drive 70 miles a day just to work ALL highway with cruise set at 71mph. Still has factory trans fluid, coolant (dexcool), and spark plugs. My only problem was the alternator which went at 79000 miles - $100 bucks and 10 minutes and it was fixed!!! Brakes had to be re done - but they were factory originals at about 81000 miles. Still burns tires if need be (with trac control off of course)!! The key is following the manual for oil changes!
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2008 GP GXP - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By awos - November 21 - 4:30 amI have had my red GXP for 3 1/2 yrs now. She got 48,000 miles on her and no problems, here that Consumers Report, Car & Driver and rest of critics. The car preforms day in and day out. Fast, comfortable and reliable. I am 62" and theres plenty of room Interior is standing up better than expected.
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Awesome!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Amygirl24/bigmikey3 - November 17 - 2:26 pmWhen we first saw this car my husband wanted it from the start. I must say I really didnt like the looks of it so we looked at something different. I listened to my husband and we bought it. However, I must say, I am in love with it now. The handling of it, its looks, everything. I cant say one bad thing about this car. I would buy another one today. My hubby wants the GTO now. I have never been big on GM cars but I must say they did good with this one.
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3rd gxp it bolts - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By joe - November 1 - 7:16 pmit goes like this: to have a v8 gxp with all options its a pleasure to drive anywhere. in city with tap shift you have little to worry about getting off the mark. I find myself driving less than the speed limit!!? just because I want to here the exhaust purr its about time. stereo great as usual with xm but its not for the weak with this size engine you need to know what your driving.
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Solid ride - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By tony522 - November 1 - 2:00 amGreat powertrain. The 3.8 is a rock solid unit with great get up and go torque. Feels like a small 8 out of the hole.
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GREAT PRIX - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By BIGALB - November 1 - 2:00 amI LOVE MY GRAND PRIX, ITS A GREAT CAR , BUT THERE ARE SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDOWS. THEY STARTED RATTLEING AFTER A YEAR. THE CAR IS ALSO BAD ON CITY GAS MILAGE, THE HIGHWAY YOU GET 30MPG AND CITY ONLY 12-14