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:
Showing 921 through 930 of 1,601.00-
Excellent Value - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Brandon - January 6 - 12:23 pmI dont have one single complaint about this car after a little more than a year of owning it. This car is very fun to drive, nice looking, and is very comfortable and spacious for a 2 dr. This is an affordable car that feels like it should be worth a lot more. This is an excellent vehicle to own.
-
A Nice Car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By promoprod - January 6 - 8:30 amThis car is GREAT!! Itll get up n go whenever I need it to, and is very comfortable and responsive at both higher and lower speeds. Ive had no major problems with it, only a couple of minor things that my warranty took care of (water leaking onto the passenger floorboard when using the A/C, and a rear speaker that went out). Right now, the DRLs wont turn on, but to be honest, I think it almost looks better without them. This car is great around town, and will easily get around anything too slow on the highway. Ive had it nearly five years, and I still enjoy driving it!
-
If I knew then what I know now - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Stuck - January 5 - 5:26 pmThis is the most expensive car I have purchased and it has been in the shop for 4 major issues 6 times in just over 2 years. At 2 weeks check engine light-replaces senor. Then sun roof leaked twice and flooded car, burning oil-replace exhaust gaskets, steering wheel noise - had to lube steering shaft, now lights in dash burned out and constant vibration in steering wheel. Just afraid what is next? Stuck payment wise or would dump this lemon.
-
Blue/Green Chrystal GXP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Toni Ahlgren - January 4 - 11:46 amMy 2005 GXP is an outstanding performance sportscar. I love the output from the engine when I step on it. It feels like the rear-axle is somehow kind off "glued" when I stop and go and at a redlight if I make a normal start. Feels little bit "jerky"
-
My Fourth Pontiac GPT the Best OVERALL - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Reesee1215 - January 2 - 10:00 amI only driven Pontiac(s) for the past 10 years. I only drove the Grand AMs (GT)though. However, after purchasing the GTP, Ive been cheating myself. The body style of the Grand Prix is great. The widetrack,the car handeles the road excellently. I love the heads-up display, I can keep my eyes on the road at all time. I have the full package on the car from the heated seats and Onstar and XM Satellite radio the 6 CD Exchanger is the magnificent. The engineer really out did themselves this time. I Love my Grand Prix GTP
-
Love those Pontiacs! - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Tony Almaguer - January 1 - 5:56 pmThe car offers more performance, comfort and luxury features than anything else in its size range. GMs financing made it our lease a "steal" and well be back for another one in 3 years. BTW, our other car is a 2003 Grand Am GT 2-dr that offers sportiness at a low price. It aint a performance car, but it sure gives good value for the money!
-
No substitute for v8 power - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Brian - December 31 - 5:10 amFun car,previously owned a 96 olds aurora with the 4.0 v8(great car) and a 02 v6 powered 300m.Traded the 300m on the GXP and I dont miss the 300m a bit.I am impressed by the GXPs v8 power.Loads of hp and torque,which is nice for winning the stoplight races.The exhaust note reminds me of a sixties muscle car. Decent ride for a car with a performance suspension and low profile tires. Fuel economy is lower than shown on window sticker. Im sure the car was tested under normal driving conditions but what fun would it be to drive this car slow? As I said there is no substitute for American v8 power.
-
2002 Grand Prix - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By vickie - December 24 - 9:40 amWonderful car to drive. Wider is better. Needed something that holds 2 sets of golf clubs - they fit in the trunk very comfortably with space to spare. Also wanted something sporty that handles well - not ready for a Grandma car. But I have a problem with the reliability of the car. Transmission went out after 2 years resulting in major repair (under warranty). And drivers side window quit working consistently after nearly 3 years (barely under warranty).
-
Love my car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Samantha - December 24 - 4:23 amMy GP is my "first" car. I learned to drive in SUVs and trucks, and I usually hate cars b/c they feel so small, but my GP is very roomy, one of the few cars that my dad, who is 6"5, can fit in pretty comfortably. My car handles absolutely great, very sensitive to whatever the driver does. I live in a very hilly and curvy area and the car does the roads great. Although 5 people fit in my car just fine, it isnt really a "family" car.
-
An Honest Review - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By stelo27 - December 17 - 8:23 pmI had a 2006 Grand Prix GT V6 Supercharged and fell in love with it. I have always been a big Mazda fan growing up but had to switch to Pontiac after trading in my Mazda 6S for the 06 Grand Prix GT. I had it for 8 months and then sadly wrecked it. So i turned around and jumped right back into a 2008 Grand Prix, but the GXP this time. I love it. There is room for improvement, which i believe they have accomplished it in the new G8, But people, this is an awsome car. Especially for the price. I got mine slightly used with 9k miles on it, it MSRP for $29800, but being that its the last year for the Grand Prix and with the G8 now available, I got my GP GXP for $19000 and you cant beat that.
