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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  Nice Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Paul - November 26 - 10:03 pm

  I have had this car for about two years and the car has performed outstandingly. I bought the car with all the GTP options except the supercharger. I was planning on adding performance parts to the car, but I decided that the car was fine the way it is.

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  Love Supercharger - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By sigmatuan1989 - November 23 - 11:55 pm

  Left over 2006, bought with vendor pricing in 2007, traded in Bonneville. The price was the deciding factor, it was cheaper than all others. I would have bought another Bonneville but they were discontinued. The car is fast for the price. I would recommend simply on the low price. It has never left me stranded. Compared to Impala from the same factory it is lower to ground, faster, and less back seat room.

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  Eye Like It HOWEVER... - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By SadButTrue - November 21 - 10:00 am

  It accelerates and corners great! Good gas mileage and stereo sound. SE has all the Opts. ITS A GREAT CAR FOR 40,000 MILES THEN >>> HOWEVER, It has some very poor workmanship or design problems. 3 windows and some of the blower speeds for AC/heat quit working! Only have 2 speeds left. GM WILL NOT REPLACE THE PARTS!!!! EVEN THOUGH THEY KNEW THESE THINGS are breaking down on the products. There have been a lot of complaints in these 2 areas. The seats are like sitting on a 2 by 4..lol HENCE hard on the butt for long distances ..lol.

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  GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Roy - November 20 - 1:40 am

  I love the GXP its nice to look at and handles well. Its tight suspension sometimes is tuff on the ride. The sound system is the most dissapointing as it lacks mid range and the bass is way too much as I have turned it down to minimum. The nav system works pretty good. Acceleration is good but off the line the tires turn into smoke and ya lose a lot of traction. Torque steer is less than my Eldorado so IM pleased with that.

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  Great Car Fun To Drive - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By huffdaddy - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great thus far. It has plenty of power and handles great at tight cornering. I like the sleek design and quiet ride it provides.

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  This car has changed my views of GM - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By partsman99 - November 9 - 1:56 am

  I bought this car with 71K miles on it in 2009. The clock currently shows 137K, and I am fairly impressed with it. Starts every time I put the key in, no matter how hot or cold it is. The good: plenty of power with the standard 3.8, decent sound system, good fuel economy with the size of the car, the overall look of the car is pleasing to the eye. The bad: needed intake manifold and gaskets right at 100K, a solenoid in the trans is going bad, low roof line so my head is almost rubbing the ceiling (Im 61"), very picky about which alternator is in it. My overall opinion is this is a good car, and that takes a lot for me to say being a die-hard Mopar fan. Its old, and people still like it.

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  Great car at 9 years old - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By SMG_MP7A1 - November 8 - 3:30 pm

  This is an absolutely fantastic car. My GTP is 9 almost 10 years old and runs like new with 132,000 miles. I had a full run of tests done on this car when my a/c went out and it had only three problems 1.a/c pump went dead 2. small oil leak due to old gasket on oil pan 3. Not exactly a problem yet but i was told to keep an eye on the CV boot. Fun to drive, starts just like a GM should, 0-60 somewhere in the mid 6s. pretty comfortable on long drives except the leather makes your back sweaty. got the a/c pump replaced and i am going to put a new oil pan gasket on myself during next oil change. This car I think could benefit from a 5 speed instead of a 4.

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  Sharp Car! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bethany H. - November 8 - 1:43 pm

  I just bought my new 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT coupe yesterday and I am in love! ;-) This is not the first Grand Prix Ive had though and every time, they have been very reliable, a blast to drive, the factory sound system alone is great, and of course, what a beautiful car! To anyone who is looking into getting a Grand Prix, I would definitely suggest it.

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  2004 Pontiac Grand Prix - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Carrie Ontiveros - October 31 - 3:46 pm

  Having previously owned a 2002 Grand Prix, which was totaled in an accident, I sought another Grand Prix. I enjoy driving this car due to the quick pick up and go and the comfortableness of the seats. The interior is much sportier and appealing. Although I do prefer the 2002 exterior better. This car looks very sporty and drives very nicely.

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  A good car - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By coolkev - October 31 - 10:00 am

  this is the seecond grand prix I owned (prior 97 gt). The gtp is a big upgrade from the gt. I really enjoy the extra power this car has. It is also very roomy as well.