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Pontiac Grand Prix
The Pontiac Grand Prix is an automobile produced by the Pontiac division of General Motors Corporation. First introduced as part of Pontiac's full-size model offering for the 1962 model year, the Grand Prix name has also been applied to cars in the personal luxury car market segment and the mid-size offering, slotting below the large Bonneville in the company's lineup. As of mid-model year 2006, the Grand Prix is Pontiac's largest automotive offering in production, superceeding the recently cancelled Pontiac Bonneville program.
See Wikicars' comprehensive <MODEL> Review.
Recent Changes
Mention any minor facelifts or major changes made to the vehicle here.
Styles and Major Options
Certain vehicles come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.
Pricing
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| MODEL Trims | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | GXP | '07 GT | |
| MSRP | |||
| $Price1 | $Price2 | $Price3 | |
| Invoice | |||
| $Price1 | $Price2 | $Price3 | |
Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
| Trim | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Base V6 | GXP V8 | '07 GT | |
| MPG | |||
| c/h | c/h | c/h | |
Engine and Transmission
Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.
Performance
The GXP is the performance oriented model for the Grand Prix. Additions include a rear spoiler, a modified front fascia, chrome tip duel exhaust pipes and a V8 engine.
Reliability
Warranty options and scheduled maintainence information should be mentioned here.
Safety
This section should reference points on safety ratings and features of the vehicle.
Photos
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Please make sure not to use copyrighted photos.
Colors
The current version of the Grand Prix comes in many colors. This year three new colors were introduced. They are Dark Slate Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic, and Gold Mist Metallic.
Main Competitors
Toyota Avalon
Ford Taurus
Nissan Maxima
Hybrid Models
There are no plans to make a Grand Prix hybrid since it will be replaced by the G8.
Unique Attributes
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Interior
This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfortability and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.
Resale Values
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| <MODEL> Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year X | Year X-2 | Year X-3 | Year X-4 |
| Resale Value | |||
| $ | $ | $ | $ |
Criticisms
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Generations
2004
The Grand Prix was updated for 2004 on a revised version of the GM W platform. The first 2004 Grand Prix was built on May 5, 2003. A notable addition to the 2006 line is the GXP's small-block 5.3 L V8, the Grand Prix's first V8 since 1987. With the closing of the Oshawa plant that produces the car in 2008, the Grand Prix will likely end production, and for 2009 it will be replaced by the Zeta-based G8.
1997
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In 1997, the W-bodies got a major redesign. The first 1997 Grand Prix was built on August 12, 1996. Promoted widely for its "wide track" appearance, the second generation W-body Grand Prix sold well. There were 3 trim levels available in 1997; the SE, GT, and GTP. Also beginning in 1997 was the inclusion of a supercharger for the GTP, boosting power to 240 hp. The Grand Prix was made in the Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kansas until 2003, when production was shifted to Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. The Fairfax plant was then retooled to build the current Chevrolet Malibu. The last Grand Prix coupe rolled off the assembly line on July 19, 2002, and the coupe was replaced by the Pontiac GTO for 2004.
1996
3.4L DOHC V6 gains 5HP with intake and exhaust improvements. All Grand Prix coupes get a sport package with five-spoke alloy wheels and dual exhaust. This is the last year for the first-generation W-body Grand Prix.
1995
Brake/transmission shift interlock is added. GT coupe dropped in favor of GTP Package. GT sedan continues. Variable-effort steering is added to GTP and GT. New aluminum wheels debut on GT and GTP. Coupes can be equipped with a White Appearance Package, which includes color-keyed alloys and special pinstriping. Floor consoles are redesigned on models with bucket seats.
1994
Grand Prix gets redesigned front/rear fascias and ground effects, as well as a new instrument panel with dual airbags, new gauges, and controls. STE, LE, and GT designations are gone. GT and GTP become option packages on SE coupe. A GT package is available on SE sedan, and includes 3.4 L V6, alloys, low-profile tires, ABS, and sport suspension. Front seatbelts are anchored to pillars instead of doors on sedan; coupe retains door-mounted belts. Twin-cam 3.4 L V6 is up 10 hp. Five-speed manual and three-speed automatic transmissions are dropped in favor of four-speed automatic. Coupes gain standard equipment, including 16-inch alloys, cruise, and leather-wrapped steering wheel with integral radio controls. A completely new 160 hp 3.1 L V6, Gen III, replaces old 3.1 L V6.
