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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what i like about my car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By roadgirl - October 12 - 3:50 amI really enjoy the way my carhandles and turns corners. It is so smooth and I like the size of the interior, the sun room is fantastic I had thought of buying a convertible, and when I got my grandprix gtp I learned what a combination of sport and luxury was. every one that sees it says how very nice it is and those that drive it tell me how wonderfull it corners , which I already know, and its not hard on gas either. I love it truly and would buy another and recommend it to everyone.
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Torque steer, If you say so - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Rapid City Ron - October 9 - 12:03 amFirst I feel GM should advertise this car, let its virtues be known to the public. This is no ordinary Grand Prix. I also own a 2000 GTP Daytona 500 Pace Car with an SLP Performance package. I feel it is far more desirable than an Audi or BMW and I have own both in the past. Performance and comfort are outstanding. Black in color is desirable. Mileage if you do 55 mph at speed is closer to 23 to 25 mpg. Love my Pontiacs. So far I have not experience torque steer in either GPs. I know what the experts say but...
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2 Years of love so far - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Scott - October 7 - 6:26 pmThis car was bought in 2007 with 60k on it and never a problem other than a waterpump. The engine is strong as a horse for only 6 cylinders thanks to the supercharger. Highly recommend this vehicle to others.
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Good performance, horrible reliability - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By dmblystone14 - October 6 - 10:50 pmI bought a GXP used with less than 30K miles in early 2010. I now own a 2009 G8 GT, and while the performance is comparable the reliability is not. Too many issues, most being transmission related for me to recommend this to another buyer. If you have one of these and you make it to 50k miles without replacing the transmission consider yourself lucky. I began having transmission problems at 35k miles and had the tranny fluid changed but still didnt shift right. within 5k miles had to have a new tranny put in. The car never shifted right again.
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Terrific for the $$ - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Love it in Wichita - October 6 - 2:00 amRecent past cars include Lexus LS400, Infiniti I30, Mercedes SDL; but this is the best car for the money Ive ever driven. Leased new in Dec 99, been back to the dealer one time in over 3 yrs for a short in the interior lighting. Fun to drive, handles well, lots of great toys, good appearance for price. A real winner.
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Great Car Overall - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By blakehannan - October 3 - 7:00 pmI bought this car last February used. It is very fast, rides tight... Hard suspension so its a little bumpy but ill survive due to the performance. I love the look of the exterior with the factory wheels, id love to put some different wheels on to make it look even more sharp! But, the downfall to this vehicle is the interior, the seats are nice, but the plastic throughout the car is a little annoying and i do not believe that Pontiac put any time into it and did not give the consumer what they should have gotten. Could have been an AMAZING vehicle, but due to this, just great. Good fuel economy for 5.3 L V-8.
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My Grand Prix Baby - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Christopher George - October 3 - 5:16 pmThis car is superb for highway driving. It has the look and feel of a much more expensive vehicle.
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GTP - Performance Plus - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Hereafter - September 30 - 10:00 amThe GP GT2 was a major disappointment. Mediocre was the best adjective I could provide when asked by the salesperson. Performance and handling were marginally acceptable. The cloth seats were outright ugly (looked like they belonged in the Sunfire). The GTP was a totally different story. Performance and handling were top shelf. Equipped with every available option this car barely broke 30K list, but felt like it should cost much more. The "Comp G" option should be mandatory, and worth every penny. Dont waste your time with a GT1 or GT2. The GTP is in a class of its own.
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Beware!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Schwoopie11 - September 28 - 12:10 amI have had nothing but a headache with this car. Yes, it is fun to drive but that is only when it is not in the shop. I have had this car in 10+ times in the last year for the same thing, a bad BCM. No one can figure out the problem, not even the engineers. I have always been loyal to Pontiac. But never again..This car is not worth buying, beware.
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NOTHINS THE SAME -- ONLY THE NAME - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Deon - September 24 - 10:00 amI absolutely was blown away with the interior..updated HUD, XM, OnStar, new steering wheel controls and a sound system that performs...not bad for the money. The horsepower is no joke..and the TapShift scares away all the teenie boppers trying to race me from stoplight to stoplight. The dealership was great with the 24- hr test drive program -- it got me hooked. I was a fan, but now I am fully a fanatic.
