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 971 through 980 of 1,601.00-
Awesome reliable car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By donnac - September 23 - 6:06 amI owned this car for 2.5 years and put 45,000 miles on it with no problems (other than catalytic converter fixed under warranty). When I traded it in, it still had the original brakes with 75% pads left! I never even had to have an alignment! The only things I ever had to do to the car were oil, tires, and wiper blade changes. I did change the spark plugs at 50,000 miles, but only because I wanted to, it didnt need it. Totally amazing reliability for an American built car. Awesome looks, car ran great, I would highly recommend this car to anyone.
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Love the new GP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
By drob - September 19 - 10:00 amSo far, so good on my new 2004 GT2. It additionally has everything the GTP has minus the engine. Its quick enough, but Im sure the extra horsepower would be nice... I love the looks and the interior is 1000% improved. I drove a 94 GP to 201,000 miles and it was reliable till the end. Ive had the 2004 back to the dealer twice (steering alignment, and the rear defogger was cutting out the radio.) Other than that, Ive been pleased.
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very nice ride - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By andy - September 7 - 11:46 pmthis car has been excellent only thing we have had to replace is a blower motor total cost for parts and labor was $220.00. We have 68k on it with still the original brake pads all the way around and its excellent in ther snow. Would recommend to anyone.
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very nice car - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By ricktart - September 2 - 1:00 amThis car is very nice the day after I bought the car I drove it from New Jersey to Florida and it drove great the whole way good power also not a whole lot but its got a lot of pep and will spin tires extremely easy had some problems with the molding under the windshield wipers but the dealer is taking care of that its got a semi sporty interior but a lot of plastic
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An Affordable 5 Series Beamer - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Beytmeta - August 31 - 11:40 pmThe GXP is a serious American sports sedan that is a true competitor with the high priced over designed and excessively engineered German products particularly BMW 5 series. The 08 GXP performance handling, acceleration and braking is sweet and enjoyable without being too riggid or over the top. On road bumps the 08 GXP is a little untamed; instead of a smart, crisp "dip the 08 GXP sort of rolls over certain road bumps. This is not a problem persay. The tires are my only concern. 2 different sizes and no tire rotation and no spare is a real challenge. 08 GXP Smart, sweet, gorgious.
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Great Ride! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Two Face - August 25 - 9:30 pmI love this car! I bought it as a program car, and I have loved it ever since. I have only had one problem that was covered by the warranty. I bought it at 17K miles and I now have 107K and it still has the same get-up-and-go. It has plenty of room for me and my family, and good trunk space. This is as about as good as you can get for your money.
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Grand Prix GT - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
By swimminomar - August 23 - 2:00 amI have just purchased this car about 3 months ago. After these 3 months I have found the Grand Prix very exilerating and enjoyable to drive. While it is also very flashy and a powerful car with a great build and excellent fuel efficiency!
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longevity & fun - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By cah1023 - August 18 - 2:00 amIm just now thinking of selling my 97 GTP....i like performance, and have been out looking at replacing with BMW or equivalent. Id love to buy another, but it has NOT retained its value...although it has retained its performance. Things just now (125K miles) starting to show wear. I do a lot of highway miles, and the GTP made it fun.
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Great Car to Own, driven 25000 miles. - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
By WestWorth9 - August 16 - 5:16 pmMy Pontiac is a standard coupe with options. It has remote start (great for winter for heat or summer for A/C) built-in antenna, painted alloy wheels, full power seats, windows, doors, etc. Body on outside is great. The interior is overall good besides a little rattle of the smallest, imobile vent in the dash that is intermittent. Everyone loves my car but Ive seen the same frame on the reliable, world famous 2002 Impala. That is not a bad thing at all, the interior is way different! I cant be more annoyed by prissy-foot drivers saying, "too much torque!" IT IS A PONTIAC!! THEY MAKE ALL CARS FASTER!! My Pontiac NEVER got stuck in the 2009 winter storm of Seattle!! 8" anywhere!!
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2000 GTP - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jim327 - August 13 - 10:00 amCar started out great, suspension soon rode like a 85 towncar, couldnt take a turn at any speed, very "floaty". Dealer said nothing they could do. Went ahead and installed all new suspesion, not a cheap thing. This helped. At 30000 miles, both outer tie-rod end went out. At 38,000 miles, both wheel hubs had to be replaced, due to worn out bearings. Trunk leaked, HUD went out for a while, driver window is intermitent. And now the plastic bolts holding the bumper on are starting to break, causing the car to rattle when going over any bumps. This car has 42000 miles on it. Will be the last American car that I buy for a long time. Unless it is pre 75.
