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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WORST CAR!!! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By unhappy - August 4 - 11:30 pmI bought the car in 2009. It only had 63000 miles on it. I thought it would be good for a 2002 model vehicle. The interior has cheap plastic. I only got to put 8000 miles on it when there were too many problems to list in order to fix this chunk of metal GM called a car. It did run fairly well. But I was unsure how reliable it would have been on longer trips other than around town. I will NEVER buy another pontiac vehicle.
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200k and going strong - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jazbo01 - August 4 - 6:33 pmUpdate to a review a few years ago..my GP now was 200,000 on it, no visible rust we have owned it for the past 100,000 miles and the only work done to it has been maintenance NO issues-ever starts and runs whether its 100* or -40*. I drove this car back and forth for training 800 miles a week in -20 to -40 degree winter and the car avg 28.3mpg over the 6 week time frame..unreal! I have no plans on selling this car until it rots out and then ill buy another one. Great car!
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Best American Performance Sedan - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GTParty - July 31 - 10:00 amI enjoyed this car. A great balance of performance and fuel economy from the supercharged engine. Great handling and I liked the looks as well. Reliability might be questionable over the long run. I didnt have some of the problems other people had, but then again, I traded mine in in Dec 2002 to get a new Yukon. If you get one that was well maintained, you will probably enjoy it a great deal.
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Poor Build Quailty - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Cdoes - July 21 - 1:56 amPrior to owning this base model I had a 2000 GTP model which was very reliable up past 100k miles. One word of advice- Buy a 2007/2008 model where the powertrain warranty is 100k miles instead of 35k or GM certified used. I bought this car used with 8k miles from a Subaru Dealer....Everything was fine until the factory warranty ran out at 35k miles, at the point I knew I should have bought one with an extended warranty....At 41k miles the A/c system stopped working, $765.76 out of pocket.....49k miles I was driving and the car lost first/2nd gear.....Tranny rebuild- $2,109 out of pocket.....Right now the heater has stopped working as well as the front wheel hubs need replaced....
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Such a Blast! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jrocker100 - July 20 - 11:29 amCar has been very reliable. Car was originally a repo, got it for a steal. Have had this car for 2 years and still havent/wont get bored with it. The roaring supercharger and exhaust make it all worth while. Its well worth using Premium Fuel. Red coupe, black leather, heated seat, Heads Up Display, fully loaded for a 2000. Even came with the original factory sticker. Bulletproof L67! Love the sound system! Plastic interior can be dull at times, but the red instrument panel lighting is awesome! If I could do it all over, I would. Sad to see Pontiac was discontinued.
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Selling to buy something reliable - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By This car is unsafe - July 20 - 10:00 amThis car is easy to fall in love with. Unfortunately, it is also a piece of junk. I have been back to the dealer 3 times in 4 weeks because the car turns off while I am driving. Obviously, the dealer cant figure it out. Since I cant afford to keep paying the dealer to do nothing and I dont own a tow truck, I am going to buy a more reliable import even at the expense of less performance.
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Great Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By otty - July 18 - 4:36 pmGreat car, still own it and I am at 227,000 km, runs like a charm still. Only regular maintenance required and a yearly oil spray for the Canadian winter to prevent corrosion. Only problem Ive had is that my seat has broken
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So far so Good - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Ray Schiller - July 18 - 10:00 amI just bought this car for $5k from an individual, and so far, I love it. It runs smooth and powerful even with the 3.1. Handling is very responsive (kind of like the Camaro LT I use to have). Ride is firm and sporty. At 68K mi. it has a few minor imperfections, but hey, Ive been driving a 92 Chevy pickup with a stick for 12.5 years so this car feels like a Vette. I was glad to find out that the engine has a timing chain, no belt. Lots of fun to drive with dead straight tracking. I find myself taking the long way home. The stereo sounds great & the seats are comfortable. Overall, its a really nice ride for not a lot of money. If you want a great car for $5 to $6k check one out.
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I love my car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jan - July 17 - 2:43 pmI love my 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix ! It is the most awesome car I have ever owned..fun to drive, reliable, and the supercharged engine is GREAT ! The car is just a all around fun car to drive, and hugs the road with tight steering, and is aerodynamic in driving ! If you are considering a 1997 body.. it is a beautiful style !
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Horrible and terrible vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jimmac404 - July 14 - 1:06 pmThis was the most awful car that was ever purchased by me. From the time I purchased the vehicle to the time I got rid of it, which was 2 months, the car spent more time in the shop than on the road. Lucky for me the dealer attempted to fix all the problems but this car as far as Im concerned was beyond repairs. First the rear suspension went out, then the air conditioner and finally the car leaked inside from a heavy rainstorm. Pontiac should have went out of business instead of Oldsmobile. Car was traded for a 2005 Chevy Impala which was 10 times better. No Pontiac ever for me!
