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 Open Road Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BobC - July 12 - 1:30 pm

  I live in the middel of Kansas, driving highway miles all the time. Put on 13,000 miles in 6 months... Like the road feel and Traction Control in rain and especially snow/ice. At 70 mph, running only 2,000 rpm, the engine is lazy... with quick capability to pass through tight times. Love the trunk supports, which allow full use of trunk height-wise and even use the fold down rear seats two times... Fold down seat in winter to get ice buildup thawed out from heat inside car..

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  hot american car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 1stMB - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Sharp and fast. Bought for my wife, and WOW. Big roomy interior, and very comfortable seating for adults and kids in back. Cool appointments--handier than my MB! Lots of "go-faster" parts avail., not that Ill be buying them-- she drives fast enough already......ha ha

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  Dollar for Dollar-Cant be beat!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dougie - July 6 - 7:00 am

  I got rid of a Hemi-Ram to get this car-3.25 a gallon gas will do that! The gas mileage is great for a big car, and it has plenty of power, plus the 3800 v-6 is a great engine, will last forever! The car is a blast to drive, I am 68", and I have plenty of room. The backseat is a little tight, but you cant have everything. My wife has a BMW, and we both enjoy driving this Grand Prix much better than the BMW, which costs over double! Great design, fun to drive, good gas mileage, and super dependable!! Take that imports!!!!!!!!!

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  The Grandest of Them All - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kathy - June 29 - 12:00 pm

  This has been the grandest of all my vehicles. I absolutely love this vehicle. I actually get 27-28 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. Outstanding vehicle, power in the engine is great. I love the hauling space with the fold down back seats AND the extra fold back front passenger seat. This was my first vehicle with traction control and what a difference that made this past winter when I was on black ice and didnt even know it. This car is definitely a keeper. I was so to hear that Pontiac Grand Prix was thrown to the wolves.

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  I love it! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Andorbal - June 29 - 4:56 am

  Ive had this car for over two years now and have had no problems with it (which would be expected for a car thats only two years old!) It still drives like it did when it was new and Im amazed at the highway gas mileage! We just got a 2005 Subaru Forester and while I love that car and really like the all-wheel drive, my Grand Prix is still the car I prefer driving.

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  Front Drive Muscle Car??? - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BiggDee - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I acquired my 2000 GTP in Oct. 2003, and I was impressed at first. However, this soon changed whenever I had the oppotunity to drive real muscle cars. The Ford Mustang SVT, Mach I, F-150 Lighting, Chevrolet Corvette, all flat out blow the GTP away as far as performance goes. If your pocketbbok is limited then this maybe the car for you. However, if you want true performance, save your money and buy a real performance car.

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  Second Time Around - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cnote - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2000 GP three years ago on a new Avalanche. Loved them both! When gas got crazy I sold the truck and went back to a GP. Always been a solid ride with no major problems. Still turns heads with looks and sounds.

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  love this car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BurkeinVA - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new in 97 and after 7 years I have had only 1 problem (transmission). It handles well and seats passengers comfortably. My biggest complaint would be the service I received on it at the dealer, they couldnt seem to get it right the first time. Despite my issues with the service department this car has been a dream, Im sure going to miss it when I get a new car.

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  Another Transmission - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Suza41 - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car new -- loved it, till 08/24/04. Transmission died in local dealers service lane. And I do mean died. Only 31,500 miles. While working on the car service mechanic discovered deteriorated Wheel bearing, more money. Sure am glad I bought that extended warrenty everyone told me was a waste of money. Bought this car because of the handling and interior size, I am a short woman, but like to drive a mid-size car.

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  be a patriot- buy American excitement - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By billd - June 26 - 3:23 am

  I wish this was a manual trans, but since that isnt possible. Still, the car is a blast to drive, and still gets about 28 combined highway and city. I actually like the previous/more curvy style, but this looks nice too. Large trunk and lots of interior room, but getting in and out of the drivers seat isnt as easy as my van was. Did i mention just how much fun this is to drive? I have a 65 gto convertible and a 78 formula firebird that get about the same MPG after years of work, but they still arent as fun to drive as this one is. If this was a 4 cylinder turbo with a manual trans it would be the best car i had since my 87 ford t-bird coupe.