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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  Need a shoe horn to get in and out - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jeff - October 4 - 10:40 pm

  Went to buy a Bonneville but Pontiac wasnt dealing with that car so I got talked into a Grand Prix. Nice car and fun to drive but windshield is way to rakish and low. Cannot get in and out without hitting my head. Seat has to at lowest and furthest back position to avoid my head touching the ceiling. Homelink would have been a great option. Back seats are all but useless. Front bucket seats are too narrow. Not a family vehicle. It was a big mistake to buy this vehicle.

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  gtp - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By michelle - October 4 - 11:43 am

  I fell it is to small, I paid 32,000 and went back 6 months later to trade in and they only wanted to give me 16000. Feel every bump, speakers vibrate too much

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  Great Car overall :) - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By horist - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I picked this up as a nice daily driver. Wasnt a hard choice since I will only buy american and theres nothing else out there that really appealed to me (4 door sedan w/some pickup). The motor is awesome, no torque steer, comfortable yet sporty ride.

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  Best GP Yet! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RebelWithACause - October 2 - 10:00 am

  My first car was a 1965 GP. Since then Ive had a 77 GP, and 97, 98, and 2000 GTPs before I took delivery of my black GTP with Comp G package a couple of days ago. I wasnt real impressed with the styling changes until I took a second look and a test drive. 17" wheels outside and leather interior inside make a BIG difference. This car moves! I like the 20 more horses over the previous GTPs and I use the TAPShift ALL THE TIME! Driving excitement is back at Pontiac! This is a drivers car. Get one, and drive yourself happy!

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  Brandies review - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brandie - October 2 - 10:00 am

  well I like the car alot and it really preformes good for me and the car in its self is good looking and It just doesint brake down

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  Great car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brady89 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I am new to the Pontiac family but so far I am very impressed with my Grand Prix. It is very comfortable, lots of get up and go and great gas mileage. I plan on keeping this car for a while.

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  American Built - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By James Maus - September 25 - 7:00 pm

  I drove a G6 and loved the tight body. The GXP is not as tight, but the V8 power is awesome. I disagree with Edmunds because they arent factoring in price and gas mileage. The Charger may be a better car, but its a new model. Grand Prix has been around a few years. Also, the Charger, which is much heavier doesnt get 28 mpg on the highway (GXP does if you use cruise control). Also, I got a loaded GXP for 28000. A similarly equipped Charger would go for 35000, and OnStar isnt even available! In an other 18 months, I am going to get the G6 GXP!!

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  Grand Prix GTP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Pat - September 25 - 1:06 pm

  Overall the most bang for your buck in a mid-size four door. Can not imagine why it only received a 6.9 by the editor. My only 6 was fuel economy.

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  Perfect First Car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Chad - September 23 - 7:16 pm

  I got this car a few years ago as my first car. I was originally shopping for Accords, but they were out of my price range and I was recommended the Grand Prix because the 3800 V6 is supposedly "bulletproof." In the 5 years Ive owned the car it has lived up to the reputation. It has had a few small issues(key gets stuck in the ignition occasionally and LED backlight on radio went out), some of which I caused(warping the brakes 3 times oops!), but it has been an excellent car! It has good looks, enough power to get out of its own way, and it has been reliable. Its a "sleeper" in the sense you can save a ton of money over a Japanese car since they depreciate a lot, but are quite reliable

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  New Owner-Ohio - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By KWD - September 20 - 2:00 am

  To Date---First 1,000 miles Dealer delivered on promise date Clean vehicle Instructed on basic operation Fit and finish very good; No noticed issues with two car washes