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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GM Hits Homerun - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jenkins - March 1 - 2:00 amHandling, attention to detail and quality, awesome power with Comp G,XM satellite, safety features including side airbags for front/rear seat passengers, sporty looks make this an unbeatable car at this price range! This is 4th GP Ive owned and by far the best of the bunch.
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car sucks - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By wolfie47 - February 16 - 2:00 ambought the car brand new, after 100 miles, body moldings were falling off, after 3500 miles, tranny was leaking, idiot dealer "mechanic" didnt fill it with fluid and let my wife drive around that way. after 4000 miles, fuel pump went out, after 5000 miles, rack and pinion steering needed replacement. now after 13,500 the battery exploded and ate through my paint, then idiot "mechanic" sprayed acid all over my fender and bumper. (dont use dealer service if you can help it) Now i am just waiting for something else to go wrong.
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Grand Prix GTP - Best used car buy ever! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By realsj99 - February 9 - 2:43 pmI use my car for business and do a lot of highway driving, so it makes sense for me to buy used and drive the car forever. My GTP has been my favorite so far! Fantastic acceleration, excellent handling and very comfortable heated leather w/ 8-way power seats. After 55,000 miles, I have has no major mechanical issues, leaks or failures. I put Michelin HydroEdge tires on it which made a dramatic improvement over the Goodyear Eagle LS tires with which it originally came. It returns about 18- 22 mpg city and 27-30 mpg hwy and still able to run high 14-second quarter mile times (comparable to stock Mustang GT performance). For the money, a well-maintained GTP is the best used car value!
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Great Vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Don S. - February 8 - 4:53 pmI drive over 40,000 miles a year. The car is very comfortable and has plenty of power. I have over 90,000 miles on the Grand Prix already and have not done anything to it except regular maintenance. Average mileage on the highway is 27 mpg with air on. Great car! I strongly recommend.
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pure junk! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By JUNK - February 5 - 6:36 amthis car is junk, theres no other way to say it... Im now on my 4th transmission and Im very easy on cars as well as had to replace the "O" ring twice on the power steering reservoir, etc.... if you want a good car, look elsewhere!.
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welcome back pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jlocascio - January 31 - 10:00 amnight and day from the other grand prixs in the past
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a grand prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By alano - January 31 - 10:00 amthis is my second grand prix.this gtp isin most every way better than the 1997grand prix.a very good balance of ride @ handling.better front seating and driving postion.better trunk and amore solid feel.unfortately some of the test drives from some of the popular magazines under rate a very good automobile.
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Great Car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By awos - January 21 - 6:14 amThis is our second Pontiac and what a car. Regular maintance and thats it. 122,000 miles and 4 new struts and shes always ready. We have a 2008 GP, GXP with same results. No problems
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Great Car!!! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Greg - January 20 - 3:56 amBase model with leather and heated seats. Great car no problems at all. Was getting around 22-25 mpg mostly highway and doing 70-80.
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Awesome Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By bev - January 19 - 7:00 pmWe purchased this car to save on gas, we had a Dodge SUV and it was a loan for gas. My Grand Prix is fun to drive, classy but yet sporty. My 7 year old son, thinks he is cool. I feel like a Princess driving this car. People stop and just look at my car. Its drop dead gorgeous. My husband even loves the car.
