First introduced as part of Pontiac's full-size range offering for the 1962 model year, the Grand Prix also made its mark early on as a personal luxury car and mid-size offering that fits below the large Bonneville in the company's lineup. As of mid-model year 2006, the Grand Prix is Pontiac's largest vehicle in production, succeeding the recently cancelled Bonneville program.
1997
In 1997, the W-bodies got a major revamp. The first restart of the Grand Prix was built on August 12, 1996 and was highly promoted for its "wide track" appearance. Three trim levels were on offer in 1997; the SE, GT, and GTP. A supercharger was included in the GTP, which upped the power to 240 hp. The Grand Prix was built at the Fairfax assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas till 2003 after which its production was shifted to the Oshawa plant in Canada. The Fairfax factory then retooled to produce the current Chevrolet Malibu. The last Grand Prix coupe rolled off the production line on July 19, 2002, and the coupe model was superseded by the Pontiac GTO for 2004.
2004
The Grand Prix had a 2004 upgrade and was based on a revised version of the GM W platform. In 2005, the higher-end GXP trim became the Bonneville's replacement. The first 2004 Grand Prix was built on May 5, 2003. Notably, the 2005 line also boasted the GXP's small-block 5.3 L V8, marking the first time the Grand Prix had a V8 engine since 1987. The Oshawa plant that produces the car is scheduled to close in 2008 and it is speculated that the Grand Prix may be discontinued for 2009, with the Zeta-based G8 taking its place.
2005
The Grand Prix remained basically the same from 2004. It featured the Base coupe, the GT, GTP, and the GXP trim levels. 2005 was the last year for the GTP. In 2006, the GT had the Supercharged 3800 Series III engine. The GT was equipped with the 3800 Series III powerhouse which underwent intake and head design improvements as well as the inclusion of an electronic throttle body. The GXP comprised the LS4 V8, a 5.3 litre Displacement On Demand engine based off the LS1 block. It had a shortened crankshaft and various other modifications to make it fit a FWD vehicle. The GXP also featured TAPshift, a Formula One technology that gave the driver semi-manual gear control. The engine had 303 bhp and 323 ft·lbf of Torque.
2006
Little changed in the 2006 Grand Prix models. It included the Grand Prix with its 3800 Series III V6 engine, the GT with the 3800 Series III Supercharged V6 motor, and the GXP with LS4 V8. 2007 is speculated to be the final year of the Grand Prix's exceptionally long run. Many fans of the car are disheartened by the concept but the hope of Pontiac replacing it with a car that can help them attain a turning point keeps them optimistic.
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