2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
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2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix ▼
- Price Range: $7,200 - $20,200
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Interior storage space
- Acceleration (GT, GPX)
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Rear-seat comfort
Vehicle Highlights
Freshened styling and more available power marked the 2004 revamp of Pontiac's midsize car. Grand Prix continued as a five-passenger 4-dr sedan with front-wheel drive and V6 power. Wheelbase was unchanged, but the new body was slightly longer. Rear leg room increased about a half inch, rear head room shrunk about the same. The lineup consisted of base GT1, better-equipped GT2, and top-line GTP models, the last highlighted by a new Competition Group performance option. GTs continued with a 200-hp V6. GTPs got a supercharged version with 260 hp, up 20 hp from last year. A 4-speed automatic remained the sole transmission, though the GTP's Comp G package featured Pontiac's new TAPshift that allows manual-shift control via paddles on the steering wheel. It also included a performance-tuned suspension and antiskid system. All models had 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS and traction control were optional on GT1, standard on other models. Interior revisions included new materials and a new dashboard. Curtain side airbags were optional on GT2 and GTP, unavailable on GT1. Front side airbags were not offered. OnStar assistance, head-up instrument display, and satellite radio were available.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Pontiac Grand Prix base sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 58 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Year to Year Changes
2005 Pontiac Grand Prix:
Pontiac shuffled trim levels, added a V8 engine, and made OnStar assistance standard for 2005. Base and GT replaced GT1 and GT2. The new GXP received a 303-hp V8, making it the most powerful front-wheel drive vehicle in North America.
2006 Pontiac Grand Prix:
The supercharged GTP model was dropped. The GT filled that vacancy, leaving only the base model offering the 200-hp V6.
2007 Pontiac Grand Prix:
Changes for 2007 included a standard power driver seat on all models. Leather/suede upholstery, heated front seats, and a fold-flat front passenger seat were now standard instead of optional on GXP.
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix:
The 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix lost a trim level and its supercharged engine. The mid-level GT trim with its supercharged engine was discontinued for 2008.
Our road test for the 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
V6 models provide ample power for everyday use. The supercharged version is muscular, as is the V8. GXP's TAPshift enhances performance more than similar systems, but the paddles are hard to reach with thumbs. Supercharged Grand Prixs GTs averaged 17.1-19.0 mpg in our tests. A GXP averaged 15.3. Pontiac recommends premium-grade fuel for these models, and 200-hp versions use regular. All Grand Prixs ride well. GT and GXP are the sportiest but never feel harsh. Base models are softer, with testers noting some float at highway speeds. Credit responsive steering and a wide front track for Grand Prix's composed, balanced handling. That wide track, though, contributes to a large turning radius, which hurts low-speed maneuverability. The brakes provide good stopping power despite numb pedal action. These sedans do a good job of quelling wind noise. The GXP's low-profile 18-inch tires slap on sharp pavement joints, but it compensates by offering a throaty but refined engine note. Grand Prix's interior pleases for its easy-to-use controls and ample front-seat leg room. That pleasure is quickly dulled by materials quality that trails rivals like the Honda Accord and even the upstart Hyundai Sonata. The rear seat also disappoints with its uncomfortably hard seatback and poor thigh support. Cargo space is about average for the class, but the available fold-flat front passenger seatback is helpful for hauling longer items.
Value for the Money
It trails our top-rated Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for interior quality, and rear-seat comfort is subpar. Still, Grand Prix appeals for its good performance, comfortable ride, cargo versatility, and plenty of features at competitive prices. The potent GXP is worth a look for shoppers who value power and expressive styling above all else.
