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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Best Car Ive Driven - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Kriz - June 24 - 2:00 amAwesome power, great styling. Look forward to next years GP!
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Galexy Silver - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By thundercat - June 18 - 2:00 amI was at the dealership getting a headlight replacement for my 96 Grand Prix, when I saw it. The sky reflected against its Galexy Silver finish. I peared out the corner of my eye at its glossy black tires in contrast to cold & very smooth polished alloy wheels. "What a sexy looking sedan." I thought to myself. Test drove it and never got that pitiful headlight replaced. Even though, I only had one year left on the loan, I just had to tell thundercat 96 good-bye. Ride is excellent for freeway traveling and seats all passengers comfortablely on extended road trips. Minimal jarring felt from imperfections in the road, if any. Smooth cushy ride.
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Awesome Car!!! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By evnsptc - June 13 - 12:30 pmI bought my 2000 Grand Prix GT in 2008 (3rd owner) at 103,000 miles. Five years later, It currently has 245,000 miles on it and still going! I have yet to replace major parts on it, Though I have replaced radiator, hoses and belts, brake pads, and tires. The engine and transmission are still running strong. I trust it on long trips and wouldnt know what I would do if I didnt have it. . .
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Who needs steering? - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Stang - June 12 - 7:46 amI hate the variable speed assisted steering. Had to replace the steering box, $1,200, because of leaking fluid. I came back from my test drive asking what the whining in the engine came from. Just outside my warranty I discovered the problem. After fixing the problem, it still cuts out at low speeds. Will not buy a car with this type of steering again. You basically pull in at slow speed turn and you go straight instead of turning. Not good!
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Rattles and Rotors - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By ldenn - June 11 - 6:33 amBig fan of the Pontiac Grand Prix 3x owner. This car has a lot of rattling inside which seems to come from the sunroof, have had it at the dealership 8 times and they still are not able to fix it. The rattling becomes very unerving on long road trips and bumpy roads. The rotors had to be replaced the first year I had it and now have to be replaced again 6 months later. There is a problem with the rotors obviously.
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Love my GP - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By MarcelF - June 11 - 12:33 amVery fun to drive. No problems with get up & go. The 3800 V6 uses regular gas and I get 23-25 MPG here in Phoenix, and have gotten up to 32 MPG on long highway trips. Heads Up display should be standard on cars, Ive found that its vary useful. Bose sound system sounds great. No problems yet, 15,000 miles into vehicle life. Great car for the money!
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Great Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By singledt - June 9 - 7:36 pmI have thoroughly enjoyed owning my Grand Prix. It has nice acceleration and a smooth ride. It handles very well in all conditions, even snow. All the controls are within easy reach and are easy to find. I was surprised by just how large it is on the inside. There is plenty of room in the backseat for passengers to be comfortable and not have their knees in their chest. The trunk is also very spacious and can hold tons of luggage. I drive this car from Nebraska to Florida two or three times a year, and have no complaints. Except that I wish Nebraska was closer to Florida.
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Good Car - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Preston&Jonathon - June 3 - 11:16 pmWe bought this Grand Prix roughly a month ago. We love it! Before this we had a Grand Am GT which was great, and help in purchasing another Pontiac. The grand Prix, is much more refined and much smoother looking and running. Although for its size and weight the base 3.8 can feel a little bit weak at times. And fuel economy leaves room to be desired.
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Highly Recommend!!! - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By AdamBrantner - May 31 - 11:16 amLove this car... Handles great. Power is good even from the base engine. Inside is VERY comfortable. I have not tried out the backseat yet,,,,,, but the front seats are very comfortable. I am over 6 foot tall so its hard to find a car with good seats. But this car has it. Love the way they wrap around you. Also love the styling. I get several looks from people as I drive through the burbs with this car.
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Mixed Emotions - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By MarkNY - May 30 - 10:00 amThis car is very fun the drive, very responsize handling. Ive had horrible problems with premature tire wear. Ive had to get is aligned 3 times since my purchase. Ive gone through 2 sets of tires, and only have 13K miles in it. The dealer told me I am beating the car, but I drive like Im the grand marshall of a parade. Most of the car is built really well. But in the truck, they placed this little flimsy plug for the light right in the way of the trunk space. Whenever placing large items in the trunk, I crack it off. It sticks out like a sort thumb. The engineer who designed that needs to be fired, and gives quality engineers a bad name.
