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:

• 

  Great style at low price - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By STEVE HECKMAN - December 31 - 7:03 am

  I was a car critic at a very early age and continue to be years after graduating from GMI [General Motors Institute]. The last Grand Prix is very distinctive which is a real plus compared to generic "non-style" from Toyota and other mass marketers. The GP also has a strong V6 that delivers excellent fuel economy without being a slug like many of its competitors. Mine has a tan interior which remains cool even on the hottest summer days with the sunroof wide open. On winter days the heated seats react quickly and also serve to relieve muscle strain from shoveling snow. The seats are very comfortable even after a 500 mile drive. After 46k miles I have no complaints, only praise.

• 

  Opinion - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By alky - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This my second Grand Prix GT, I previously had a 2001 GT which was a great vehicle. At first I wasnt that thrilled with the new design, but when I test drove one, I was sold on the performance and handling. The new series 3 engine has better pickup and smoother acceleration than the series 2. The interior is more of a cockpit feel which is great. My vehicle that I bought came with chrome rims which do make a difference in the overall appearance. The cargo space is larger and the handling is nice and tight. Overall if you are looking for a good solid vehicle in the midprice range this is one you should look at.

• 

  Grand Prix High on Performance & Quality - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By W. Slater - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Plenty of great standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. Standard features included Stainless steel exhaust system, 4 wheel ABS disk brakes, dual driver / front passenger climate controls, excellent Delco sound package and computerized functions for automatic exterior lights on / off, automatic door lock/unlock & remote key lock

• 

  A Great Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Robo19 - December 26 - 10:00 pm

  This car is everything you need in a sports car but the best part is that its a sedan. I love driving this car it handles so well and it has a very racecar kinda feel to it. The dual exhaust sound GREAT!! So all in all this is a great car!!!!

• 

  Good car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Olivier - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Its a fairly good car. Not very expensive for what its gives. I love love the feeling and the sound of the supercharged 3.8 liers engines. It would be funnier with a 5 or 6 speed transmition rather dans just 4.

• 

  Pleasantly Surprised - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mear - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Out-performs anything else at the same price. Great looks, excellent comfort.

• 

  Got my moneys worth... - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By gportoulas - December 24 - 7:51 pm

  I purchased my 02 grand prix back in 2005 and it had 50k on it already. I made it to 164k miles with no major problems until now. The biggest thing I needed work on was a catalytic converter. I had minor leaking of antifreeze and I found out it was due to the plastic intake mannifold. I guess GM cheaped out when they used plastic and that part cracks easy. MY antifreeze leaks more now and the heating panel is shot. Like I said, I put an extra 114k miles on it over 6.5 years. It did me well.

• 

  At Used Pricing Its a Fantastic Value - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kosty - December 22 - 8:36 pm

  My purchase was a rental fleet vehicle with sunroof and leather heated seats XM Radio. Well below MSRP, great value. After driving, my impressions have only improved. Vehicle was impressive for the price. Ergonomics for driver and front seat passenger are great. Headroom with sunroof for passenger is only issue for tall passengers. Fold flat front seat and rear seats give almost incredible transport capacity. its almost like a small SUV for cargo. Driver info display , radio and climate controls as well as steering wheel controls are well thought out. Lumbar support, seat adjustments and heated seats make vehicle comfortable for long distance driving. Buy used for real value.

• 

  No leg room! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Amy - December 21 - 9:56 pm

  We have only one complaint about this car - the leg room in the backseat. If you put the front seats back as far as they will go, there is absolutely no leg room in the back. You also cannot put the rear seats down if the front seats are too far back. The 99 Grand Am we traded in for this car had so much more room. Otherwise, this is a great car. Drives great, looks great, we just cant have any backseat passengers.

• 

  2000 Pontiac Grand Prix - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Anthony DOliveira - December 21 - 1:00 pm

  A real fun car to drive,has alot of power,gets up and really goes. I get alot of comments about it all the time.Comfortable ride on the road,looks really cool at night driving the whole dash board lights up,looks like your inside a jet airplane.