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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Nothing NOT to Like About This Great Car - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By PontiacLuvr - June 24 - 5:43 amWe did a LOT of shopping around before we purchased this preowned Pontiac. This is everything we hoped to find in a preowned Pontiac...and more! It handles beautifully, esp. on ice/snow. Comfort is superb. The same day we bought it we went through a fast-food drive-thru & the lady working at the window was craning her head out to see what kind of car it was. She said "Oh Im sorry; Im just trying to see what kind of car this is." We told her & she said "WOW! This is NICE!" This car has been well-maintained & we see no reason that w/proper care/maintenance that it couldnt easily go to 200K. VERY happy customers here & would purchase another one in the future, no doubt about it.
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engine revs up and down - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By djc44 - June 20 - 2:00 amwith the rear window defogger on and the headlights on when you shift the car into gear the lights will dim and the engine will rev up and down all by its self g.m. says that it is designed that way nothing they can do to fix!
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WOW ! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By mcabe - June 20 - 2:00 amIve never sent comments in about anything Ive ever purchased until I got behind the wheel of my GTP. My wife drives it also, so we decided against the Comp package because of the stiff ride, but that powers still there. It handles great and I cant beleive the attention it gets. The cool thing is that most of the thumbs up are from the kids driving the little Japanese tuner cars. Its almost as enjoyable as the look on their face when you blow by them off the line in your mid-size sedan. I love it!
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All Around Performer - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By illuminate1 - June 18 - 3:10 pmThis car excels at most of the things that most drivers expect out of a $30k car. The cleverness, utility and layout of the interior lead to an overall pleasant driving experience...And dont get me started on the 3.8 supercharged V6...truly a guilty pleasure. That, in conjunction with the TAP-SHIFT paddles on the steering wheel can have a tendecy to give one an "Andretti" complex. It can also serve less sporting tastes with a serene, yet communicative driving experience when called upon. Although some may find the Comp-G suspension a little harsh, the ride is well controlled and confidence inspiring, and the car as a whole is rock solid stable at high speeds...or so Ive heard, heh,heh.
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Most Reliable of any Car.... - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By The Oak - June 15 - 10:00 amI must say, this has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned! My Acura TL was the most fun, but even that had minor problems. I also had a Mercedes which had its share of annoying maintenence issues. Ive done nothing but normal maintenence for this Grand Prix; it has been simply flawless! I cant express how impressed I am by the overall quality of this product!
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One of the BEST car on the road today! - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Pontiac GrandPrix - June 14 - 10:20 amAfter totaling my 2003 Ford Explorer Limited V8 I was looking for a family sized sedan that was good on gas considering that I spent $120.00 on gas a week on my Explorer. When I first saw the grandprix I absolutely loved it. The aggressive front end, flared fenders, and its aggressive stance. I purchased it with 125,000 miles and it drove like it had 25,000 miles on it. Performance is on point, handling is precise, BUT fuel economy was extremely poor. I spent almost the same amount of money on gas as i did with my Explorer. I realize that the vehicle saves gas with 89 and above fuel grade than the lower grade 87. It even improved the performance. Overall this is the best car i ever had!
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I like my car but...... - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By lowlovesu - June 7 - 2:02 pmI purchased my grand prix gt a few years ago at auction. It had 101tho. miles. The car looked good and ran well at first but then many big issues began coming up. It seems each time it breaks down its at least 300 in repairs, it makes a gosh awful sequel.The belt was replaced twice and it still squeals? Also my gas gauge quit working awhile back . It also has some electrical glitches because random lights on the panel go on for example the low fuel light goes on all the time as well as the oil and coolant lights (even when all these things are changed) and the open trunk light doesnt work at all. Also the car is rusting pretty bad underneath But for 12 yrs old and counting its a decent car!
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Nice car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By PGPS - June 1 - 2:00 amSo far this car has been great to me, I bought it 9 months ago and it was nice to me. The acceleration is really good for a heavy sedan, the handling is excellent, its very spacious inside. I have 17 inch wheels on it so the ride isnt that smooth but a lot smother than other cars with 13 or 14 inch wheels. The sound system is awsome. I like the six speaker CD player and even on noisy radio stations it plays clear. So overall the car is awsome I had no problems with at all except change the oil and filter. What I dont like about this car is the where the cup holders are located, its hard to swith gears when its open, other than that its a very nice car.
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A Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Paul Rhamy - June 1 - 2:00 amI like this car because its great to drive its got power and very nice stiling (intior & exterior). It stands out in a crowd of kids with there Honda Civics and its fun to show of to people.
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Old Faithfull - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Timmer - May 27 - 10:00 amI used to own a 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix SE and was amazed at how reliable it was; under every bad weather and road condition you could feel safe and assured. I recently purchased a 1997 GT and have found no fault with it as well, other than a few minor scratches and dings. Its nice to know that qaulity didnt skip a generation. I cant believe how good of gas miliage I get with the 3800 series II V6, which I here is one the Top 6 Engines for qaulity in the world. I like this one and hope it will last me along time. Cheers Pontiac
