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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Coupe is nice! - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Steven Marvin - August 13 - 10:00 amI have this coupe Pontiac Grand Prix GT and believe me is really an exellent experience and a beautiful car to drive around. A real turn-head on the road!!!!!!
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BAD GTP - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Stephanie Emmons - August 13 - 10:00 amThis is a great car for the money! Initially I wanted this car for the exterior looks and the fact that it was supercharged. This car is a beauty both inside and out. The inside has all the bells and whistles. I love the heads-up display. This car is unbelievably fast and FUN to drive. It has been very dependable w/ very little maintenance considering it now has 86,000 miles. I had a Taurus SHO before and this GTP is much more reliable. Also, it has excellent gas mileage for its size and engine. This car definitely makes a statement!
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Still going strong - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
By kanreich - August 12 - 11:13 pmHave 130,000 miles on this car and havent had to do anything to it. Runs exactly as it did at 30,000 miles.
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Fast, Comfortable! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By TOM - July 31 - 2:00 amThis car is fast and comfortable. The front seats and lumbar in the driver seat is great and by moving the front up a little the back has plenty of leg-room as well. This car is fast as the wind! I love peeling tires at stop lights and out accelerating mustangs and other so called muscle cars. I bought my 2000 GTP with 78 thousand miles on it and have since put 14 thousand more on it and it still runs great!
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Finally, one of my own. - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By SpaceAce - July 30 - 10:00 amGrew up with my father buying a 1990 SE 2 door and 1995 GTP 2 door new from the dealership. He would let me drive them once in a while when I was good - a giant leap up from my Honda Civic stationwagon I was stuck with during high school. Just bought a fire engine red 4 door SE and it handles almost TOO well, like Im not supposed to be driving it, or I should be extra careful with it. Good times.
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Love my car, HATE the windows - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
By jjsmom - July 30 - 2:53 amI love my used car, its fun to drive, and reliable. Im never afraid to jump in and take a weekend road trip, but I do window repairs on it once every few months. Its expensive and unbelievably inconvenient. Ive replaced the headlights, and I have replaced the water pump and the seal that drips antifreeze that likes to leak on these cars. The awesome huge trunk always has moisture in it and smells like a basement, and no one can figure out why. The engine and transmission still run tight and I do not regret buying this car. Ill be passing it on to my son when he gets his license.
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My grand prix is sweet - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Brian123245 - July 26 - 2:00 amits hella fast and the laides love it
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wished for more - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
By superchel - July 24 - 10:00 amI wanted this car for soooo long. I loved th power and styling. But the nitpicky problems have been annoying to say the least. I am on my 3rd window motor, 4th radio, the temp. control dial sticks, and the one door panel is loose. And, there isnt a dealer worth anything in my area. It also developed leaks that were expensive to repair. oh well. The car is only 3 years old... I dread what is next....
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Love it! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By bethanym - July 23 - 6:51 amBought the car from a newspaper listing in 2008 (as a first car). Affectionately named "Polly," the car has been wonderful. Fun to drive, decent gas mileage (about 25mpg) and some serious power. Had 114k miles when I bought it and now has 144K. Some minor problems have cropped up over the past few years. Spark plugs and a couple small issues with the transmission but nothing terribly pricey. Service engine light has a habit of coming on every few months then turning off within the same day. Biggest issue is the AC. Didnt work when I bought it, finally replaced the pump last summer ($600) only to need a new valve this year which I have yet to take care of. Overall, I am in love with my car.
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This car is crap - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Dr Ratched - July 20 - 9:43 pmGee. What DOESNT work on this car. Paint was peeling off after 2 years and now it has leprosy. Water pump needed replacing after 2 years. Its burning oil like a drunk BP CEO. The cheap plastic on the inside is worn off everywhere you put your hands. The leather seats are fading and tearing. Oh. And the stupid key fob wont work. Avoid this car. Avoid Pontiacs. Avoid GM.
