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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  Quality car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By neilb - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Very well puy together car

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  Engine failure - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By New Mexico Smith - September 20 - 10:00 am

  My new 2005 GP lasted less than 500 miles before smoke started pouring out of the exhaust. The dealer has had the car for 2 weeks and still has no idea what is wrong. They have torn down the engine and are at a loss what to do next. Pontiac has suggested that they may have to crate up the engine and replace the whole thing. This is quite an investment to have sitting in a garage. I suggest you think twice before purchasing a 2005 GP.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By user324 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Had to revitalize my image, was getting on in years, my last three cars were Buick Century. Trade every two years. It works, great exterior looks. Very sporty for a four doors.

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  2000 Grand Prix SE - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Scott Jones - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for $9500 in May with 71,000 miles on it. It now has 82,000 and still going perfectly. I have had very little problems with it. It handles very well, very reliable and fun to drive. The inside is spacy and comfortable. The resale value has dropped greatly, I dont know why because Pontiac did a very well job and its worth every bit I paid for it. The only problems is the gas gage indicator gauge quite working. I really wish Pontiac would bring back the 97-00 SE style back, I like it best of all prix styles.

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  2006 Pontiacs have issues - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mcompton - September 14 - 5:46 pm

  I bought this pontiac used in 2007. I know I do not know what the history of the car was before this other than carfax being clean, it has had many issues. Now has 50,000 miles on it and just had to replace power steering rack b/c of leak, I have a valve that has broken and has to e replaced to turn off check engine light (was told this is really common in these cars by dealer due to design flaw and freezing water breaking a valve in low temperatures), and my drivers side window motor has broken. I was also told by dealer in replacing my power steering rack that my tire rod in the front is shot and will need to be replaced soon. Only 50,000 miles!

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  Nice but has its flaws - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Norm Ried - September 13 - 10:16 pm

  Overall decent buy. I bought the car wit about 153,000 miles mostly highway miles. I now hav 160 and so far had a dirty EGR valve, bad O2 sensor, and a faulty crank shaft position sensor. The position sensor cost $160 to fix. The O2 sensor was a great opportunity to upgrade to a performance sensor $80. The car attaches itself to you. Great looking, and great open throttle sound bouth inside and out. Keeps up with many newer tuner cars!

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  Great engine, good looks, poor quality! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ndclark - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Spectacular engine performance, reliability, good gas milage, and a superb transmission then the Pontiac Grand Prix GT is just what I would suggest. Very sporty look and the dual exhaust adds a rich sound. Poor quality, Basically, its cheap. The seats are horrible, the windows leak (bad seals)and there are several other issues. I bought the car last Jan. with 54,000 miles(now79,000) Ive had to replace the CD player(numerous problems), window switch, wiper cam, window washer motor, climate control resistor-dash controls, and alternator. The cruise control no longer works, the climate control still squeals.

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  Great Midsize car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mrut - September 1 - 1:53 pm

  I bought this car new and it has been fairly trouble free. I havent put plugs in it or done any kind of tuneup and it still runs great. Upgraded the tires when the first set wore out to 245-50-16 Bridgestones and the car really stuck. Only complaint would be that it didnt come in a stick.

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brent - August 24 - 9:53 pm

  Fun car to drive and still turns heads four years later. Excellent power and handling for such a large car. Exceptionally reliable. In 70,000 miles, have only changed front brakes and a set of tires (oh - forgot about the water pump). Still gets 30 mpg on the road with a driver, three adult passengers and luggage.

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  Driving Excitement for me as well....... - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By VooDooRay - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the best overall car I have ever owned. Ive had quite a few, including older 75 & 89 Corvettes.