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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As good as most foreign cars - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By bullwhip - September 4 - 1:30 amI have owned it since new and drive it daily for Sales work. Overall mileage has been 25.3 but I can still get 30 mpg on highway driving with 179,000 miles on it. Ive used synthetic oil since it was new. Brakes have been replace twice, third time coming soon. Front wheel bearings and inner tie rod replaced and thats about all other than some minor warranty work early on. Its a shame they wont be making them any more. :(
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Reliable Pontiac - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By barrys42 - August 31 - 12:46 amIve had 3 Grand Prixs before purchasing this one 6 1/2 years ago. This has been by far the most reliable American car Ive had. The only things Ive had repaired was a faulty ABS sensor (under warranty) and replaced the fan motor. Evidently there is a small discharge hole that can clog easily and rust out the motor. The performance of the Grand Prix is great for such a heavy car. A heavy car certainly helps for stability and passenger protection. My MPG averages about 19-20 in city driving and gets around 30 on the highway. MPG has improved with time. The interior leather is cheap but comfortable. The Heads Up Display is such a great item I dont know why its not offered more.
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Excellent buy - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By LS - August 30 - 12:30 amThe Grand Prix has always been one of the cars that Ive liked, so i decided to give it a look wheni was in the market even though this was its last year. The drive is assurred, and fun, with ample power. i like the aggressive styling, and the quiet cabin. the interior is a tad bland, but everything else makes up for it. the drivers seat is nice and comfortable, and envelopes you in the seat. it feels like it has more than the 200 HP that its rated at as its quick out the gate, and its mice to have the power when needed. Good MPG, in my first 1K I avg 23MPG in the city, which is excellent for a V6. bottom line, is that I think that Ive made the best decision, as this was a great value.
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Fun to Drive WIDETRACK - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GP sedan owner - August 21 - 10:00 amI bought this car new. I had 10 problems which the dealer repaired under warranty over the first year. Oil pan leaking, power steering reservoir and hoses leaking, SRS light coming on and minor interior and trunk defects, where the delaership fixed in couple of attempts and charged GM over $1,700 (GM I hope you are listening, I dont think you made any money on my car). For the past seven years only had one other problem where both headlight lens fell off, which was also covered under warranty after lots of complaints. Now the car is 100% and runs great. This has been a very dependable car for me after the first year.
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New Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Grandprix drivr - August 21 - 10:00 amThe new grand prix is an excellent performance vehicle. I did the 1/4 mile in 15.66 with mine. The available stages for the car provide a new level of excitement. The only problem I have is that Pontiac stopped making the coupe Grand Prix.
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Sweet Ride - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By geoff edwards - August 14 - 10:00 amThis car is amazing!!!
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Dependable, Fun, & Handy ! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By hockey_jen10 - August 12 - 10:00 amMy 2006 GP is 4 years old now, though Ive only owned it for a year. Its been a great car. Ive had absolutely no mechanical or body issues, and its been very dependable. The interior is typically-sporty as only Pontiac can do, but the ride is also very comfy for a sporty car. The body color is a blueish/green that changes to purple, and it gets attention. The most impressive thing is the back seats folding down, giving me plenty of room to haul. I actually packed (12) 8-foot long shelf pieces, plus closet poles and (8) furring strips into one trip. I guess I dont need a pickup truck after all. Overall, very happy.
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Nice Car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Karen D - August 9 - 7:33 amthis car drives nice and handles great. I love all the features it has and easy to work.
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nice gtp - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By silver01 - August 8 - 2:00 amBought this car new in feb of 98. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. It gets about 22 MPG. It corners well and has great acceleration. Also, there is plenty of low end torque with the push rod 3.8 fed by the blower.
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My Pontiac - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Shabang - August 8 - 2:00 amThis has been a dependable and fun to drive car. The standard 3.1 - 175HP is a strong motor with good pickup. I didnt have any problems with the car until 62,000 when the transmission went. It cost $2650 to replace. It was out of warranty but luckily it was a company car and they payed the bill. I purchased the car from the company and my wife is driving it now. We recently replace an EGR valve for $175 but had no other problems. I would recommend the car even though it had the transmission issue.