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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  Great Value - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Abev107 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall the GTP is a great value, but certainly not a value car. Why spend 8-10k more for other cars in its class when this car outperforms them. I bought the car with the competition group package; not sure if the other Grand Prix models perform like this one, but... I think the only thing that limits the speed that I take a corner is how much stuff inside the car I have that can slide around b/c I have yet to make the wheels squeal in a turn. Overall acceleration is excellent, standard radio is more than enough power and clarity.

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  Love the Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tony - April 4 - 8:56 am

  This is my second Grand Prix. Owned a 2001 and then bought this 2004. I travel a lot and end up renting many different types of cars. The Grand Prix is by far the best car you can buy for the price. I look forward to my next one. The current car I have is a fusion orange GT2. Ive owned it for just over a year and have put 30,000 miles on it. It had 20,000 when I bought it. I havent had any mechanical issues with the car so far. Ive only had it at the dealer once and that was for a splash guard to prevent water getting into the car from the under carrage.

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  Vehicle performance and reliability - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jimmy129 - April 4 - 1:13 am

  Purchased my 2004 in 2008, from a local auction with 104k. It has 192k on it. I have gotten excellent service. Oil changed every 3k miles at dealer. All maintenance done at dealer, the usual wear. Travel south 3x yearly, without problems. Very reliable vehicle. GM stop making, why. Would or will purchase another and keep current.

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  Weve had ours for 8 years now.. - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By oldies4me - March 31 - 8:59 pm

  Still low miles, but we can really Haul in it- we should have a SUV!- I mean 25 gal water, a cooler, tools, clothes, bedding, two dog kennels (in back seat of course!) and other stuff for going to our lakelot half the summer.. We had experience with the 3.1 v6 in a Corsica which went well over 100000 miles,; this one has about 80000 so far (retired; dont drive a lot anymore).. The nice surprise was fuel economy- 37 on a trip going 65-75 mph most of the way. Solid, great handling, loves to cruise at 70+.. Trouble? None- just did brakes first time. If I could find a cherry GTP coupe Id keep it as a collectible!

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  Nice Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ida - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I am only 19 years old and on my third car and by far this is the most outstanding car i have had. Best power, comfort, style. I feel like i am in an expensive sports car.

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  2004 Pontiac Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Robert Ludas - March 28 - 10:00 am

  This car performs very well. It is my first Pontiac, my previous cars having been Buick Regals and an Olds Cutlass Supreme. Appearance, handling, and general driveability are excellent.

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  Reliable - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ford - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car. I have over 100,000 miles on it. Only major trouble was with intake manifold gasket warping (I hear this happens a lot with the 3800). I got GM to pay for the part, with plenty of complaining. just a few minor problems. Keyless entry when new had very short range, now it is even shorter because it doesnt work. I tried to get a new remote for it, cars computer would not let mechanic program it( I refused to let them hook it up to the dealers computer to find out why, because it would have cost $75 over and above the cost of the remotes). Ignition switch shorted out. I could not get the key out, or the car out of park.

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  Loving it - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ben - March 22 - 3:33 pm

  I have driven Pontiac grand am before but I finally got my Pontiac grand prix after I lost my previous car. Since I got this car I love it more than any car I ever had. It drives so smooth and less external noise. The I felt in love with it the very moment I saw it. I am hoping to keep it for a very long time.

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  The last GM vehicle I will ever own. - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Wally - March 21 - 12:33 am

  43,000 miles: 2 oil leaks (oil pan gasket & lower head gasket), 1 power steering leak (w, 1 transmission leak (cooler hose). I purchased this vehicle brand new. It operated fairly well for the past 2 years, until May of this year, when I noticed an oil leak. Fortunately, it was still within warranty so I had it fixed (oil pan gasket). Recently I noticed another oil leak, and transmission leak. I brought it into the same dealer that repaired the oil pan leak. They informed me that my lower head gasket, and power steering pump are now leaking. How strange that all these leaks occur so near to the 36,000 mile mark (warranty expires). Never again will I buy GM!!!

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  overall satisfied with vehicle - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Paul the GT driver - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car sight unseen as one of my companys cars that had gone off lease with only 31K in miles. Overall I am very pleased with the car, but honestly I only got it because of the great deal on it. A sedan is a sedan is a sedan is a sedan. I have had it for 10K, and am very blessed and thankful to not have had any of the issues that many others have posted. Only issue I have had was with the tires.