Pontiac Grand Prix V (W-body) gallery (1988–1996)

The fifth generation shifted to front-wheel drive on the W-body platform and introduced a sedan body style for the first time.

All photos 14 I 1 1962–1968 II (G-body) 0 1968–1972 III (A-body) 0 1972–1977 IV (G-body) 0 1978–1987 V (W-body) 0 1988–1996 VI (W-body) 13 1996–2003 VII (W-body) 0 2004–2008

The fifth-generation Pontiac Grand Prix, introduced for the 1988 model year, marked a radical departure by transitioning to General Motors' front-wheel-drive W-body platform. Initially offered solely as a sleek coupe, the lineup expanded to include a spacious four-door sedan variant starting in 1990. The exterior embraced a wedge-like profile with flush glass, aggressive ground effects, and pop-up or composite headlights depending on the trim level. Mechanical motivation was provided by a selection of inline-four and V6 gasoline engines, highlighted by the high-output 3.4-liter DOHC V6 and the limited-production turbocharged V6 developed with McLaren, paired with manual or automatic gearboxes. Inside, the car featured a cockpit-style dashboard with analog gauges and advanced electronic control modules. Throughout its 1988-1996 production cycle, the Grand Prix received major interior and exterior overhauls, including a heavily redesigned dashboard and smoothed exterior body panels. Primarily marketed in the US and Canada, it served as a cornerstone of Pontiac's performance image.