Pontiac Grand Prix Facts for Kids

The Pontiac Grand Prix was a cool American car made by General Motors under its Pontiac brand. It was first introduced in 1962 and was sold for many years until 2008. It was known for being a stylish and sometimes powerful car that changed a lot over its lifetime.

What Was the Pontiac Grand Prix?
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What Was the Pontiac Grand Prix?

The Pontiac Grand Prix was a type of car called a "personal luxury car" when it first came out. This meant it was designed to be fancy and comfortable, often with a powerful engine, but still easy for one or two people to drive. Over the years, it changed quite a bit, becoming a mid-size car and even a sporty sedan.

Early Years: 1960s Style

When the Grand Prix first appeared in 1962, it was a large, stylish car. It had a sleek design and was known for its powerful engines. These early models were popular because they looked good and offered a smooth ride. People often bought them for their sporty feel and comfortable interior.

Changes in the 1970s

In the 1970s, the Grand Prix grew even larger for a while. However, as gas prices started to go up, cars began to shrink. The Grand Prix also became a bit smaller and more focused on being a comfortable ride rather than just a powerful one. It still kept its unique style, though.

The 1980s and 1990s

By the 1980s, the Grand Prix became a mid-size car. It was redesigned to be more fuel-efficient and practical for everyday driving. In the late 1980s and 1990s, it became a popular front-wheel-drive car, available as both a coupe (two-door) and a sedan (four-door). These models were known for being reliable and offering a good balance of comfort and performance.

Final Years: 2000s

In its last years, from 2004 to 2008, the Pontiac Grand Prix was mostly sold as a four-door sedan. It continued to be a popular choice for families and people looking for a dependable car. Some versions even had powerful engines for those who wanted a sportier feel. The production of the Grand Prix ended in 2008, marking the end of a long and interesting history for this American car.

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A 1985 Pontiac Grand Prix
1988-1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
1962 Pontiac Grand Prix
1963 Pontiac Grand Prix Sports Coupe
1964 Pontiac Grand Prix
1965 Pontiac Grand Prix
1966 Pontiac Grand Prix Hardtop Coupe
1967 Pontiac Grand Prix on display at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History
1968 Pontiac Grand Prix Hardtop Coupe
1969 Pontiac Grand Prix with SJ option pack. The rear end was much more subtle than the aggressive front
1970 Pontiac Grand Prix with SJ option
1971 and 1972 Grand Prix came with single round headlights
1973 Pontiac Grand Prix
1974 Pontiac Grand Prix Model SJ
1975 Pontiac Grand Prix
1976 Pontiac Grand Prix LJ Golden Anniversary Edition
1977 Pontiac Grand Prix
1985 Pontiac Grand Prix LE coupe
Rear view of 1986 Grand Prix 2+2
This special 1988 Grand Prix was an experimental turbocharged model. Production models were produced for the 1989 and 1990 model year. The car seen here was raced at Pike's Peak.
1989 Pontiac Grand Prix SE
Pontiac Grand Prix sedan
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix SE Sedan
Pontiac Grand Prix GT coupe
Grand Prix Sedan (1997-2003) Rear View
Pontiac supplied Grand Prix sheetmetal and engine parts to Petty Enterprises for years to field their #43 race car and this car was driven by John Andretti at the 1998 Pocono 500.
2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
Pontiac Grand Prix 2004-2008 rear view

Pontiac Grand Prix facts for kids

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