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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  Driving excitement.... NOT!!!!!! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jay1187 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  There are 2 things that are the most important to me when buying a car. Number 1 is the engine and number 2 is the transmission. The 4 speed automatic is excellent. It has clean crisp shifts and any throttle position. Up and downshifts are perfect. I have a serious problem with the 3.8L. How can GM use a huge displacement engine like the 3.8 but only get 195 horsepower? I have 95 Nissan Maximas outperforming me! The Maxima has a 3.0L V6 with 190 horsepower and it still outperforms my 3.8L. The 3800 series II V6 has 51.3 horsepower per liter while the 95 Maxima has 63.3 H.P.P.L. The 2002 Max has a 3.5L with 255HP! Thats almost 80 HPPL!

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  291,000 Miles and still going strong - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jesus Llamas - August 20 - 2:04 am

  Best car Ive ever owned 291,000 miles and still running strong! Still has original tranny and engine! It is a very plain and basic car but with its reliability what else could you ask for Ive only done basic mainetence oil changes, System fluid, brakes, and water pump had to be replaced 50,000 miles ago

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  excellent choice - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By lawillmot - August 19 - 2:00 am

  150000 miles mostly higway no major malfunctions. only negative less than 30,000 miles window motor, window/door lock switches. 110,000 miles a.c. compressor. 149,800 transmission began to trigger service engine light. excellent car.

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  A Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ZonlypunkRockguy - August 19 - 2:00 am

  there is no car better I just love this car

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  Pontiac got it right - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By stevek - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Pontiac got this one right. I compared vs. Maxima, BMW, and Acura. The power is there when you need it. Car isnt as flashy as older Pontiacs, can be a sleeper if you want it to be. Handles like a dream, especially when taking off ramps at speeds above the recommended level. Mileage is OK for this size and power. Didnt get the comp G package, but got sunroof (surprisingly quiet). Quality of leather interior not bad for this level of American car. Most of all, it is priced right.

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  Fast Fusion - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fgriff1 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have the GTP Comp G in Fusion Orange. Love the power of this engine. The Comp G suspension is tight. XM worthwhile. very happy with Premium audio package. Learther is a big improvementI had a 98 GT, big differance!

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  Avoid the GP at all costs - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Maroose - August 13 - 4:00 pm

  My vehicle was at the dealership at least once per month to diagnose problems. While the car looks great, and the performance is fantastic, the car lacks in overall quality. It is unreliable, costly to maintain, and quite frankly, unsafe to drive when one considers the nature of its mechanical failures. In total (before I got rid of it at 190K), the vehicle incurred approximately $16,000 in repair costs, with $12,000 of those costs incurring within the warranty/extended warranty period. This includes an engine overhaul after total engine failure at 120K.

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  Good Little Reliable GT - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dpdiamond - August 11 - 8:06 pm

  Purchased new in Oct 1999. Was my 3rd Pontiac (had Bonnevilles, all driven up to 135K-155K miles). Every option except moon roof. I thought I made a mistake, when at 6K miles the water pump went. I was surprised, but dealer fixed under warranty. Now at 43K miles, and driven by an adult female, the only servicing we have had has been front brakes, and oil changes every 3,000 miles. I just put 4 brand new tires on (Goodyear Assurance) and the car rides very well. The fuel MPG around town is 15, but on the open road it will do 22-25. We baby this car, do not abuse it in any way. If you take care of the car, it will last. Overall, I have been satisfied. Resale value will be poor (buyer perception)

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  good car poorly built - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By robertheil - August 10 - 7:51 pm

  Bought it last year it had over 225k in one month had to replace the engine due to blown gasket then water pump went out 4 months latter I had to replace both front hub assemblies tie rod the transmission has a defect the pressure control solenoid and torque converter clutch so when it gets hot every few days it shits hard the only time my engine light come on is due to the tranny shifting hard and early 4 gear 25 mph running at 800 rpms car acts like a manual had to replace the front sway bar snapped on both sides no biggie has a vacume leak in dash had to replace a hose for the evap the car wont start if its been hot just turns over with little firing idles at 2 to 400rpms then fix itself

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  GRAND PRIX GXP 2008-STILL THE BEST - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By awos - August 6 - 3:24 am

  Just an update on my 2008 GXP. I have 55,000 miles on it now and still running like new. Its hard to believe that most car mags blasted this car. This car will run with most sports sedans and knock the hell out of the rest. If you can find one thats been maintained, oil changes and the like, BUY IT. Im 6 3"" tall and 230 lbs and the leather seats are still in great shape. Why Pontiac was killed is a shame. Bring it back, somebody.