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2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Full Review
Date Published: 5/06/08
Also in the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Pontiac Grand Prix Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Review
The 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix loses a trim level and its supercharged engine. This is the larger of Pontiac's two midsize sedans. Grand Prix seats five and comes in base and high-performance GXP trims. Base models have a 200-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine, and GXPs use a 303-hp 5.3-liter V8. The mid-level GT trim with its supercharged engine has been discontinued. Base and GXP have a 4-speed automatic transmission. The V8 has GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation system. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. The 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix is available with a navigation system and leather upholstery.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.
News
Our moles say Grand Prix goes away after 2008.
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2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (GXP) | Rear-seat comfort |
| Steering/handling | |
| Interior storage space | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
The base model's V6 provides ample power for everyday use. Though many rivals offer automatic transmissions with 5 or 6 speeds, Grand Prix's 4-speed is smooth and prompt. GXPs are muscular. Pontiac's claim of 5.6 seconds 0-60 mph feels about right. Channeling 303 hp through the GXP's front wheels causes some torque steer, despite Pontiac's efforts to quell it by giving this model sport suspension and tires that are wider in front than in the rear.
| Base | GXP | Class Average |
| 6 | 8 | 5.6 |
The base model's V6 provides ample power for everyday use. Though many rivals offer automatic transmissions with 5 or 6 speeds, Grand Prix's 4-speed is smooth and prompt. GXPs are muscular. Pontiac's claim of 5.6 seconds 0-60 mph feels about right. Channeling 303 hp through the GXP's front wheels causes some torque steer, despite Pontiac's efforts to quell it by giving this model sport suspension and tires that are wider in front than in the rear.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, base models averaged 17.1-19.0 mpg. A GXP averaged 17.0. Base versions use regular-grade gas. Pontiac recommends premium for the GXP.
| Base | GXP | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 5.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, base models averaged 17.1-19.0 mpg. A GXP averaged 17.0. Base versions use regular-grade gas. Pontiac recommends premium for the GXP.
Ride Quality
Base Grand Prixes are comfortable on uneven pavement but can be floaty at highway speeds. GXP is more stable and firm over bumps but is never harsh.
| Base | GXP | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6 |
Base Grand Prixes are comfortable on uneven pavement but can be floaty at highway speeds. GXP is more stable and firm over bumps but is never harsh.
Steering/Handling/Braking
All models are composed and balanced for their size. The steering feels firm and responsive, but Grand Prix's wide turning circle hampers close-quarters maneuvering. Brakes on test cars provided adequate control, despite a numb and mushy pedal.
| Base | GXP | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6 |
All models are composed and balanced for their size. The steering feels firm and responsive, but Grand Prix's wide turning circle hampers close-quarters maneuvering. Brakes on test cars provided adequate control, despite a numb and mushy pedal.
Quietness
Wind noise is kept in check. GXP's low-profile tires slap on sharp pavement joints, but road rumble is otherwise unobtrusive. The V6 sounds gruff in full-throttle acceleration. The V8 is much smoother and more refined.
| Base | GXP | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6 |
Wind noise is kept in check. GXP's low-profile tires slap on sharp pavement joints, but road rumble is otherwise unobtrusive. The V6 sounds gruff in full-throttle acceleration. The V8 is much smoother and more refined.
Controls
Grand Prix has large gauges and easy-to-use controls.
| Base | GXP | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Grand Prix has large gauges and easy-to-use controls.
Details
Interior materials disappoint for the price, with an array of hard, cheap-looking plastic.
| Base | GXP | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 5.5 |
Interior materials disappoint for the price, with an array of hard, cheap-looking plastic.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
There's ample legroom up front, but no excess of headroom, particularly with the available sunroof. The seats provide good side support in turns. Some of our testers say long-trip comfort is compromised by seatbacks that are too firm. Thick windshield pillar bases hamper outward vision.
| Base | GXP | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
There's ample legroom up front, but no excess of headroom, particularly with the available sunroof. The seats provide good side support in turns. Some of our testers say long-trip comfort is compromised by seatbacks that are too firm. Thick windshield pillar bases hamper outward vision.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Rear seat comfort is disappointing for a vehicle this size. There's fair legroom, but limited foot space. The seatback is uncomfortably hard, and a low cushion provides little thigh support. Wide-opening rear doors ease entry and exit, but a low roofline means adults must duck for their heads to clear.
| Base | GXP | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 5.1 |
Rear seat comfort is disappointing for a vehicle this size. There's fair legroom, but limited foot space. The seatback is uncomfortably hard, and a low cushion provides little thigh support. Wide-opening rear doors ease entry and exit, but a low roofline means adults must duck for their heads to clear.
Cargo Room
Trunk volume is average for the class, but Grand Prix's 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. Interior storage is unexceptional.
| Base | GXP | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Trunk volume is average for the class, but Grand Prix's 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. Interior storage is unexceptional.
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 put a premium on power and expressive styling.
| Base | GXP | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
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 put a premium on power and expressive styling.
Total Score
| Base | GXP | Class Average |
| 60 | 60 | 63.1 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 74 |
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2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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|
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| Base 4-door sedan | $22,210 | $20,988 | $750 |
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| GXP 4-door sedan | $29,325 | $27,712 | $750 |
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
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
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|
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| Grand Prix | $2000 cash back or 2.9%-5.9% financing. | Customer | 06/02/08 |
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, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, 225/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.
GXP adds to Base:
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, leather/suede upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, fold-flat passenger seat, Monsoon sound system, head-up instrument display, trip computer, remote engine start, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, sport suspension, 255/45R18 front tires, 225/50R18 rear tires, polished alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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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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Base
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$940
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$780
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats, fold-flat passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate controls. Requires Preferred Pkg. PCM.
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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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Traction control, 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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Dual exhaust system, fog lights, polished alloy wheels.
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Custom Accessories Pkg.
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Base
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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
|
$1,590
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$1,320
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GXP
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$1,195
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$992
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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
|
$1,995
|
$1,656
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Dual exhaust system w/chrome tips, body cladding, color-keyed grille, 225/55HR17 tires.
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Safety |
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Curtain side airbags
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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.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Base
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$2,540
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$2,108
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GXP
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$2,145
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$1,780
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Base/GXP ordered w/Sun and Sound Pkg.
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$1,845
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$1,531
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Includes Monsoon AM/FM/CD player.
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AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
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Base, GXP
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$150
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$125
|
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Satellite radio
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Base, GXP
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$200
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$166
|
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Extended remote keyless entry
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Base
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$30
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$25
|
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NA w/Preferred Pkg.
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Power sunroof
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Base, GXP
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$895
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$743
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Fold-flat passenger seat
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Base
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$75
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$62
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Cargo mat
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Base, GXP
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$50
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$42
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Floormats
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Base, 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, GXP
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$75
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$62
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Special paint
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Base, GXP
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$295
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$245
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Stainless steel exhaust tips
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Base
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$145
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$120
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Requires Sport Pkg.
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Grille inserts
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Base
|
$150
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$125
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Unique rear spoiler
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Base
|
$380
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$315
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Polished alloy wheels
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Base
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$495
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$411
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Chrome alloy wheels
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Base
|
$650
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$540
|
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Includes 225/55HR17 tires.
|
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 71.6 |
| 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. | 38.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| ohv V6 | ohv V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.8 /231 | 5.3 /325 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 200 @ 5200 | 303 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 230 @ 4000 | 323 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | 18/28 | 16/25 |
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 | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Pontiac Grand Prix Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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