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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My 2004 Grand Prix GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Tekis Mom - January 18 - 2:00 amHaving lost our 1994 Grand Prix GTP to an accident, we knew that we wanted another. Were we surprised to see that the 2004 model was already out. It was somewhat of a difficult choice between the GTP with or without the Comp G package. The deciding factor was availble color. We didnt want to wait for the Comp G in a different color. I am the primary driver and I cannot say enough about the handleing of this car. It has the manuverability to get me out of any tight spot and is very stable at any speed. I love the cornering abilities and love to use and abuse the speed limits on curves.
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Infromative refiew - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By James Boerner - January 18 - 2:00 amThe first 90 was working out all the little rattles inside the car. The unit around the radio would rattle and the area around the gear shift would also rattle.Over time these rattles has worked them self out and they have stopt.The car is cold to start in the morning and you do need to give it a few minutes to warm up.Over all we love the design of this car.
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Car is okay, not great - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By MacB - January 18 - 2:00 amCar is decent. Wouldnt really recommend buying one. The car is fun to drive and accelerates well on the highway but from standstill, is sluggish. Interior design components are kind of cheap and the overall build doesnt seem as if it will last beyond 5 years, unlike foreign competitors. Engine noise is also very loud and mileage is below average
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Love it. - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Hairball - January 17 - 10:00 amI bought this car because of the style but also in part because of the superb service by the dealer on my Bonneville. If I had to do it over again, only thing I would change is to have chosen a color other than white (Wife really wanted red with beige leather). Those writers who complain about dealers not being able to find a problem, or to fix it the first time, need to find another dealer. Mine is super, and has continually provided service to me far and above any other dealer I have worked with in the past 36 years.
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2006 Grand Prix GT Supercharged - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By dcole08 - January 16 - 3:49 pmI have had this car for over 2 years now, and I must say I love it. I honestly dont know how I stumbled upon it because I was initially looking for either a Maxima, or a Charger. Somehow I stumbled upon this car and it is awesome. It looks awesome and turns heads all of the time because it is different. Mine (all black with black interior) is rare where I am and I havent seen one like it around. People love riding in it, and my wife loves to drive it. Its very comfortable to drive, and I have never had any issues with it. The 3800 motor in it is a legend in the car world, and mechanics salivate when they see the 3800 v6 it wrapped with headers and a supercharger.
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We like it - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GP Fan2 - January 15 - 5:16 pmDrove it over 32,000 miles the first year. We like everything about it. Just out of warranty now and the air bag light came on. Dealer has promised to cover it regardless.
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Love it - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By GPGT98 - January 15 - 9:53 am500 miles after buying it the belt broke. Didnt have any problems until the lights started going out ( ignition harness ) and most recently a thermostat which is minor. I think the washer fluid motor is shot now also but it is another nickel. I also have to recharge the A/C every year but at only 30 bucks or less its cheaper than fixing it. I have done all these fixes myself with the help from auto forums.
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Pontiacs are Awesome - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Hoggatolluh - January 13 - 10:00 amI just bought my GP GT and I love it! I am a hardcore Pontiac person. Styling is beautiful. Handling is unbelievable. Power is there. Seats just hug you when you sit in them. Pontiac is designing and build some of the most aggressive and beautiful designs, people should take note.
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My GTP - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jason De Smit - January 11 - 10:00 amExcellent car, for the price, you really cant ask for anything more. There are a couple of minor things that I dont particularly care for. But the rest of the car definitely makes up for it. Its rather powerful engines makes driving VERY fun and exciting. And it handles very smoothly!
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Grand Prix- Welcome Back ! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jack - January 9 - 3:23 amWe shopped around before buying the 2006 Grand Prix. It has met or exceeded all our expectations so far. I bumped my head the 1st time I got in the back seat. We were surprised how roomy and confortable the back seat was after reading mixed reviews and remembering to duck. This our 4th car with the 3.8 litre v6. We would have to say its one of the best engines ever built. We bought the base model and are very happy with the acceleration. Wow what a great car!
