Pontiac Grand Prix (6th generation)
The MotorTrend Car of the Year that brought Pontiac into the front-wheel-drive era.
- Power
- 140 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.5 s
- Top speed
- 118 mph
- Est. value
- $3k–$9k
About the Pontiac Grand Prix
The sixth-generation Pontiac Grand Prix marked a radical departure for the nameplate, transitioning from a rear-wheel-drive personal luxury car to a modern, front-wheel-drive W-body platform. Launched for the 1988 model year, it was immediately recognised for its aerodynamic styling and driver-centric interior, earning MotorTrend's Car of the Year award. While the 2.8-litre V6 was the initial standard, the 3.1-litre variant (introduced mid-1989) became the definitive engine for the early sixth-gen models, offering improved refinement and torque. Today, it is remembered as the car that defined Pontiac's 'Excitement' branding for the 1990s, though clean examples are increasingly rare due to their high-volume, daily-driver origins.
Pontiac Grand Prix specs
The Pontiac Grand Prix produces 140 bhp (104 kW) and 251 Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 9.5 seconds and has a top speed of 118 mph (190 km/h).
| Make | Pontiac |
|---|---|
| Model | Grand Prix |
| Generation | Sixth Generation (6th generation) |
| Trim | 3.1 |
| Years | 1988–1996 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United States |
| Original price | About $14,000 when new |
| Engine | 3.1-litre V6 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,135 cc (3.1 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 140 bhp (104 kW) at 4,800 rpm |
| Torque | 251 Nm (185 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 9.5 s |
| Top speed | 118 mph (190 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,507 kg (3,322 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 93 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Pontiac Grand Prix worth?
A typical Pontiac Grand Prix is estimated to be worth $2,500 – $8,500 (about £1,900 – £6,300).
Its original price when new was about $14,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Pontiac Grand Prix rarity in CarSpot
The Pontiac Grand Prix is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 9 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Pontiac Grand Prix fun facts
- The 1988 Grand Prix was the first car to feature a glovebox with a combination lock instead of a traditional key.
- It was the first production car to offer a Head-Up Display (HUD), a technology derived from fighter jets, which became a Pontiac staple.
- The sixth-generation design was so aerodynamic for its time that it achieved a drag coefficient of just 0.29.
