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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  hates it - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bree - March 4 - 1:36 am

  i have had my grand prix for 2yrs and i have had nothing but problems with it i had to replace the transmission new intake manifold, wheel bearings,starter, and every time it rains my car fills with water???? I could go on and on just basically everything you could think of i would never buy another pontiac again!!!!.

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  Best car made - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Lori Davenport - March 2 - 3:33 pm

  We purchased this car 3 years ago and took many trips in it. It is very comfortable, reliable, and fun to drive. It is one of the best cars I have ever owned. I will purchase another one when I get this paid off. It has everything you could ever want in it and I have never had any problems with it. It is an awesome car and I am proud to own a Pontiac considering I was a Chevrolet Monte carlo person. The Pontiac Gran Prix is the best car made and I would not trade it for anything. The gas mileage I get is amazing. I will buy another one and highly recommend this car to anyone looking to buy a car.

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  Good ole American car - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By middleage - February 25 - 9:23 am

  I originally bought a 99 gtp that went 154000 miles before a deer got it. Couldnt bare to pay close to 20k for an new econobox, so bought the last of this generation in 2007 for half that. It is a comfortable muscle car. Acceleration and long distance cruising are its forte. Handling is okay but sloppy when really pushed. The transmission does this clunk at times when starting from a stop?? The "leather" is more like vinyl and the rear seats are not adult comfortable over the long haul. The hvac setting doesnt work in the first 2 positions. The brakes fade under repeated hard use. A 5 speed [m]transmission would have made this car much quicker. 15 mpg city 26 mpg hwy. Feels solid but fat.

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  Not Bad - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By snickers - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I leased a 2004 GYP Competition Group. I love the pick-up and go. The extra power is noticeable. It handles excellent and just a fun car to drive. I needed a new computer after one day.

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  Great Car! (PS - Wade B. is a retard) - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GTP - February 22 - 7:03 pm

  Chevy doesnt sell a supercharged Camaro. That would be custom work. And cost around 8 grand. Did you know doing custom work on your car like that voids your warranty? What about a Mustang Saleen S351? A nice supercharged V8 muscle car! All for the low price of 56,000 dollars. Over 2 times the price of a GTP. For what? 2 cylinders and a bigger supercharger? Big whoop. 56 grand is a 2 year old Viper. Or a Z06. You need to learn about cars before you rate them.

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  Grand Prix - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Timmy1988 - February 19 - 8:40 am

  This car has been a pleasure to own. I have had it since new, and recently was in a head on collision. These cars are very safe. I came out of a head on collision with a very minor injury to my hand and my passenger was perfectly fine. This cars performance was outstanding. I had a K&N filter on my engine the rest was stock. The car was fast and efficient. I could go 0-60 in 6.3 seconds and my average economy never droped below 28mpg so the economy stats on this car depend on the way you drive it. At the floor you get 4.3mpg and at 59mph with the cruise set you will get 31-35mpg. I personaly think that these cars have too much power for their size, and to think this is coming from a 20year old. Thanks .

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  Last of the Grand Prixs - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By peter christoff - February 16 - 8:16 am

  I think it was a big mistake for GM to do away with the Grand Prix. I love mine. I test drove a new G8, and was not impressed at all. The 2008 Grand Prix got a bad rap when they underrated it as just another carry over car that was ready to be put out to pasture,so to speak. I will drive this one with pride, and hope GM brings it back in a few years like the Camaro.

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  Fun & Furious, because Fast is a given! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GXP_Extreme - February 16 - 3:46 am

  This car is awesome! Who would have thought a car in this price range would be better than most cars on the road. I laugh at the people and their expensive luxury cars with 1/3 less horse power and the same mpg. With this car I can drive like a kid and still drive the kids around. This car is THE complete package for a single/family man (Or woman). Thank you GM for a great car!

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  Love it! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Rodd - February 15 - 4:30 pm

  Bought the car used in 2002 with 33K miles. Other than having to replace the crank position sensor (car would shut off while driving down the road), and ABS issues (which would correct itself after disconnecting the battery for a few minutes)and normal wear and tear items, the car has been fantastic. I have 123,000 miles on it and just love it. It is a great looking car and I still get regular comments on it. Drove it from Michigan to Florida in 2006 (1,800 miles) and average 33 MPG.

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  What a Car!!!! - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By needs a sunroof - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Its a great car but it would be better if I had gotten a sunroof!