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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good car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By geniebob - May 27 - 10:00 amhad very little problems with car and dealer fixed them under warranty. tires wore pretty fast about 32000 miles. ride quiet, no mechanical trouble, dependable.
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My Red Pontiac Grand Prix! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Automan - May 26 - 9:06 amI love my car. It is red w/the 3.8 V6 and the decklid spoiler! I love to drive it everywhere. I always get compliments. My car has 77,000 miles on it and I get asked if it is brand new. It has ice cold A/C w/ 5 air vents! I would never trade it in for anything but another new designed Grand Prix. I feel safe and more than comfortable. I was once at a stoplight next to a new mustang, Sorry, but I left him and his pony in the dust!
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Sad BUT true :-/ - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By True Voice - May 22 - 6:23 amGood gas mileage, handling, acceleration, and sharp looking black. HOWEVER, AFTER 60k miles "GM" has poor quality parts!!....GM customer service WILL NOT help or assist in repairs!!... 3 window motors broke, 2 out of 4 select switches broke for AC fan , transmission slips on cornering! Paint on hood and roof wore off!! Seats are hard. IF enough people complain about this the NEWS will get out over the networks and then our US CAR builders WILL WAKE UP.
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2008 grand prix gxp - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By DUANE - May 19 - 10:00 am2008 grand prix is the best car I ever owned, absolutely love driving it. To bad Pontiac is gone, maybe it will return one day. Love the looks and power of this car. The designer should be proud. "American power and muscle, with great looks"
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Typical car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By OK - May 15 - 10:43 pmI bought my GTP in January 2003 as my "dream car". Before that I had a 1997 Intrepid with the 3.5 engine. This car is much more exciting in both the exterior and interior with the excellent bose sound system and HUD, etc. The performance was good, but not that much better than my intrepid. The transmission does not shift nearly as smoothly as the Intrepid, it feels like you are "beating" on it no matter how careful you are. I had the tranny checked out by two different shops and they both say its OK. So no big deal. I had a wheel bearing go out at about 40k miles. My windshield washer pump went out at 60k. Had the belts and thermostat replaced. Nothing major. Overall Im pretty satisfied.
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love it - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Ben - May 15 - 3:26 amMy Grand Prix is the best car I have ever owned. I enjoy the comfortable ride along with the great gas milage. The power is always there if I need it.
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Love my car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Stevep - May 13 - 10:00 amI have had many things replaced already, intake manifold, alternator, water pump, serpentine belt, headlights (leaking), but all of it was covered. I will be so sad when this car is gone, I can go fast, it looks great, and I still get about 24 mpg. At 78,000 miles it looks as good as my wifes 2002 GP GT rental! I told her that I prefer MY cars performance to the 2002s!
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Great Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By BobMc - May 13 - 10:00 amThis is a fun car to drive. Great power, speed and handling. Its a very good value as well. I think the car surprises people with its power.
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excellent car to drive - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By johnnyv40th - May 12 - 6:10 pmThe grand prix is a very fun car to drive , it has a nice sporty feel but not too hard over bumps.The supercharger realy makes a big difference - it provides great tire smoking performance.
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2004 Pontiac GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Robert Gair - May 9 - 2:00 amThe Pontiac GTP is an excellent car. The power, performance and interior styling coupled with both standard and optional features makes it a driving pleasure. GMs hot new fusion metalic orange color makes this car a head turner.
