Review Car

Pontiac Grand Prix

Pontiac was once owned by General Motors, and was quite a successful brand. However, in the recent economic hard times the brand was discontinued. But, while it was still in operation, the brand produced some excellent cars that are still highly sought after, including the Pontiac Grand Prix. The Grand Prix was first offered in 1962, as part of the luxury line that Pontiac was offering the public. In the line of size, the Grand Prix was slightly smaller than the Bonneville, which appealed to many more consumers. During the first generation of the Grand Prix, the car was considered a sports car in most senses. It was equipped with Super Duty 421 power train that was installed in the factory in most models during 1962 and 1963. However, not all cars received this power train, which means that those that did are sought after commodities. 

Engine wise during the first generation the Grand Prix was fitted with the same engine as the Bonneville. This meant that performance wise the two cars ranged the same. However, since the Grand Prix was much smaller than the Bonneville, the car had a tendency to perform better in the long run since the body of the Grand Prix weighed less. 

Up until 1965, the Grand Prix never really had any cosmetic changes. However, that all changed in 1965, when Pontiac redesigned the majority of their cars, including the Grand Prix. The cars of the time were displaying more of the Coke bottle appearance, which the Grand Prix followed suit with. The interior was also redesigned and featured more trim on the interior to give off a sleeker and classier appearance. There were many more options that consumers were given with the new Grand Prix's when compared with the past two years, including the option of air conditioning, which was a huge aspect for many consumers. The 1966 edition followed suit with the 1965 edition of the Grand Prix. 

During 1967, Grand Prix did a few cosmetic changes, however nothing to significant. The most significant aspect of this year was that Pontiac introduced the convertible Grand Prix. This was the only year in which the convertible was offered, because mainly the public did not receive the concept too highly, so it was literally a loss for Grand Prix thus they discontinued it. 

1968 was the final year in the first generation of Grand Prix's. This year saw a few changes to the body, but not many. There was literally no change to the interior during this time. However, the following year would begin the second generation in which Pontiac would display a completely new redesigned Grand Prix. 

The new Grand Prix released during 1969 was based on an entirely new body type, dubbed the G-body. The car had a 118 inch wheelbase. The most dominant feature on the Grand Prix during the second generation was the long hood. This was also the time in which the Grand Prix had its own look, instead of being based off of another car offered by Pontiac. This was probably due to the popularity that the Grand Prix was getting from the consumer market and the want for something completely unique instead of based off of the Bonneville. 

The newest edition of the Grand Prix in the second generation, not only focused on new looks, but the company also focused on the performance aspect of the Grand Prix. The company offered two choices of engines, transmissions that were geared to be better performers, and basically made the car one of those that collectors still want today. 

Through the rest of the generations, Pontiac did change the Grand Prix to meet the ideas and wants of the time. However, they also stayed true to keeping the car one of the best performing cars in all of the automotive industry. The last Pontiac Grand Prix rolled out in 2008. Over the years, the Grand Prix became available in a two door and a four door version to satisfy both those that wanted a performance car, and those that wanted a car that they could use with their family. 

By 2008, Pontiac had decided to replace the Grand Prix with the G8, which only lasted a year afterwards. No one really knows why Pontiac decided to replace the brand; however, it may be in order to appeal to a different crowd who wanted more updated cars, something that the Grand Prix could not compete with. 

There are still many Grand Prix's on the road today, and they are still a highly desired car by many of those die hard Pontiac fans.