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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  137,000+ and counting - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By LoveMyGP - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car 2 weeks after it was released. While I have had my share of problems, I think that this is my favorite vehicle ever. New cam shaft needed at 105,000. Small piece broke off. After minor overhaul, run as good as ever. My advice is to always keep up on the oil changes. Exterior finish still shines like new. I still get 30mpg on the highway at 65-70mph.

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  It sounds great - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Thebigb - October 29 - 1:13 am

  Traded a 2003 Yukon for 2006 Grand Prix GXP. Had read review in various magazines and lived up to all of the hype. Fantastic power, great features, and best of all the $34000. list was reduced to $27,500 out the door. Car is equipped with every available option including Nav and power sun roof. GM dealers are willing to deal big time right now, and you can get those "employee discounts" without the program. This car was on the dealers lot for over 30 days, so he wanted to move it. Got it in black with black interior. Just looks real cool.

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  2000 GPGT - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Scott85 - October 28 - 2:30 pm

  This was a good car in the beginning. Bought it @ 45K , it now has 70K . The GPGT is probably one of the best cars Ive ever driven in the snow, it goes through it without missing a beat. The power is decent, gas mileage is good, looks great! It does very good on long road trips. Now the bad part. Luckily when we (fiancee and I) bought the car, we got the extended warranty. It has helped pay for the $5K in repairs of this car. So far - intake & exhaust manifold gaskets have been replaced, HVAC fan was stuck on high, steering rack & pump replaced, front drivers side ball joint went out and in a "chain reaction" of events - broke the drivers side axle in two, replaced both of the tie rods.

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  A Smooth Cruiser - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Sui - October 26 - 12:23 pm

  I know a floaty car that has decent power when I drive one. The Grand Prix is not the largest sedan I have driven nor does it have the most powerful engine, but this car basically drives and feels like a real 4-door sedan - comfy and very easy to drive, good acceleration, and it passes Sunday drivers with authority. Idle is barely noticeable; the road and wind noise is also low. Steering has some play in it, which I prefer because one doesnt have to grip the wheel so hard to keep it in a straight line. Brakes are mushy, but work very well. Interior and body are "dated" but I love the symmetrical look (especially the hood). Dashboard offers many features and functions.

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  Roxanne, my grand prix - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By new guy - October 26 - 2:13 am

  I picked up my grand prix at a dealership that came to my town. shes white, with a loverly tint and 18" chrome rims. Her first big test was when I got a dui because my dumb ass was flying down a dirt road. I sideswiped a sign, lost control, and flew through a barbed wire fence into a deep field of mud. It sounded like it was supercharged for a minute till i found out i had to replace the water pump. After doing so it runs smooth and is still sexy and sleek.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tarponking - October 22 - 2:13 am

  Great car, very responsive. Love the supercharger, love the looks, drive and feel of this car. Plenty of room for family of four. Would love to see better gas mileage. For the price you cant beat this car.

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  very surprised - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By damien - October 19 - 6:23 pm

  very good pick up speed , ive owned a lot of cars and this one is fun to drive, no problems of any sort.....

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  Good Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Billywilly - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. It starts everyday and runs perfect. The Heads up display sometimes becomes faint in cold weather. The tire wear is very good. The performance is great for a car of this size. The car performs well in wet or snow conditions. The braking is very good on the car. The inside is very comfortable and spacious. The inside carpet is wearing very fast. The seats look and feel like new. The mileage hasnt changed since day one 20-28 depending on traffic. Overall I think this is a great car for the dollar.

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  Grand Prix GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fly808 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Tap shift is awesome car is just awesome

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  Luv my GTP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jboag5 - October 14 - 4:53 pm

  This car has been fun to drive, yet is good for the family. Its the perfect car for those of us who dont want to grow up yet. It has had some minor issues, but overall its performance, I feel, beat the Saab, Volvo, and BMW that I drove at the same time. This car is comfortable, fast on the take off and is solid. I could have purchased the other vehicles, but the GTP was roomier, more comfortable, and more fun!