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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  What a car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ken - May 29 - 6:10 pm

  Great car, with highway mileage at 65 mph 30 mpg, 24 in town, only small problems. Great to handle on sharp curves, hugs the road. Same battery that came with the car, now have 80,000 miles on it hard to wash though always leaving dirty spots in the creases.

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  THE BEST CAR THIS YEAR! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ellissa kyle - May 26 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN.KEEP IT UP PONTIAC

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  Rating my Grand AM - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Grand AM - May 20 - 4:50 pm

  Other than a problem (on going) with computer saying "engine needs service, which can not be turned off, the car runs great needing only new batteries. Takes life out of them quicker in hot Florida.

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  5th grand prix,but still fun to drive. - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 5th gp,still fun - May 11 - 8:06 pm

  Very comfortable, solid build quality and gives performance and handling with many choices from sedan to gxp. Two trips and averaged 32 mpg on the freeway, some small cars cant achieve. I have tweaked my car a little and the 3.8L V6 is probably the best gm V6 that they made, rock solid and reliability to back it up. Excellent looks and big enough for the family and huge trunk for the summer vacation. My grand prix is fun to drive and is that what its all about, enjoying driving your car and for the price its a darn good deal.

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  1998 Grand Prix GTP - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By debiau88 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my Grand Prix. The car is fun to drive and has all of the features I want. The only drawback is that I do a lot of driving and the gas mileage isnt the best on the supercharged model.

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  GTP 40th Anniversary - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Matt Garrett - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car, I really enjoy the 40th Anniversary features (two-tone leather, dual power seats, dual zone A/C). Should be a collerctors car in a number of years

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  Brandons Review - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bfaulkner - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased this awesome vehicle. Within the first week I already got 2 tickets. Before this I had never had a ticket in my life. The car is fast with great performance. Pontiac out done theirselves when they remodeled this car. Well done Pontiac.

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  Never buy from the cheapest - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mike - April 25 - 4:53 am

  I purchased the 1999 Gold edition Grand Prix GT. Now with only 105,000 km thats right no error. I had to have the brake lines from the fire wall back all replaced. Was told Pontiac does not sell complete brake line assembly. Thats a days work for the mechanic to install. The car has been undercoated also. The mechanic who did the job replaced all the brake lines in his 1999 Chevy pick-up. Unbelievable! For a 10 year-old car thats not even a daily driver. Now I have a hood release cable that doesnt work when its cold outside. If you can wrestle the hood open, afterward the hood will not close properly. Also I was warned to replace the rubber bush mounts (suspension), both left & right side.

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  Dont Buy It - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mike - April 17 - 1:46 pm

  I bought this car with 97,000 miles for $3000. I only drive 14 miles a day to and from work. In the seven months Ive owned the car, Ive had to replace two power window motors ($350 each) and the car is now leaking antifreeze into the engine through a faulty manifold. This will cost an additional $600 to fix. In addition, the thermostat is continually sticking making for some very cold commutes. Dont be tempted to buy this car. Spend an extra few thousand and get Toyota or Honda.

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  Great car, but expensive to own - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jimmmy - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I love the way this car drives. For its size it handles well and has lots of power. It looks great also. The interior is kind of cheap looking. The first 2 years I have had it I had no problems. Now it seems like I have problems constantly. Quick advice to anyone with a GM, dont leave the 5 year coolant in for 5 years unless you like replacing your entire cooling system.