1991
In 1991, the turbo models were dropped in favor of a new GTP model. This included the new 3.4 L Twin Dual Cam engine along with all available options and a modified version of the B4M body package. It had 210 hp with the standard 5-speed manual and 200 hp with the optional 4-speed automatic. The 2.3L Quad-4 engine was dropped this year, leaving the 140 hp 3.1 V6 as the standard engine. The composite headlights were replaced with mini-quads and the package was renamed B4U. An SE sedan also became available that year.
1990
In 1990, a 4-door sedan version was available for the first time in the Grand Prix line, entering production on September 12, 1989. LE and SE models were available with the 2.3L Quad 4 and 3.1L V6, either with manual or automatic trannys. The new Grand Prix STE (Special Touring Edition) had special seats, audio systems, and Driver Information Centers. The seats were 8-way pneumatic with adjustable lumbar supports. The audio systems were 8-speaker with full graphic equalizer and a "gain" slider to control bass. The Driver Information Centers were quite a step up from the more basic ones available in the SE and Turbo. In addition to the basic information that the SE LCD counterparts displayed, the STE vacuum fluorescent display DICs had a full light and door monitor with icons for all the major vehicle systems. The STE also had a front and rear lightbar in addition to a trunk-panel. The Turbo model carried on this year, again available in red or black only. A turbocharged STE sedan was also available for this year.
1989
In 1989, air conditioning became standard on all models, and a 3.1 L multi-port fuel injected V6 replaced the 2.8 L engine. Another model designation to appear in 1989 was the Turbo Grand Prix. This version started as an SE minus three available options: leather seats, a sunroof, and in 1990, a CD player. These were shipped to McLaren/ASC to get a "B4M" body kit with special molding and hood louvers, and a modified 3.1 L V6 with a Garrett T-25 turbocharger and intercooler and available only with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Turbo also included a full-analog instrument cluster that would soon become the base of the 1990–1993 sport cluster.
1988
The first front-wheel drive W-body Grand Prix coupe was built on January 12, 1988. This generation Grand Prix was built in Kansas City, Kansas. Three model designations were available: base, LE, and SE. The Grand Prix LE had standard air conditioning, power windows, and power locks. SE models got the 2.8 L V6 engine along with other amenities, such as "AQ9" 14-way pneumatic power seats, a driver information computer in the center console, and a sport gauge cluster. The Grand Prix was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1988.
1982-1987
When most A-bodies were moved to a new front-wheel drive platform in 1982, the Grand Prix remained on the same rear-wheel drive platform, now under the name "G-body". The Grand Prix remained as a coupe, with its sedan version being the short-lived mid-size Bonneville. The Bonneville went back to full-size on the GM H platform in 1987, and the Grand Prix continued as a rear wheel drive vehicle until that year.
1984
New grille inserts and minor revisions to the tail section marked the 1984 Grand Prix. The base and Brougham models continued as before but the LJ was replaced by a new LE model. Same engines continued as before including the Buick 3.8 liter (231 cu.-in.) V6, Chevy 5.0 liter (305 cu.-in.) V8 and Olds 5.7 liter (350 cu.-in.) Diesel V8. A new option this year was the Turbo Hydra-Matic 200-4R four-speed overdrive automatic available with the 305 V8 for improved highway gas mileage.
1983
No appearance changes for the 1983 GP. Only significant change to note was the 4.1L 252 cid V6 was discontinued and the gas-powered V8 returned after a one-year absence in the form of a 150 horsepower Chevy 305.
1982
The 1982 Grand Prix was a virtual re-run of the 1981 model with no appearance changes to note. No gasoline-powered V8 engines were offered this year, leaving only the standard 231 cubic-inch Buick V6, a larger Buick 252 cubic-inch V6 and the Olds 350 Diesel V8.
