diff --git a/subcmds/grep.py b/subcmds/grep.py
index 950cc155b..4f7142716 100644
--- a/subcmds/grep.py
+++ b/subcmds/grep.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ import sys
 from optparse import SUPPRESS_HELP
 from color import Coloring
 from command import PagedCommand
-from git_command import GitCommand
+from git_command import git_require, GitCommand
 
 class GrepColoring(Coloring):
   def __init__(self, config):
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ contain a line that matches both expressions:
     out = GrepColoring(self.manifest.manifestProject.config)
 
     cmd_argv = ['grep']
-    if out.is_on:
+    if out.is_on and git_require((1,6,3)):
       cmd_argv.append('--color')
     cmd_argv.extend(getattr(opt,'cmd_argv',[]))