Pontiac Grand Prix 2008

What’s new, trim levels, optional equipment, and safety info for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix.

April 2008

Introduction

Pontiac’s Grand Prix slots between the mid- and full-size-sedan segments. Redesigned for 2004, the Grand Prix has not aged well in a world of newer and better-designed competition. The front-wheel-drive Grand Prix is available with a fuel-efficient 200-hp, 3.8-liter V-6, and for those seeking more performance, the Grand Prix GXP comes with a 303-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 engine.

The Grand Prix is a big car on the outside but smallish on the inside. The long, 110.5-inch wheelbase and 198.3-inch length make one think there will be a more spacious passenger-swallowing interior. Once inside, however, one finds that the rear seat lacks leg- and headroom. Front-seat space is good, but the plastic-filled interior has the look of melted air-traffic-control consoles and screams cheapness.

Based on the same platform that underpins the Chevrolet Impala and the Buick LaCrosse, the Pontiac attempts to be sportier than its platform-mates. These sportier attributes include firmer suspension tuning, a slightly louder exhaust, and seats with more side bolstering. The V-8–powered GXP version is amusing in a crude way and puts up impressive performance numbers despite a clear lack of refinement.

Major competitors to the Pontiac Grand Prix include the Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Hyundai Azera, Mitsubishi Galant, Toyota Avalon, and Volkswagen Passat.

Verdict

The Pontiac Grand Prix plays in one of the most hotly contested segments in the car world and when marked down offers some value. Unfortunately, the dated design, the lack of refinement, the less than stellar driving dynamics, the appalling interior, and the disappointing rear-seat space make it one of the least attractive cars in its segment. The V-8 model is amusing and has real performance, but putting 303 horsepower through the front wheels doesn’t make it a great car, just a quick one.

Click here to read our full review of the Pontiac Grand Prix GT.

Click here to read our full review of the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP.

What’s New for 2008

For 2008, Pontiac is simplifying the Grand Prix lineup by dropping the GT model. The remaining models are the standard Grand Prix and the V-8–powered GXP. Three new colors arrive for 2008: Gold Mist Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic, and Dark Slate Metallic.

Trim Levels

The Grand Prix starts at $22,960 and comes with the following standard equipment: a 200-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine, a four-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, a six-speaker AM/FM stereo with a CD player, a floor console with a floor shifter and armrest, cruise control, a rear defogger, power locks, remote keyless entry, power windows, power mirrors, a tire-pressure monitoring system, 16-inch aluminum wheels, the OnStar safety and convenience telematics system, a six-way power driver’s seat and four-way manual passenger seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, a tilting steering wheel, an interior trunk release, daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, and body-color body moldings.

The powerful and well-equipped GXP starts with the equipment from the base Grand Prix and adds a 5.3-liter V-8 with 303 horsepower, chrome interior accents, dual-zone climate control, a Monsoon nine-speaker AM/FM stereo with a CD player, a cargo net, an overhead console with storage, a trip computer, a head-up display, front and rear reading lights, a remote starting system, driver’s-seat power lumbar adjustment, a folding front-passenger seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering-wheel audio controls, dual exhaust, front and rear body-color fascias, fog lights, a GXP Sport rear spoiler, a tire-inflation kit, steering-wheel-mounted paddle-style shifters, anti-lock brakes, variable-assist power steering, traction control, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Optional Equipment

The Grand Prix offers the following stand-alone options: a rear Sport spoiler ($380), a power sunroof ($895), anti-lock brakes ($600), an MP3-capable CD player ($150), a DVD-based navigation system and nine-speaker Monsoon stereo system ($2540), XM satellite radio ($200), carpeted floor mats ($80), and 16-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels ($495). Other options are bundled in groups. The Sun and Sound package ($1590) adds a power sunroof, a nine-speaker Monsoon stereo system, and a six-CD in-dash changer. The Preferred package ($965) comes with two-way power lumbar control, a remote starter, a cargo net, a folding front-passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and a leather-wrapped shift knob, a trip computer, and interior chrome accents. The Premium package ($940) requires the Preferred package and adds dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. The Security package ($995) comes with curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. The Sport package ($680) bundles together a dual exhaust; five-spoke, 16-inch aluminum wheels; and fog lights. Finally, the Special Edition package ($1995) increases wheel size to 17 inches and adds a dual exhaust, a body-color grille, and body-color front and rear fascias; the Special Edition package is only available on Grand Prix models with Crimson Red, Ivory White, Black, Liquid Silver Metallic, or Dark Slate Metallic paint.

The high-performance GXP model offers the following options: a power sunroof ($895), an MP3-capable CD player ($150), a DVD-based navigation system and nine-speaker Monsoon stereo system ($2145), XM satellite radio ($200), carpeted floor mats ($80), and curtain airbags ($395). The comprehensively equipped Grand Prix GXP offers a single option package called the Sun and Sound package ($1195) that puts together a power sunroof, a nine-speaker Monsoon stereo system, and a six-CD in-dash changer.

Safety

Dual front airbags, OnStar emergency services, and tire-pressure monitoring are standard across the Grand Prix lineup. GXP models come standard with ABS and traction control; the base Grand Prix offers ABS and traction control as extra-cost option. Curtain airbags are optional on the base Grand Prix and the GXP. Stability control is not available on the base Grand Prix.