The Grand Prix was already a classic contender in the sport sedan market and was one of the carmaker's best-selling products.
Pontiac was one of the most successful American car brands for decades. Models such as the Trans Am or the Grand Prix were on the sporty side of the brand. Starting with 1988, Pontiac installed the new front-wheel-drive W-Body 1st Gen platform shared with the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and the Chevrolet Lumina. Just two years after the car's launch, Pontiac introduced a refreshed version for the four-door sports sedan.
The design team made the car's front fascia with a tilted nose and narrow headlights. On the lower side of the bumper, Pontiac installed its specific split grille with a vertical slat in the middle. Its sides revealed a three-window profile with a large triangular glass area behind the rear doors. At the back, a flat trunk lid and corner-mounted taillights completed the car's sporty look.
Inside, Pontiac dropped the digital instrument panel and installed an analog one with two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, plus another four gauges for additional information. At the front, the Grand Prix featured two power-adjustable bucket seats.
Pontiac offered the four-door Grand Prix in two trim levels: LE or STE. The former was powered by a 2.3-liter inline-four, while the STE received a 140 hp 3.1-liter powerplant. Both versions sent their power to the ground via a four-speed automatic transmission.