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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AMAZING CAR!!! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Scarface - January 29 - 2:00 amI bought this car used in August and I absolutly love it. It has great power when you need it but gets excellect milage when you are easy on the gas and best of all, it looks AWESOME!! I recommend this car to anyone who wants a decent size car that is quite quick and not as cheap feeling as the smaller compacts.
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Great Anniversary - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By John - January 26 - 3:10 pmLove the feel and handling of this wonderful anniversary automobile. Brakes are excellent, the supercharger is steady and powerful, interior is well appointed. I like the heads up display (not at first but it grew on me). Dark Cherry is a beautiful choice for an anniversary edition, performance is steady and true. Needless to say...really like this car.
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MY Grand Prix - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By warlock710 - January 24 - 2:00 amI would just like to say that my grand prix has to be the best car I have ever had.Also I would like to express how much fun that it is to drive,so I say to you if you are thinking of getting a grand prix gt or not I say go for it you wont be sorry.I LOVE IT 100% its the best.
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Great Surprise! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By ArtyF - January 18 - 2:43 amI never would have considered the Grand Prix but the the test drive sold me on the spot! You turn the key and the engine roars to life. Interior seating is very comfortable, dash is hip and driving is fun. You MUST get the heads up display which projects speed, direction up on the windshield. Compares to BMW, others. Looks great in black.
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Highly Recommend - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Roman - January 13 - 10:00 amAwesome car, handles very well, gas milage is good, very comfortable seating, huge truck and great sound system.
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Ex GM customer - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Done with Pontiac - January 13 - 6:33 amI will never purchase a gm product again. I bought this car new, paid 25k for it and have nothing but problems as soon as the warranty was up. I had the catalytic converter replaced twice, passanger window work only sometines, windshield wipers stop working in down pours. Also replaced numerous sensors adding up to at least $1500 Had the intake manifold gasket replaced $500 with a class action suite only got $100 back. Now I have to replace the oil pan gasket,it will cost $350. Not to mention the gas milage is nothing close to what they said it would be. I was told the transmission will be next. I can not afford a new car now, but as soon as I can this car will be history.
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Great Car, but it has its quirks. - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Daniel - January 12 - 10:10 pmBought the vehicle with 50K, in late 2005. The first week I owned it, it left me stranded on the side of the road twice. Dealer was very good about fixing it. It was the fuel pump. It went out twice before 60K. I have had to replace all 4 wheel bearings, and brakes 3 times. Front end is constantly shuddering, no matter how many alignments you have done. Has a good deal of power, and fuel economy isnt bad @ an average 22 mpg. I know have 111K on this car, and my wife wrecked it yesterday. They will surely total it, and I will be sad to see it go. Also, i just got a recall notice in the mail stating that oil can leak onto the exhaust manifold and cause the car to catch fire.
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My Grand Prix GTP Experience - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By R. McCoy - January 11 - 4:33 amI have had my Grand Prix GTP for almost three years now, and have found it to be a comfortable, fast, fun to drive car that can get 25 mpg on the highway. I have never had any problems with it, and since I drive a lot at night, a car that is dependable is a must.
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My favorite car. - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By semperfigirl - January 9 - 5:29 amI got a 2006 Grand Prix as my very first car, it was used.From the moment I started to drive the car I loved it. I never had any problems with it, as I did keep up with care on it. Nothing out of the ordinary happened with it, it was always a great car, specially the night it saved my life, and 3 other peoples. That night the tires slid on ice. We slid straight into a guard rail on the drivers side in the middle between the doors. Then flipped over the guard rail and flipped twice. The car took the impact like a champ, and saved our lives all 4 of us walked away. The car did its job & protected me and my passengers. This car was nothing but great.
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American Muscle for a 2004 Family - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By XSQUID - January 6 - 2:00 amThe GP comp group is finally an alternative to the grossly overpriced BMW. Though the sporty GM lacks European refinement, it is a godsend compared to GMs of past. The car handles great for a front driver and easily runs with a 5 series on the interstate. Performance will be its strong point. Comfort for adults in the rear is minimal, but who really cars. You buy the GTP model for the cockpit performance...This is a drivers car.
