2005 Pontiac Grand Prix Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Standard OnStar assistance, optional remote starting, and midyear introduction of a V8 model are among 2005 Grand Prix highlights. Base and GT models have a 200-hp V6. The GTP has a 260-hp supercharged V6. The new-for-'05 GXP has a 303-hp V8. The V8 has GM's Displacement on Demand system, which deactivates four cylinders under light throttle conditions to save fuel. A 4-speed automatic is Grand Prix's sole transmission. Steering-wheel paddles for manual shifting--Pontiac's TAPshift feature--are standard on GXP. TAPshift is available on GTPs as part of the Sport Package. An antiskid system is also part of the Sport Package and is standard on GXP. All models have 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS and traction control are optional for the base Grand Prix, standard otherwise. Base and GT have 16-inch wheels, the GTP has 17s, the GXP has 18s and uprated brakes. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are available for all but the base; torso side airbags are not offered. The remote starting system operates from the keyfob and is joined as a new option by a navigation system. A CD/MP3 stereo is also newly available, and all models gain rear-seat cupholders as well as standard OnStar. Satellite radio and a head-up instrument display are also optional.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include the Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.

News

Grand Prix's next redesign isn't slated until at least model-year 2008, say our sources, but that's all they have to say at the moment.

2005 Pontiac Grand Prix Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (GTP)	Rear-seat comfort

Steering/handling

Interior storage space

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

GT	GTP w/Sport Package	GXP	Class Average
6	7	7	5.3

Base V6 provides plenty of power for everyday use. Supercharged version is muscular: Pontiac claims 6.5 sec 0-60 mph. GXP feels stronger still. Smooth transmission kicks down quickly for passing. TAPshift's paddles hard to reach, but provide prompt upshifts and downshifts, afford more manual control than most such systems.

Fuel Economy

GT	GTP w/Sport Package	GXP	Class Average
5	4	4	5.2

Test GTP averaged 17.1 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. Expect about 2 mpg better with base V6. No opportunity to measure with GXP. Pontiac recommends premium-grade fuel for GTP and GXP.

Ride Quality

GT	GTP w/Sport Package	GXP	Class Average
7	6	6	6.1

Comfortable on uneven pavement, but can be floaty at highway speeds. GTP and GXP more stable, being firm but not harsh over bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

GT	GTP w/Sport Package	GXP	Class Average
7	7	8	6.1

All models composed, balanced. GXP's performance tires help give it sharp moves, good grip in turns. GXP suffers from annoying torque steer--unwanted pulling to one side in brisk acceleration. Steering on all firm and responsive, but wide turning circle hampers close-quarters maneuvering. Brakes on test cars felt numb, spongy, but stopped well.

Quietness

GT	GTP w/Sport Package	GXP	Class Average
7	6	6	6

Wind noise muted. Low-profile tires on GTP/GXP slap on sharp pavement joints, but road rumble otherwise unobtrusive. V6 gruff in full-throttle acceleration; V8 much smoother.

Controls

GT	GTP w/Sport Package	GXP	Class Average
5	5	5	6.6

Large gauges, easy-to-use controls. Unlike many other General Motors cars, wipers get own stalk instead of sharing turn-signal lever.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

GT	GTP w/Sport Package	GXP	Class Average
7	7	7	6.3

Ample leg room, but no excess of head room, particularly with sunroof. Good side-bolster support in turns. Some testers say long-trip comfort compromised by too-firm seatbacks. Thick windshield-pillar bases hamper outward vision.

Room/Comfort (rear)

GT	GTP w/Sport Package	GXP	Class Average
3	3	3	4.7

Fair leg room but limited toe space. Seatback uncomfortably hard, and low cushion provides little thigh support. Rear doors open unusually wide, easing entry/exit, but low coupe-style roofline means passengers must duck getting in or out.

