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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  lovin it - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By hoediggity - October 13 - 10:00 am

  the most fun you will ever have in a car. a great driving experence. so many fun little features.

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  1 owner @ 100k mi. - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Roadrasher - October 11 - 10:00 am

  The Supercharged 3.8 Series II engine is very reliable. 100,000 miles and the engine is flawless, but the rest of the car started falling apart. The Supercharger is not a serviceable item, so when the bearing goes out you have to replace the whole thing ($600 rebuild w/ installation). Both front wheel- bearings needed replacing. Power- steering pump went out. All within 10,000 miles of 100k. The car is definitely worth keeping and repairing. The GTP is the only way to go. If you are considering a Grand Prix, only get one w/ a Supercharger (20% more horsepower than the GT, and it shows). Before buying one, listen to the supercharger, if you hear a grind, get it replaced.

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  Cool hoop - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Chris - October 10 - 1:46 am

  I have had this car for about 2 years. It has about 40,000 miles on it and has been very reliable. My only complaint is that the body moldings on the two rear doors are separating from the door. Also, the front air cowl is too low and hits the parking curbs. All in all, this has been a very good car for me.

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  pontiac gt2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tracy mello - October 7 - 2:00 am

  best care i have ever bought

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  My Supercharger! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MICK - October 4 - 4:10 am

  This is my first brand new car and I love it. Its black and chrome with red calipers. I keep it clean so its sexy all the time. Tinted windows, back illegal, front darkest legal shade. The motor and exhaust sound nice. I have a k/n filter. Didnt see a lot of gas improvement. 22 mpg hwy, 18 city at 50,000 miles. Extremely happy with performance and comfort. The only bad thing in the car is headroom clearance for operator getting out of the car. I love everything about this car. I highly reccomend this car to anyone.

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  2004 Pontiac Grand Prix gt2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mel - October 2 - 7:30 pm

  I bought my can in Sept.2004. Since then my car was in the shop and has a new engine put in it. Now my car is making a noise while excelerating. Havent taken it in yet. Over all the car is ok. Would i have know i would of had this many problems i wouldnt of bought the car.

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  black on black - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By marlins 9397 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  1st time Pontiac owner. Extremly happy from the time I walked into the dealership to driving my GT2 home. What a machine. Thanks Pontaic!

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  Good looking car! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BXV0058 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 99 Grand Prix GT mainly because of its good looks. Still looks good! I got the four door model because I thought I might have a family one day. I have been pretty much happy with my GT. The trunk leaked, but they fixed that. The transmission started slipping on me after the 3 year warrenty was up. But recently I complained so much that they fixed it,(it had a bad throdel body in the tranny) even though it was out of warrenty.(5 years old, 36,000 miles). Now that the tranny is fix, (what a relief!) Im happy. My GP seems to be put together pretty good for the most part. Hope it stays that way. It has been really good for an American car

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  Its okay, but... - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MiaT - September 25 - 7:10 am

  Im getting about 16-17mpg around town, and that is without much traffic and long desert roads. Have had the engine bolts tightened and still get rumbling when in idle. Door windows starting to get scratches. Was told they were off centered and will have to be fixed. Air conditioner starting to break too and have an appointment to get fixed also. Not the best vision (blind spots), but have driven worse. Not a lot of head room in back for tall people, but great for kids. Wish I had better things to say about it. I must have gotten the lemon.

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  Excellent Car! - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By evej - September 22 - 6:36 am

  I bought my Grand Prix used in 2009. I bought it with 60,000 Miles... Now July 6th 2012, It has 96,348 miles... it still runs great! The car was originally from California, and ever since i bought it i have never had any problems with it other thank the usual( breaks, wipers, etc..) i greatly recommend this car to any one who is considering buying one! Me and my son ( a high school/college student) share the car. We drive it A LOT everyday... gas mileage is okay. I would buy another one of these any day!