It trails our top-rated Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for interior quality, and rear-seat comfort is subpar. Still, Grand Prix appeals for its good performance, comfortable ride, cargo versatility, and plenty of features at competitive prices. The potent GXP is worth a look for shoppers who value power and expressive styling above all else.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Pontiac Grand Prix base sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 58 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Pontiac Grand Prix includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Pontiac Grand Prix .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
Radio reception may be poor or have static because the rear window defogger may have invisible cracks in the grid lines. (2004-05)
Brakes:
The front brakes may get noisy in stop-and-go traffic because a film develops on the brake rotor. Redesigned brake pads eliminate the problem by continually scraping the film away. (2005)
Electrical problem:
The PCM was being replaced for a defective chip under a voluntary emissions recall because it affected the fuel pump and EGR system. (2005)
Electrical problem:
If the OnStar system quits or won't come on (no power), but comes back to life if the fuse is removed for five minutes, the vehicle communications interface module must be replaced or else the problem will recur. (2005-06)
Fuel gauge:
The engine may not start or may stall because the tank is empty yet the gauge shows fuel remaining, or the fuel gauge will not show full after refilling due to sulfur corrosion of the fuel level sender and if after treating with Fuel System Cleaner PLUS the problem remains, the sender may need to be replaced. (2004-06)
Fuel gauge:
Noises from the rear of the car when there is about a quarter-tank or less of gas are due to the fuel pump pulling in air and there is a redesigned pump to fix this. (2005)
Transmission problems:
Transmission (4T65-E) may lack reverse, may slip in reverse due to loose bolt in valve body, which must be retightened along with replacement of the channel plate gasket. (2003-04)
Water leak:
Water may leak from the A-pillar (between windshield and door) due to a seam that was not properly sealed or onto the floor from the fresh air intake grille (2005) or the water deflector under the cowl needs to be replaced with an improved component. (2004-05)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $600 |
| Alternator | $270 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,600 |
| Brakes | $325 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $830 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $930 |
| Exhaust System | $420 |
| Radiator | $190 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $720 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,340 |
Our price chart for this generation Pontiac Grand Prix details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Grand Prix | $14,000-16,000 | $12,700-14,600 | $8,500-9,800 |
| Grand Prix GXP | $19,700-22,000 | $18,100-20,200 | $12,800-14,300 |
| 2007 | |||
| Grand Prix | $12,000-13,800 | $10,800-12,400 | $6,700-7,700 |
| Grand Prix GXP | $17,300-18,800 | $15,900-17,300 | $11,100-12,000 |
| 2006 | |||
| Grand Prix | $10,500-12,000 | $9,500-10,800 | $5,600-6,400 |
| Grand Prix GXP | $15,000-16,300 | $13,700-14,800 | $9,500-10,300 |
| 2005 | |||
| Grand Prix | $9,200-10,500 | $8,300-9,500 | $4,800-5,500 |
| Grand Prix GTP | $11,000-12,000 | $9,900-10,800 | $5,900-6,500 |
| Grand Prix GXP | $13,800-15,000 | $12,600-13,700 | $8,300-9,000 |
| 2004 | |||
| Grand Prix GT | $8,000-9,200 | $7,200-8,300 | $4,100-4,700 |
| Grand Prix GTP | $9,800-10,800 | $8,800-9,700 | $5,100-5,600 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Pontiac Grand Prix include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 110.5 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 198.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.8 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3477 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.5 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.5 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
While model designations for Grand Prix may have changed, the powertrain options did not. Base models had a 200-hp, 3.8-liter V6. A 260-hp supercharged 3.8-liter V6 was standard on GTs. The top-line GXP had a 303-hp 5.3-liter V8. All Grand Prixs used a 4-speed automatic transmission. The mid-level GT trim with its supercharged engine was discontinued for 2008.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| Supercharged ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 260 | 280 | 4-speed automatic: 18/28 | 4-speed automatic: 17.1 |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 200 | 230 | 4-speed automatic: 20/30 | 4-speed automatic: 19 |
| ohv V8 | 5.3 / 325 | 303 | 323 | 4-speed automatic: 18/28 | 4-speed automatic: 15.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Pontiac Grand Prix include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2005 Grand Prix |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2004 Grand Prix:
Front frame rear body mount bracket may fracture, causing a loss of steering control. Dealers will inspect and replace the front frame, if necessary.
2004 Grand Prix:
Some vehicles may have accelerator pedal springs that could fail in cold-weather conditions, causing the engine to be slow when returning to idle. Dealer will replace accelerator pedal assembly.
2004 Grand Prix:
Some vehicles may have improper torque, reducing control of the vehicle. Dealers will inspect and repair.
2007:
The fuel tank is missing the adhesive layer that bonds the barrier layer to the outer shell of the fuel tank. With this condition, fuel and/or fuel vapors could seep out between the layers, increasing the risk of a fire. Dealers will inspect the serial number on the fuel tank and replace the fuel tank if necessary.
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