1981
A minor reskinning of the sheetmetal for improved aerdynamics marked the 1981 Grand Prix along with a new grille design and revised tail section. The sporty SJ model was dropped and a new ultra-luxurious Brougham series was now the flagship of the Grand Prix line featuring a plush cloth interior similar to the full-sized Bonneville Brougham and standard power windows and other amenities. The base and LJ models continued as before. All models now came standard with the Buick 231 V6 with the 265 cubic-inch Pontiac V8 available as an extra cost option (Chevy 305 V8 in California). The 301 V8 was discontinued and a new option this year was the Oldsmobile-built 350 cubic-inch Diesel V8, which was not often ordered due to high cost of around $700 and poor reliability. The year 1981 was also the last for Pontiac Motor Division to offer its own V8 engine due to an emerging GM corporate engine policy that determined Pontiac would build only four-cylinder engines and Buick only V6 engines, leaving Chevrolet and Oldsmobile to build V8 engines for most GM cars and trucks, while Cadillac would produce its own aluminum-block V8 that debuted in 1982. From 1982-on, all V8-equipped Pontiacs were equipped with Chevrolet or Olds engines.
1980
The 1980 Grand Prix returned to a vertical bar grille and featured new taillight lenses with "GP" logos. Automatic transmission was standard equipment on all models and the two-barrel 301 Pontiac V8 was replaced by a new 265 cubic-inch V8 rated at 125 hp. The Buick 231 V6 and the four-barrel version of the Pontiac 301 V8 were carried over from the previous year as was the Chevy 305 V8 offered in California.
1979
A new crosshatch grille and revised taillight lenses were the only appearance changes made to the 1979 Grand Prix. The same models, base, LJ and SJ continued as before as did the basic engine lineup including the 231 cubic-inch Buick V6 standard on base and LJ models, the 135-horsepower 301 cubic-inch Pontiac V8 with two-barrel carburetor that was optional on both of those models, and the 150-horsepower 301 V8 with four-barrel carburetion that was standard on the SJ and optional on the other models. Transmissions remained the same as before with the three-speed manual standard with the V6 engine on the base model and automatic transmission optional. The automatic transmission was standard on LJ and SJ models and all models when a V8 engine was ordered. Again, the Pontiac V8s were not available in California, where they were replaced by Chevy 305s rated at 140 and 160 hp. A new and one-year-only option this year was a four-speed manual transmission available with the 301 four-barrel V8 on all models.
1978
1978 brought a downsizing of the Grand Prix and the other A-bodies. This version of the A-body also received some sheetmetal revisions in 1981. The 1978 GP was about a foot shorter and 600 pounds lighter than the 1977 model with an overall length of 200 inches and a 108-inch wheelbase.
For the first time in Grand Prix history, a V8 engine was not standard equipment. In order to meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) mandates set after 1973-74 energy crisis, a Buick-built 231 in³ V6 was standard equipment on the base model (formerly the Model J) and two versions of the Pontiac 301 in³ V8 (Chevy 305 V8 in California) were optional. The luxury LJ model came standard with the 135 hp 301 V8 with two-barrel carburetor while the sporty SJ was powered by a 150 hp 301 V8 with four-barrel carburetor. A floor-mounted three-speed manual transmission was standard equipment with the V6 on the base model and the three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic was optional. Turbo Hydra-Matic was standard on LJ and SJ models and base models with either of the optional V8 engines. Standard seating choices by model included a notchback bench seat with cloth or Morrokide vinyl in the base GP, a pillowed velour cloth notchback bench seat in the LJ or Strato bucket seats in cloth or Morrokide in the SJ. The Strato buckets were optional on the base GP and a 60/40 split bench was optional on both base and LJ models. Viscount leather upholstery was available with bucket seats on SJ models.
Steve McQueen's final film, The Hunter (1980), featured a 1979 Trans Am which was carjacked by a fleeing felon.
