The 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix is part of an endangered species: Mid-2000’s full-size cars. Around this time SUVs, full-size pickups, and minivans dominated the highways. The 2004 Grand Prix is a throwback to the days of spacious bench seats and powerful V6 engines.
Is the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – If you’re after a powerful full-size, the kind of car you might remember your grandpa driving, the Grand Prix is one of the more versatile examples on the market.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – It’s a full-size with reliable suspension, so it’s pretty comfortable, but you’ve got to dock one point for the relatively narrow back seat, and then add one back for the fold-down passenger seat.
- Reliability 7/10 – It’ll probably pass 200,000 miles with no problem, but once it gets there, you can expect a catastrophic breakdown before you reach 275,000.
- Safety 7/10 – Safety tech is very good for 2004, which is to say, dated by modern standards.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Grading on a curve, the Grand Prix can get up to 30 miles to the gallon on the highway, which is really good for a twenty year old full-size.
- Value 7/10 – Cost of ownership is relatively low and so is the sticker price. But do you really want to spend four thousand dollars on something that probably won’t go another 100,000 miles?
What Do Critics Say About the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix?
Consumer Reports found the 2004 Grand Prix to be overwhelmingly mediocre. They note that it’s big on the outside, but cramped on the inside with poor visibility. They considered the ride to be stiff and uncomfortable and found the turning to be clumsy and broad.
Kelley Blue Book users were considerably kinder to the 2004 Grand Prix, giving it a strong 95% recommendation. Drivers praised the car’s longevity, smooth ride, and attractive exterior design.
Edmunds were impressed by the Grand Prix’s supercharged V6 and numble handling, as well as the spacious trunk and fold-flat passenger seat. They felt the overall build was a bit cheap, though, and that it could use more cupholders, pockets and slots for storage in the cabin.
What Common Problems Does the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Have?
Engine issues make up around one in five of the Grand Prix’s 453 complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Oil leaks are a leading issue for Grand Prix drivers, but it should be noted that many of these complaints are registered after the car has passed 200,000 miles.
There are 60 complaints on file for steering issues, with drivers reporting that they did not receive a notice for a 2009 recall addressing broken steering knuckles, resulting in major long term damages.
Electrical issues make up more than 100 complaints, with one driver reporting that the fuse box in their car simply lit up and set the car ablaze. This after years of driving the car with no major issues whatsoever.
The 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix has 9 recalls and 453 complaints on file with the NHTSA. Most of the issues affecting the vehicle come down to simple wear and tear. After 200,000 miles on the road, any car is likely to have a few problems with the engine and transmission.
How Long Will the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Last?
A 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix can last as long as 250,000 miles, with some drivers reporting higher numbers. But, major mechanical issues will probably start somewhere in the 220,000 range, at which point it may be time to start shopping for a replacement.
RepairPal report a typical annual maintenance cost of $462, with the most expensive common fix being a new engine oil pan starting at around $794.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix is pretty good given the car’s age. You’ve got a CD player with a programmable equalizer and a driver information center. Nothing too cutting edge, but decent for 2004.
Safety technology is, likewise, good for 2004. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and full airbags are available in the higher trims. It may seem dated twenty years later, but it’s not bad for the model year.
Is the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix a Good Value?
The 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix is a fair value. The entry level GT typically lists at around $3,860, while the high-end GTP lists in the area of $4,924. For a sporty full-size car, that’s not bad. Cost of ownership isn’t bad either, averaging 20/30 miles to the gallon with major repairs being few and far between.
It’s not the most cost-effective used vehicle on the market, but, if you’re buying a Grand Prix in the first place you’re probably prepared to spend a little more than you would on a comparable compact or a Toyota. Grand Prix drivers simply like the look and feel of a Grand Prix.
What are the Different Models of the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix?
The 2004 Grand Prix is available in three different trims, from the entry level GT1 to the high-end GTP.
The base GT1 starts you off with:
- Driver information center
- Cruise control
- Remote keyless entry
- CD player with six speakers
- Manual air conditioning
The mid-range GT2 adds:
- Traction control
- 6-way power driver seat
With the top-of-the-line GTP you’re getting:
- 3.8L Supercharged
- V6 engine Driver lumbar support
What Engines Come In the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix?
- The base engine in the 2004 Grand Prix, found in the GT1 and GT2 models, is a 3.8L V6 delivering 200 horsepower and 230 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is configured in front wheel drive and paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission and it averages 20/30 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
- With the GTP model you get a Supercharged version of the 3.8L V6, delivering 255 horsepower, 280 lb.-ft. of torque, and averaging 18/28 miles to the gallon. The GTP can go zero to sixty in just 6.5 seconds.
What Colors Does the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix?
The inside of the 2004 Grand Prix is a bit on the small side for a full-size car. You’ve got 54.3 inches of hip room in the back, which isn’t bad, but it’s on the lower end of what you could consider “full size.” On the other hand, the front seats are pretty comfortable and most reviewers report that the ride is smooth.
In twenty years, there have been just 15 suspension complaints registered with the NHTSA, meaning that the shocks and struts have held up pretty well over the years.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Have?
You should have no problem storing whatever you need to store in a Grand Prix. You’ve got 16 cubic feet of space in the trunk, and if you fold the seats down, including the front passenger seat, you can pack up to 57 cubic feet of cargo.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix was the first model year in the nameplate’s 8th Generation, running from 2004 to 2008, when the car was retired.
2002: No major changes were made to the Grand Prix in 2002, but Pontiac did offer a special edition 40th Anniversary NASCAR inspired trim.
2003: Pontiac dropped the coupe, making the Grand Prix a sedan exclusive.
2004: The 2004 Grand Prix debuted with a brand new Series III 3.8L V6 engine and a brand new chassis courtesy of the GM W platform.
2005: There were no major changes for 2005 other than a sporty Comp-G package.
2006: 2006 saw the addition of the GXP trim.
2007: For 2007 the GXP trim received a V8 engine and heated leather seats.
How Does the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Compare to the Competition?
2004 was the era of the SUV and the minivan, so there weren’t a whole lot of full-size sedans on the market. But the 2004 Lincoln Town Car provides some stiff competition to the Grand Prix, with a powerful V8 engine under the hood and 8-way power seats in the entry level model. The question is whether that’s worth an extra $1,500.
The 2004 Buick LeSabre offers a wide range of engines, comparable to the Pontiac’s lineup, and typically sells in the same price range as the Grand Prix. You’re basically splitting hairs here. If you don’t have a preference, test drive them both and see which one you prefer.
A 2004 Grand Prix might not be the most practical option on the market if you’re looking for a reliable, cost-effective daily-driver. But, if you want to buy yourself a little bit of old school luxury without breaking the bank, it’s not a bad choice.
