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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I L-O-V-E my Ponti-Rocket! - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Gredblg - November 6 - 12:03 pmI did a HUGE amount of research (read every Edmunds review) before buying an American car. Having Japanese cars for 20 years -- I wanted to be sure that the 25K/year I put on a car as a salesman would be done reliably. Ive had my Grand Prix GTP for 7 months now and its the fastest, most powerful, most comfortable, best looking and one of the most well-built cars Ive ever owned. No car from Japan can compare with what it feels like to slide behind the wheel of my beautiful, much beloved Pontiac to go out into the world everyday. Meet me at the next green light and Ill show you why its called a Grand Prix. Great job, Pontiac..Im truly, deeply in love! (never had that with a Nissan)
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Pontiac Performs - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Raptor - November 5 - 6:20 pmThe 2004 Grand Prix GTP combines high performance good looks and a satisfying road feel for those of us who love to drive and dont by into the myth America cant build a quality high performance road car any more. There are any number of BMWs and Infinitis out there wondering what went by them on the road from LA to Vegas.
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Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Djpeter - November 3 - 10:00 amI previously drove a 2002 GTP and this car is the most improved redesigned car I have driven to date.Transmission is excellent love the way it downshifts instantly. Gas Mileage is not quite as good as my 02 was but I still only have 4,000 miles on it and expect it to improve. Great job Pontiac
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We LOVE It! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By JenniferE021 - November 3 - 10:00 amI dont normally do this, but I just had to tell everyone that this car is a dream! We originally went into the dealer ship looking for a pickup truck for my husband, and walked out with this beauty after bringing it home and test driving it for a couple of days. I was surprised my husband wanted the car, he swore up and down he would never buy a car, only trucks. So much for that! BMW, LEXUS, MERCEDES, watch out for the new Grand Prix! You will LOVE IT! If you live in Nashville and are thinking about buying a new car please contact me at JenniferE021@aol.com I will tell you about a great dealership in the area that we went through.
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My 3rd Pontiac - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By edyhskl - October 31 - 4:33 amHad 00 Bonneville se,02ssei & now Grand prix GT. The Bonnie was getting pricey so I got a GP with leather, heated seats, sun roof & optional aluminum wheels. Love the car, sporty handling in turns and still comfy on the hwy and am getting far better mpg than ssei. Got about $5000 off list with GM incentives. Was looking at Camrys and they were stripped down at this price. Im also a big fan of the 3.8v6... even with the pushrods.
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Fun Ride - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By CCrain - October 26 - 7:53 pmThe first year I owned this car it was used as a daily driver. Now I have a company take-home so my GTP sits in the garage. The few times that I do drive this car are a blast. Car has good pick-up and is able to merge with no problems at all. The trouble I have had from ths car is both head gaskets had to be replaced, seems to be a common thing with 3.8s and the passenger side window does not want to work sometimes. Other than that, car has been a real pleasure to own and drive.
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A real shame - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Disappointed owner - October 25 - 8:26 pmI love this car. And thats why it hurts so much. Drives great, comfortable, good power, decent mileage. Fun to drive. Would keep it if it didnt cost so much and so often to repair. Babied, always maintained and still have multiple repairs. Steering gear ($1k to replace) goes every 30k. Leaks oil, regardless of regular 3k oil changes. "Ghost" problems in the electronics that dont log into the computer and the dealer cant fix. Originally planned to keep it for many more years, but trading it in while it still is worth something. A gm guy to the core from the first car I ever owned, this car changed my mind. Love the car, but have to give it up. Will not buy a gm this time. A real shame.
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97 GT Sedan - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Ronaldo - October 25 - 8:30 amIve got over 80k miles on my 97 GT Sedan. Rack and pinion assembly had to be replaced at about 50k. Some occasional minor rattling in the dash and an annoyingly short range for the keyless remotes that several dealers were unable to fix since the car was new. Other than that the car is great and I may buy another one when they redesign it possibly next model year. 3800 V6 drivetrain is fantastic, plenty of reliable power, easy to work on too.
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Great Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By RavenZ71 - October 21 - 4:46 amThis is a great car. I recommend it highly! I bought mine about a year ago and since then Ive been really happy with it. Unreal pickup for this "Old Person Car!" (Im 23 yrs. old.) It sounds amazing too. Its got the Eaton Supercharger stock on it, which provides your pickup with that "jet plane" sound when the rpms are racing.
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A new fan of Pontiacs! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Marian - October 16 - 3:23 pmI just bought my used 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GT and I LOVE it! I went to get a different car, but then I test drove it and fell in love. The exterior is kind of boring, but the interior, the horsepower, and the features make up for that in my book! If youve never driven one, check it out soon!
