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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  Best of both worlds - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bryan - December 13 - 11:00 pm

  I was looking for a vehicle to be a four door and sporty with enough power. The Grand Prix has both of them and great fuel economy for its size. Am a traveling salesman and this vehicle is a perfect fit for my present situation and would recommend it to similar people

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  Love this car! - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bonnie - December 8 - 9:03 pm

  Ive had this car for a month and I absolutely love it! I bought it with 28k on it so its practically brand new. I was really hesitent to get a car this big but Im so happy I did. I went from having a 4 cylinder to a 6 so Im not used to the gas mileage yet but it doesnt seem to be using that much. The car looks awesome and is so fun to drive! Im hoping to have this car for a long long time.

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  Getaway Car - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bad Juju - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car used and have put over 50k on it in two years. It now has nearly 100k. Never needed an extended warranty. This car has taken us to 20 states. My 3 year old loves the big windows. The headlight lenses are a problem. The bodyshop at your dealer is the place to go to solve this. The first lens was over $100 as an assembly from a junkyard. The second lens was $5 from the bodyshop, and the manager installed it for free. The CD quit and had to get the factory CD, as you cant get aftermarket with both orange lights and steering wheel controls. Excellent family car, good in all weather and sturdy on gravel roads.

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  Pontiac Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By LInda - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Greta car, fun to drive,nice design!

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  I love my grand prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mark61500 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Would love to get a new one every year

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  overall approval - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fairminded - December 1 - 2:00 am

  vehicle has had no flaws ..this is my third , each one iis better than the last

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  The 04 Grand Prix is a hit! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mesag75 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The car is stylish and fun to drive. Fuel economy depends on your driving style, if you drive repsonsibly the rewards are there with great mileage for a vehicle of this size. The car is quick and responsive. I feel very safe when I am driving this car. I get comments all the time on how people love the new styline of the Grand Prix. I believe Pontiac has a hit with this redesign. Thus far any minor issue has been resolved with ease from my Pontiac dealer. Kudos go to the dealer for being so easy to work with and honest. I wish I had gotten On- star.

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  Go Wide or Go Home! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By msahai77 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  The full size of the Grand Prix makes it a comfortable vehicle to be in on long road trips. With an 18 gallon tank and great overdrive system, we were getting 350 to 400 miles per tank on our last road trip. The 3.8 offers a great amount of torque for all passing maneuvers!

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  Good First Car - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By am_can_drift - November 29 - 11:29 am

  This was my first car. By the time I got it, it had 185k miles on it. The struts were already bad, and it ran great. This car was a classic new-age Pontiac in that the electronics inside broke, but it held together under the hood. (the gas flotation device broke, inside dashboard lights went out partway). I had very few problems under the hood with this car. It ran in all conditions, and it carried the workload. Eventually, the head gasket blew and the trans started to go bad at 215k miles. Between service records and me, these were the first problems under the hood. It is a great first car in that it can take quite a beating. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a first car.

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  Almost Perfect - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Amdetsion - November 27 - 1:40 am

  After driving (2) GTPs and a Comp G my experience with the GXP is simply amazing. The GXP is truely a culmination. The Grand Prix is truly expressed through the performance and styling of this car the 08 GXP. If it had anymore technology or performance improvements it would exceed the already excessively designed and engineered German products. The car is precise and smartly cued with technology, comforts and prestige without the lavish and non-sensical over statements and cost common to many up level Euro-imps. I want to ride American and feel good about it. GXP is a very good feeling; especially when I remind myself of its price, operating and maintenance cost.