1977
Revised grille work with fewer vertical bars, a stand-up hood ornament and revised taillight lenses with "GP" logos highlighted the 1977 Grand Prix, which was the final year for the 1973-vintage bodyshell which was set to be replaced by a downsized GP for 1978. The same three models (J, LJ and SJ) were carried over with engine revisions. The base Model J got Pontiac's new 135 hp 301 in³ V8 as standard equipment, which was a bit too small and underpowered to propel a 4,000-pound car. Optional engines included a 160 hp 350 in³ V8 or 180 hp 400 in³ V8; those two engines standard on the LJ and SJ models, respectively.
Each of those engines were Pontiac-built units as in previous years, but offered in 49 of the 50 states. Due to the fact that Pontiac's own V8 engines could not meet the more stringent California emission standards set for 1977, all Grand Prixs (and other Pontiac models) sold in California were powered by Oldsmobile-built engines including Lansing's 350 in³ Rocket V8 for J and LJ, and the 403 in³ Rocket V8 standard on the SJ and optional on the other two GPs in California. Due to a shortage of Olds 350 engines resulting from record sales of Cutlasses and reduced production of that engine due to a plant conversion to build a Diesel V8 beginning in 1978, a few '77 Grand Prixs destined for California reportedly came off the line with a Chevrolet-built 350 in³ V8.
Grand Prix sales soared to an all-time high of over 270,000 units for 1977, the last year for this bodystyle, despite competition from a newly-downsized and lower-priced Ford Thunderbird introduced this year and a restyled Mercury Cougar XR-7 whose bodyshell switched to the T-Bird this year from the discontinued Ford Torino/Mercury Montego.
1970
Vertical grille inserts replacing the horizontal bars of the 1969, movement of "Grand Prix" nameplates from the lower cowls to the rear C-pillars and the vertical hashmarks from the C-pillars down to the lower cowls. The optional 428 in³ V8 rated at 370 and 390 hp in 1969 was replaced by a new 370 hp 455 in³ V8. Interior trim also received minor revisions, and a bench seat with center armrest returned as a no-cost option to the standard Strato bucket seats and console. Bench seat-equipped Grand Prixs got a steering column-mounted shifter with the automatic transmission along with a dashboard-mounted glovebox, replacing the console-mounted shifter and glovebox of bucket-seat cars. Power front disc brakes became standard equipment this year.
1969
For 1969, DeLorean's team introduced all-new Grand Prix based on a slightly stretched version of the intermediate GM A platform. This smaller, lighter car at last had its own body, and brought a new level style and luxury into the intermediate class. It also refocused attention on performance, with increased installation percentages for manual transmissions and engine options up to the 390 hp (290 kW) 428 HO. It was both a marketing and an engineering landmark, being hailed at the time as "an Eldorado for the masses" and also in retrospect as the first successful downsizing of an American car.
Inside, the 1969 Grand Prix featured a sporty and luxurious interior with a wraparound cockpit-style instrument panel that placed virtually all controls and gauges within easy reach of the driver. The "Strato" bucket seats were separated by a console slanted toward the driver which included the customary floor shifter, storage compartment and ashtray, integrated into the instrument panel. Upholstery choices included standard all-vinyl or cloth and vinyl or an extra-cost leather trim.
Innovations introduced on the 1969 Grand Prix included a concealed radio antenna, which amounted to two wires in the windshield; an optional built-in rear window defogger and side-impact beams inside the doors.
The 1969 Grand Prix also created a new market segment—the intermediate personal luxury car with sales ending up at over 112,000 units, well above the 32,000 full-sized Grand Prixs built in 1968. The similar Chevrolet Monte Carlo followed the next year. Ford and Chrysler responded by producing plusher versions of their Ford Torino and Dodge Charger intermediates, but both eventually created new models to enter the battle—the Ford Elite and Mercury Cougar XR-7 in 1974 and Chrysler Cordoba in 1975.
The basic 1969 bodyshell continued until the 1972 model year with a major facelift in 1971 but only minor detail revisions in 1970 and 1972.
1976
A new split vertical bar "waterfall" grille and quad
