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2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Pontiac Grand Prix Full Review
7.
8.
2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Review
These midsize sedans are slightly larger than Pontiac's G6 models. Grand Prix comes in three models. Base models have a 200-hp V6. GTs have a 260-hp supercharged V6. GXPs use a 303-hp V8 with GM's Active Fuel Management, which deactivates four cylinders while cruising to save fuel. All engines team with a 4-speed automatic transmission. GXP adds Pontiac's TAPshift steering wheel paddles for manual operation. All models come with OnStar assistance and 4-wheel disc brakes. GT and GXP add ABS and traction control, which are optional for the base model. Curtain side airbags are optional on GT and GXP. A navigation system is available.
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 Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Volkswagen Passat.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Volkswagen Passat.
News
Though Grand Prix plans seem to be in flux at the moment, a redesign is said to be slated for model-year 2008 or '09. The makeover may move this Pontiac to a new platform and back to rear-wheel drive, but that can't be confirmed. We may get a clearer picture at the January 2007 North American International Auto Show, where Pontiac is scheduled to show a concept car said to preview the next-generation Grand Prix.
2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (GXP) | Rear-seat comfort |
| Steering/handling | |
| Interior storage space | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
V6 provides ample power for everyday use, abetted by smooth, prompt automatic transmission. Supercharged version is muscular. No opportunity yet to time GXP, but V8 has ample around-town power, robust acceleration. TAPshift enhances performance more than many such systems, though the paddles are difficult to reach with thumbs.
| Base | GT | GXP | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 5.6 |
V6 provides ample power for everyday use, abetted by smooth, prompt automatic transmission. Supercharged version is muscular. No opportunity yet to time GXP, but V8 has ample around-town power, robust acceleration. TAPshift enhances performance more than many such systems, though the paddles are difficult to reach with thumbs.
Fuel Economy
Test V6s averaged 17.1-19.0 mpg. GXP averaged 15.3. Pontiac recommends premium-grade fuel for GT and GXP.
| Base | GT | GXP | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.2 |
Test V6s averaged 17.1-19.0 mpg. GXP averaged 15.3. Pontiac recommends premium-grade fuel for GT and GXP.
Ride Quality
Base comfortable on uneven pavement, but can be floaty at highway speeds. GT and GXP more stable, firm but not harsh over bumps.
| Base | GT | GXP | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Base comfortable on uneven pavement, but can be floaty at highway speeds. GT and GXP more stable, firm but not harsh over bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
All models composed, balanced. Steering firm and responsive, but wide turning circle hampers close-quarters maneuvering. Brakes on test cars felt numb, spongy, but stopped well.
| Base | GT | GXP | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.1 |
All models composed, balanced. Steering firm and responsive, but wide turning circle hampers close-quarters maneuvering. Brakes on test cars felt numb, spongy, but stopped well.
Quietness
Wind noise muted. GXP's low-profile tires slap on sharp pavement joints, but road rumble otherwise unobtrusive. V6s gruff in full-throttle acceleration. V8 much smoother, more refined.
| Base | GT | GXP | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.2 |
Wind noise muted. GXP's low-profile tires slap on sharp pavement joints, but road rumble otherwise unobtrusive. V6s gruff in full-throttle acceleration. V8 much smoother, more refined.
Controls
Large gauges, easy-to-use controls. Unlike many other General Motors cars, wipers get own stalk instead of sharing turn signal lever. Interior materials disappoint for the price, trail most rivals for feel and quality.
| Base | GT | GXP | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.8 |
Large gauges, easy-to-use controls. Unlike many other General Motors cars, wipers get own stalk instead of sharing turn signal lever. Interior materials disappoint for the price, trail most rivals for feel and quality.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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.
| Base | GT | GXP | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
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)
Fair leg room, but limited toe space. Seatback uncomfortably hard; low cushion provides little thigh support. Rear doors open unusually wide, easing entry/exit, but coupelike roofline means adults must duck getting in or out.
| Base | GT | GXP | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
Fair leg room, but limited toe space. Seatback uncomfortably hard; low cushion provides little thigh support. Rear doors open unusually wide, easing entry/exit, but coupelike roofline means adults must duck getting in or out.
Cargo Room
Trunk volume average for class, but available fold-flat right-front seatback and standard 60/40 split folding rear seat can expand load volume for objects up to 9.5 ft long. Wide-opening rear doors ease loading bulky items.
| Base | GT | GXP | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Trunk volume average for class, but available fold-flat right-front seatback and standard 60/40 split folding rear seat can expand load volume for objects up to 9.5 ft long. Wide-opening rear doors ease loading bulky items.
Value within Class
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.
| Base | GT | GXP | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 6.1 |
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.
Total Score
| Base | GT | GXP | Class Average |
| 58 | 57 | 58 | 58.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 44 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 70 |
2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/11/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 4-door sedan | $21,330 | $20,157 | $660 |
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| GT 4-door sedan | $24,330 | $22,992 | $660 |
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| GXP 4-door sedan | $27,330 | $25,827 | $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.
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, 225/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.
GT adds to Base:
Powertrain
3.8-liter supercharged V6 engine, 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 w/lumbar adjustment, remote engine start, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, 225/55HR17 tires.
GXP adds to GT:
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Uprated brakes, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Head-up instrument display.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 255/45R18 front tires, 225/50R18 rear tires, polished alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Pkg. PCM
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Base
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$965
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$801
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Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, fold-flat passenger seat, remote engine start, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, overhead console, chrome interior accents, cargo net.
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Premium Pkg. PCQ
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GT, GXP
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$1,015
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$842
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Leather/suede upholstery, heated front seats, fold-flat passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate controls.
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Security Pkg.
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Base
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$995
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$826
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Curtain side airbags, antilock brakes.
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Sport Pkg.
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Base
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$680
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$564
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Fog lights, stainless steel exhaust tips, polished alloy wheels.
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Custom Accessories Pkg.
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Base, GT
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$675
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$560
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Unique rear spoiler, grille inserts, stainless steel exhaust tips.
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Sun and Sound Pkg.
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Base, GT, GXP
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$1,590
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$1,320
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Power sunroof, Monsoon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
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Special Edition Pkg.
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Base, GT
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$1,995
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$1,656
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Body cladding grille inserts, chrome exhaust tips, unique alloy wheels, 225/55HR17 tires. NA w/Sport Pkg.
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Safety |
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Curtain side airbags
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GT, GXP
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$395
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$328
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Antilock brakes
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Base
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$600
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$498
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Includes traction control, tire-pressure monitor.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Base, GT, GXP
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$2,390
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$1,984
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Includes Monsoon AM/FM/CD player.
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AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
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Base, GT, GXP
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$150
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$125
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Satellite radio
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Base, GT, GXP
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$325
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$270
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Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.
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Remote starting prep
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Base
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$30
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$25
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Fold-flat passenger seat
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Base, GT, GXP
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$75
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$62
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Cargo mat
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Base, GT, GXP
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$50
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$42
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Floormats
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Base, GT, GXP
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$80
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$66
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Engine-block heater
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Base, GT, GXP
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$50
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$42
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Special paint
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Base, GT, GXP
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$295
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$245
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Stainless steel exhaust tips
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Base, GT
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$145
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$120
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Grille inserts
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Base, GT
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$150
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$125
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Unique rear spoiler
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Base, GT
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$380
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$315
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Polished alloy wheels
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Base, GT
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$495
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$411
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2006 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
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| 4-speed automatic | 20/30 | 18/28 | 18/28 |
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 | 5 |
| 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
Also in the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Pontiac Grand Prix Full Review
7.
8.
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