Cargo Room

GT	GTP w/Sport Package	GXP	Class Average
5	5	5	4.5

Trunk volume average for class. But available fold-flat front-passenger seat coupled with standard 60/40 split folding rear seatback expands load volume and accommodates objects up to 9.5-ft long. Wide-opening rear doors ease loading bulky items.

Value within Class

GT	GTP w/Sport Package	GXP	Class Average
6	5	5	5.7

It trails our top-rated Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in quality of interior materials, and rear-seat comfort is substandard. But the competitively priced Grand Prix delivers good performance, a comfortable ride, cargo versatility, and plenty of features.

Total Score

GT	GTP w/Sport Package	GXP	Class Average
58	55	56	56.5

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		45
Average Score		56
High Score		71

2005 Pontiac Grand Prix Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/17/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$23,060	$21,099	$660

GT 4-door sedan	$24,960	$22,838	$660

GTP 4-door sedan	$26,730	$24,458	$660

GXP 4-door sedan	$29,335	$26,842	$660

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

3.8-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, fog lights, 225/60R16 tires, wheel covers.

GT adds to Base:

Powertrain

Traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 6-way power driver seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

GTP adds to GT:

Powertrain

3.8-liter supercharged V6 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Driver-seat power lumbar adjustment, AM/FM/CD player.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

225/55HR17 tires.

GXP adds to GTP:

Powertrain

5.3-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Safety

Uprated brakes, antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Head-up instrument display, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, sport suspension, 255/45R18 front tires, 225/50R18 rear tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Sport Pkg.
GTP	$1,320	$1,175
Antiskid system, upgraded variable-assist power steering, manual-shift capability, head-up instrument display, trip computer.

Driver's Plus Pkg. PCM
Base	$1,250	$1,113
6-way power driver seat, floormats, polished alloy wheels.

Leather Trim Pkg.
GT	$795	$708
GTP, GXP	$665	$592
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat power lumbar adjustment (GT).

Comfort and Info Pkg. PDE
GT, GTP	$550	$490
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, trip computer.

Comfort and Infotech Pkg. PDF
GT, GTP	$875	$779
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, head-up instrument display, trip computer.

Premium Audio Pkg.
GT, GTP, GXP	$695	$619
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, Monsoon sound system.

Custom Accessories Pkg.
GT, GTP	$675	$601
Unique rear spoiler, grille inserts, stainless-steel exhaust tips.

Safety
Curtain side airbags
GT, GTP, GXP	$395	$352


Antilock brakes
Base	$600	$534
Includes traction control, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
GT, GTP, GXP	$895	$797


Navigation system
GT, GTP, GXP	$2,390	$2,127
Includes Monsoon sound system. NA w/Premium Audio Pkg.

Dual-zone automatic climate controls
GTP, GXP	$275	$245


AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
GTP	$150	$134


Satellite radio
GT, GTP, GXP	$325	$289
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.

Driver-seat power lumbar adjustment
GT	$130	$116


Remote starting
Base, GT, GTP, GXP	$150	$133


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
Base, GT, GTP, GXP	$35	$31


Stainless steel exhaust tips
GT, GTP	$145	$129


Grille inserts
Base, GT, GTP	$150	$134
NA GXP.

Unique rear spoiler
Base, GT, GTP	$380	$338
NA GXP.

Alloy wheels
Base	$350	$312


Polished alloy wheels
GT, GTP	$495	$440
GTP w/Comp. Group	$275	$245

2005 Pontiac Grand Prix Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Pontiac Grand Prix 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.

Engines

	ohv V6	Supercharged ohv V6	ohv V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.8 /231	3.8 /231	5.3 /325

Horsepower @ rpm.	200 @ 5200	260 @ 5400	303 @ 5600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	230 @ 4000	280 @ 3600	323 @ 4400

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	20/30	19/28	18/27

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Pontiac Grand Prix 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	3

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	3

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	3

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Canada

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix Photos

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Pontiac Grand Prix Specs & Safety

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