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:
Showing 641 through 650 of 1,601.00-
Easy-To-Smoke em!! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By BigDipper - October 31 - 10:00 amPurchased my 2002 GTP Sedan in March and did not get a real "feel" until I took a road trip..... AWESOME! Ive owned a couple of dozen cars, including performance cars, and this one takes the cake! I dont care what speed youre traveling, stomp the pedal and this monster JUMPS! I luv playing with Mustang GTs!
-
Great Car! - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By VROOOOOM! - October 28 - 6:40 pmWhat an awesome car! I am a little sad that this will be the last Grand Prix model year, and that 2 doors are not an option anymore. But otherwise, I have owned 4 Pontiacs, 2nd Grand Prix (other was a 01 GT) and I expect the same level of satisfaction as with all the others. Gas mileage is NOT BAD for a V8, especially with the active fuel management system. When you spend as much time in a car as I do commuting, you must LOVE your car! Traded a Mazda CX7. The CX7 was awful on gas (with a 4 cyl), very hard to see out of, and felt cheap! I did not feel the joy of "zoom zoom." I definitely like the VROOM VROOM more!
-
Glad to be back in a car! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jbowen81 - October 28 - 6:43 amThe family had been driving SUVs and Minivans for years because the kids volume of friends and stuff demanded it. Now that we have a teenage driver it was time to get a vehicle with some drivability back in the driveway. The Grand Prix has delivered a powerful drive and been okay at the pump -- knowingly and acceptingly self- inflicted.
-
The Great One - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By bigdawg - October 21 - 10:00 amThis car is awesome its got the pickup to compete with the best of them but, slow over time. Not good on gas but has size and luxary with SPEED!! Got a 3.5 liter and great for squealing.
-
Good Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By timmarcy - October 16 - 10:00 amAfter 7 months and 12000 miles IÂ’m still glad I bought it. Had some serious fit & finish issues (listed below) but for the price (after rebates) I defiantly got my moneys worth. Very sexy looking car! Alot of fun to drive! Recommend the GTP with Monsoon sound system. Yes, I would buy again.
-
GTP Review - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By RE - October 16 - 10:00 amThe GTP is a great car. Ive only had it for 2.5 months but I really love the car.
-
Pontiac perfect - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Bfelmey - October 13 - 2:00 amThe 2000 GP GT has been a dream. No complaints at all. Thats hard to say about my other cars.
-
A Good Car for the Money - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By G. Chan - October 8 - 9:43 pmI bought this car from the original owner when it had 107,xxx miles. The previous owner had taken an excellent care of it. When I bought it, it came with the complete maintenace history of the car. I drive from Pocatello, Idaho to Phoenix, Arizona about 3 times a year, and it gives me no problem. At times, I would just drive 14 hours straight, no problems at all. Until one day, the intake manifold was leaking. My dad, a GM mechanic, told me that the car needed a new re-designed intake. It was very expensive to replace even tho my dad bought me the parts. but overall, the car has been great for the money.
-
Im Broke - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Delrone - October 8 - 6:00 pmThis car was good until 85k miles. I understand things need to be changed and replaced with a high mileage car like brakes oil filters fluids etc. My costs of repairs have been doubling since my 4th year of ownership. Transmission @120k 3 Master cylinders, brake lines twice, 3 EGR valves, ball joints, Emmisions problems like crazy, carbon build up on the gas pedal, sending unit replaced, electrical grounds rotting off, electrical switches failed early at 40k miles, rusting early 50k miles(once a week washing with a professional detail twice a year)hub assymbly at 83kmiles, wind sheild washer fluid rarely works in cold weather, door seals and locks freeze, thermostat replaced at 130k.
-
GTP Owners Need This Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By 04-GTP - October 8 - 10:00 amIf you currently have an older GTP you must get the 04! I had a loaded 01 GTP and just stopped in the dealer because I saw the 04 on the lot. All I was interested in was the TAP shift, but once I got up close and personal I could not believe how much the car has improved. The pictures on the web and magazines do not do justice to how well this car looks, put the 01 and 04 side by side and there is no comparison. That is only the tip of the iceburg, you must get in this car! The Competition Group (WS6) is the way to go, only ~$1400 package, to get the full effect. P.S. if you live in NH the "04-GTP" personal plate is taken :)- !
