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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  Love it, Love it........ - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Knave - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Extremely fun to drive and comfortable up front. Great for taking the wife out for weekend runs. Kids love it as long as theyre riding shotgun, lol. The car gets plenty of looks on the street. Handles great.

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  numerous problems - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Paul - August 7 - 10:46 pm

  bought this car new, now has 76K. Have replaced front hub, needing 2nd rear wheel speed sensor, and heads-up display is out. This car has left me stranded on the road 3 times with electrical or fuel problems that they cannot find, always in hot weather, stop and go, driving. Acts like something going thermal. Left me sitting in Nashville for a weekend the first time. Now the front end is falling apart. It will probably be gone soon! This is my 3rd. new GM and by far the highest cost to maintain. Have a 90 Baretta with 240K that has needed less!

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  great car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By checkmate - August 6 - 10:20 pm

  54,000 miles on it so far. had no problem with it yet.good car for the winter. had no problem getting around.the car has a lot of power. nice looking car.

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  grand prix gt - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By taryn - August 2 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle has been fun to drive. the quiet ride, passing power, style and apperance, comfort and reliability, makes me feel confident in purchasing another grand prix.

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  disappointed - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Fishes - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Ill start by saying that Ive always liked Pontiacs. My wife and I have owned 6 between us. I put 200,000 mi on an 86 Firebird. This is our second Grand Prix. Loved the first, the second became completly unreliable at 38,000 mi, when the transmission suffered a catostrophic failure. Being out of warranty, we paid our mechanic $2000 to rebuild it. Pontiac will not help with this cost because we used our own mechanic not theirs. To make this worse, our mechanic has not been able to solve all the issues with the transmission. Even after replacing it. 6 months and counting.

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  2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Johnyy - August 2 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND DIDNT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT.

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  Gerts review - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Gert_R - August 2 - 2:00 am

  We have owned the GT-2 for 9 months - 8000 miles-with very few problems. The gas cap had to be replaced and your chances of breaking the plastic decorative lug nut covers are great. The dealer repaired all with no problem. We have driven this vehicle on both long and short trips and are satisfied with its performance.

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  Great car for the money - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kentman - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this new with every possible option minus the CD changer. It is a low miles car (6K per year). The only problems have been window motor (couple times) and poorly operating seat heater. It does have a rattle in the dash. Engine performance and handling is great. I do wish that I got the supercharger in hindsight. Interior capacity is very spacious, and there are no complaints here. I would definitely buy from Pontiac again. With all of the creature comforts, engine power, exterior styling, good reliability, and relatively low price, you cannot beat this car.

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  fun to drive and very peppy - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jelloman - July 28 - 10:00 am

  very fun to drive and very peppy

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  Typical GM product - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tina Burke - July 23 - 12:56 pm

  I owned a 1979 Grand prix and it was an awesome car...They should build them like they used to. I switched to chevrolet after bad experiences with other GM vehicles (firebirds)and after I totaled (not my fault) my camaro I decided I wanted a larger safer car so I bought my 2002 Grand Prix SE.. It is a good riding car but uncomfortable to ride in. The seats should be softer and should hug your body more. I was just hit with an unexpected but obvious problem with the Grand Prix. The bearings went out on my front driver side at 68,000 miles and cost me over $500 to repair. From what I was told by several repair shops this is a COMMON problem with these cars. Seems GM has some work to do!!!!