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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  My GP GT - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By zana - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Have had problems with the shocks, brakes. Winshield wipers squeak no matter how much rain/water is on them. Has no pick up. Very comfortable though, a great family car.

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  Excellent Choice - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Wine and Spirits Guy - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I drive quite a bit for my job. I have found in only a few weeks that the grand prix was a great choice. The gas mileage is right on the sticker. The space in the truck is more than you think. The vehicle rides great in the city or on the highway. WIth regards to comfort, I am very pleased. I am a big guy, 65 and 290 lbs. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone. Thank you.

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  2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By sendog2013 - July 21 - 1:05 pm

  I was pretty lucky when my fiancée discovered my car on Kijiji! A private dealer had gotten my ride from a dealership where it has been traded in for a new car. The last owners basically used the car to drive to the store and church when it wasnt garaged most of its life! With only 114,000 kms and mint inside and very good outside it was pretty much brand new! Anyway, on to my review! A blast to drive, fast and handles awesome! I use it mostly for the highway as Im traveling between provinces for work and moving. Glides perfectly at high speeds and before you know it youre doing 140 without watching your speed.

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  Just wish it was faster - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By edwin - July 16 - 10:20 am

  I dont have a lot of complaints about the car. I got a really good deal on it, the car only had 50,000 miles on it when I bought it. For the most part it handles well for a front wheel drive. I really think it would have given out a lot more if they would have made the car a rear wheel drive. I also think the car lacks performance but a few adjustments cant fix. The car seems to be pretty reliable. So far all Ive had to do is get a new battery but Im pretty sure the old one had about ten years on it.

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  Awsome Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By capinshane25 - July 16 - 3:33 am

  I got this car for my 18th birthday. It has the looks of a speedster and the engine of one too. Never had anything wrong with it at 150,000 miles. If your a tuner this is the car for you I put flowmaster pipes and two turbochargers on it along with racing tires and 93 gas. it had way enough power before (205 hp)but now it will roll with any mustang or challenger on the road I had it dynoed at 481 hp All in all GREAT CAR good work GM. I hope the Pontiac name plate returns in the future.

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  Very Reliable Car - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jet_dr969 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car to get back and forth to school in back in 98 and besides brakes, tires and a battery it has been very reliable. I thought someone had vandalized it the other day but it turns out the headlight lens just fell off. They are apparently good for about 5 years. A word of caution, when replacing the headlight be very careful with the turn signal assembly! They go for about $110 and I found out the hard way.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Guitar Mickey - July 13 - 2:00 am

  !!!!!!!!!!!

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  Waiting for it to bite the dust - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Carrie - July 6 - 6:43 am

  I have had this car for about 4 years and have had several problems with it along with several breakdowns on the side of the road. My alternator has gone out twice, I have had a continuous oil leak that was supposed to be fixed, it squeaks when I drive it and no one can tell me what is wrong with it, there is always a problem with my alignment, and I have had problems with the electrical system - when I turn on the air conditioner my headlights will turn off. Not supposed to happen right? Also my gas gauge tells me the wrong amount of gas I actually have. I am trading in this car before it breaks down on me again. Thank god for triple A.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By D.Reed - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up a GTP with COMP G package. Love this car! I looked at the Monte Carlo SS, Accord EX V6, and the Mazda 6. This car just overall beat the others hands down on performance and overall value. The dealership really made the deal with no pressure, and only 1 trip back to the sales manager. When I told them my bottom line, there was no argument. Bottom line got the car for 1313 less than Edmunds TMV!

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  A car that it just feels right to drive - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Pollus - June 25 - 10:00 am

  So far Ive had an excellent experience with my GT, it performs just as I need it to, its stylish, its comfortable for the 6 and taller crowd, and its fun to drive. It also drives wonderfully, I got up to 105 mph and didnt realize it, I couldnt even feel a difference. Ive only have a few minor problems with my car, in that the driver side window doesnt like to work in really cold weather until the car has warmed up a bit, the trunk light has a tendency to get knocked off when you load larger items into the trunk, and the cup holders are not idealy located because they get in the way of the gear shifter.