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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AWESOME CAR - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By wabashvalleyboy - September 18 - 10:46 amWhat can I say about my 2004 Pontiac GP. It is a dream. I have purchased mainly Chrysler products most of my life. I trade very frequently from anywhere to 6 months to every 2 years. This is a wonderful car to drive. The braking system is great, almost hit a 10 point buck but the brakes stopped me in time. Passing semis is a dream - this car goes from 55 to 90 before you get half-way around them. Then you say bye bye leaving them in your dust. So I would have to say this car is a dream to drive.
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Perfect - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By F-bird76 - September 15 - 10:00 amI have the gtp in white, it is great, u would be driving on the highway thinking that ur going 60 but ur goin 80, great pick up, can pass with a breese, the chrome rims turn heads while goin down the streets, i have xm, onstar, sunroof, heated seats, monsoon sterio, everything else toped out around 31,000 but it is a must great to drive fun car!!!!!
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3.8 V6 solid as a rock - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Arrowhead - September 14 - 4:23 pmHaving been raised in a Pontiac family, I have owned more Oldsmobiles and Buicks. Bought this car for a reasonable price back in 05 with a GM certified warranty. This car has needed periodic maintenance per the owners manual of which absolutely no one follows. Doing the correct fluid flushs on time, the filters, injection cleaning, wires, plugs, brakes, tires. Its motor is bullet proof. I plan on keeping this car another 3 or 4 more years and I can most certainly expect with normal on time maintenance, it will perform as desired. It hauls quickly o-60, it handles incredible, has plenty of room. Some cheap interior stuff, but it just can be overlooked with its looks and reliability.
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built on a Friday! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By dave barry penb - September 14 - 2:00 amConsistent problems with this well beyond wear and tear. Other owners of Grand Prix have been very satisfied overall, not I. Heres a PARTIAL list: 2 batteries; 1 alternator; 1 condensor; 1 compressor; 2 o2 sensors; 2 fuel filters; 1 steering gear bushing; 1 fuel regulator; 2 heat selector resistors; 1 stereo; 3 wiper arms; 2 sets of spark plugs rated at 160 000 kms I have 114 000; the rocker panels have rusted been repaired and rusted through again; windshield is separating from the car and there is a leak in the tunk so water has left it mildewy and now it is behind the back seat. A lot for 3 years of owning. Expensive.
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damngoodcar - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By frank geisler - September 12 - 10:00 amliked everything about this pontiac. my next car will be a gtp
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4th Pontiac Grand Prix - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Dena - September 11 - 2:46 pmThis is the 4th Grand Prix that I have had. I love these cars & hate the fact that GMC has stopped making them. I recently rented a 2010 Lacrosse for a road trip, & missed my car a lot. Grand Prixs are reliable from my experience, & will take the best care possible of this one. Drives like a dream, comfortable, enjoy everything about it. I just put new rims on it and have had several compliments already. I am very protective over this car, & know that I will get years of enjoyment with it. Nothing negative to say, I have been Blessed.
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This Car is My Baby - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Oneap - September 11 - 5:00 amBought the car in 2003 out of a lease. It is the second car that I have owned and a real step up from my previous vehicle. I fell in love with it the day I saw it at the dealer. The only work I have had to do in 3 years is flush the coolant (preventstive maintenance) and replace the original battery (75,000 miles). The 3.8L engine and wide track suspension make it a dream to drive. Even though it is a 2000, I think it is one of the best looking cars on the road - the gentleman at the car wash place are particularly impressed. The picture for the vehicle on edmunds.com looks exactly like my baby. It is great car and I intend to drive it for some time!
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awsome car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Adam S. - September 8 - 10:00 amFun and awsome car to have. Trust me i have a 4 dr GTP its a fast sleeper STOCK!!.
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Toes Review - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Pontiacseeker - September 7 - 11:43 amI love my car. Its gorgeous and drives excellent. I feel like my car is so much bigger than other cars on the road too.
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Grand Prix GT 2002 - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By nirvana - September 6 - 2:00 amI bought my car in Feb 2002 and have been actually pleasantly surprised by the build quality and handling of the car. You get a lot for your money. Something to at least consider and test drive for your next purchase.
