Pontiac Grand Prix Midsize | Compact

Pontiac Grand Prix Midsize | Compact 

DESCRIPTION

The 2008 Grand Prix is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, or sports sedan, available in two trims, the Sedan and the GXP Sedan.

Upon introduction, the Sedan is equipped with a standard 3.8-liter, V6, 200-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. The GXP Sedan is equipped with a standard 5.3-liter, V8, 303-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The 2008 Grand Prix is a carryover from 2007.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 261-268 of 268  
[Jul 27, 2001]
Kay Zenk
Model Reviewed: Pontiac Grand Prix GT

Strength:

-Stylish, sporty look inside and out
-Tight suspension, really hugs the road
-Excellent pick-up, great acceleration
-Great transmission/shifting
-Excellent sound system (Delco CD with equalizer)- speakers provide rich sound
-Comfortable seats, stylish dash
-Great breaks
-Engine is strong and reliable
-quiet on the highway
-this is a car that you feel safe driving
-excellent side-view mirrors, they are large and provide an expanded view
-great rear view mirror in that it automatically adjusts to reduce glare when driving at night
-daytime running lamps - very convenient not to have to turn headlights on and off

Weakness:

-The interior knobs, controls and trim is very cheap (tend to be loose and fall off)
-limited rear view - when looking in the rear view mirror it's like looking trough a portal on a cruise ship. This took some time getting used to.
-poor positioning of the panel vents
-even in off position air still comes through the panel vents, unless you close them completely
-Leather could be of better quality, it's actually vinyl and not real leather
-wide track tires are expensive
-headlight lamps become cloudy and one fell off while driving on the highway and cost over $200 to replace
-the trunk is extremely heavy due to the rear spoiler, especially when it has snow on it.

Overall I am very satisfied with this car. I purchased it used from a dealer with 59,000 miles on it. Overall, the mechanics of the car are excellent. It's weaknesses are primarily with interior features. When I bought it, I had to take it back for service because I hadn't noticed that the driver's side door panel was lose, the back seat (bottom) was actually detached and the clips that hold the sunglass/garage door opener holders closed fell out when the compartments were opened and the automatic opener for the trunk (on the key ring) does not work. Also, the decorative covers over the electric seat tracks (seen in the back seat of the car) fall off consistently, some of the plastic trim pops off periodically and the unit that folds down in the center of the backseat (that functions as a cup holder) unfolds by itself while driving. Other than these interior problems, the only problems that I've had include a headlamp falling out (while driving on the highway), which I understand is common with this model year, two minor coolant leaks, and the car needed a new oxygen sensor. I am battling a problem with a strong exhaust oder entering the trunk and the inside of the car that two mechanics have been unable to pinpoint and for some reason water is coming in through the floorboard on the passenger side when driving in rainy weather (two problems I need to get fixed). From some dirt engrained on interior knobs and some minor scratches where he had scraped up againts things, I could tell that the previous driver was rough on this car, but it still held up very well and its performance hasn't suffered in the least. This baby can handle abuse -although it shouldn't have to.

Similar Products Used:

1988 Ford Tempo and 1993 Ford Taurus GL. This GM beats Ford hands down. The quality of the suspension, transmission and mechanics of the Grand Prix is top notch compared to these and Ford cars tend to be noisy on the highway (a lot of airleaks in the windows), the GP is very quiet.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Jul 25, 2001]
Auridicyl
Model Reviewed: LE

Strength:

Good, strong, peppy engine, comfy seats, tight handling, wonderful suspension, smart looking car even at 12 years old (although the burgundy paint sucked -- there was a recall on it but we never had it repainted under warranty), my favorite car yet.

Weakness:

Lousy stereo. The controls would intermittently foul up, and the sound was lousy anyway. No rear window defogger. Sensitive electrical system (had to replace brain box after jumping once, and yes the person jumping it knew what they were doing!).

This car was in my family for most of it's life, having been bought off of a rental car lot. I served us VERY well, but everything was going on it when I finally got rid of it a couple of months ago. I think almost every fluid leaked, the tranny would shift hard, sometimes it would stall on starting, and (this was the last straw) the A/C went (note that I live in FL). All in all however, I think this is a wonderful car for the first 110,000 miles. I had mine until 118,000. Of course it was maintained well, but driven hard nonetheless. Not racing, but a lot of city driving. I just had to stand up for this great little car because I was reading all the lousy reviews it was getting. Other than a power steering pump, I can't remember any thing that went wrong that had to be fixed. And even when that pump went, and sprayed fluid all over the engine compartment, I didn't lose the power steering driving home and to the garage. Just routine maintenance (brakes, belts, etc). Oh, and the fabric interior rotted in the FL sun, but is that any surprise? I would recommend this car to anyone so long as it has fewer than 100k miles (a rarity for sure w/an 89 model, but I'm sure there are a few "little old lady" cream puffs left out there somewhere), and would buy one myself if I could find one.

Similar Products Used:

Ford Probe, 1991 - this car beats the crap out of my Probe for reliability, handling, ride, seat comfort, just about everything. The only thing the Probe had on it was positive traction.
Kia Sephia, 2000 - Don't even THINK about buying one of these! I've owned it two months and I'm taking it back to trade in because of all the problems I've had! Needless to say I wish I still had the Grand Prix at this point, A/C or not!

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Aug 02, 2001]
Rhys Campbell
Model Reviewed: Pontiac Grand Prix SE

Strength:

. Handling . Gas mileage . 3.1L-smooth-running engine . Excellent transmission . Champagne-beige-metallic color . Roomy . Generally very tight body . Instumentation conning-tower-red lighting just right for my eyes at night . Back seat has ample,comfortable space . Good long-distance
driver in terms of easy cruise capability (65-80 mph) . So far rattle free

Weakness:

. Some body parts sloppily fitted . Needs gear-indicator light on automatic-shift console in addition to one on dash . Brighter headlights
. Needs upgrade to dash material--far too plasticy/cheap . More lateral body support on front seats . Inadequate ash-tray size for smokers .
. Excellent value for $

This car now has 26,500 miles. Excellent gas mileage in town and on the road. 3.1L-175hp engine entirely adequate. So far,highly reliable. Last car
was l995 GP SE. Went 98,000 miles with no problems at all. Replaced only
alternator. Decided to get another as a result of experience with first.On
a recent trip through Oregon, Washington, Idaho, British Columbia, Alberta,
Montana,Wyoming, Idaho and back to Portland, Oregon this SE got 30.57 mpg.
Astonishing! It seldom gets under 23mpg in town. The car is shod with Goodyear Eagle LS 225 60R16 tires.Rims are five-spoke painted aluminum which look reasoanbly attractive and are holding up well. HVAC blower only
thing replaced under warranty at l8,000 miles. Entirely satisfied with this car.Would recommend it be given consideration as family driver.

Similar Products Used:

.l995 Mercury Sable LTS . l989 V6 Toyota Camry . l989 Ford 5L Thunderbird.
This car compares favorably with all.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Aug 06, 2001]
Dave
Model Reviewed: GT Coupe

Strength:

The power of the smooth engine, and the looks.

Weakness:

The headlights were shakey and both had water in them at different times. The carpet fibers pulled afer about 3 months of owning the car, leaving a nice hole in the rug. A popping sound from the front suspension when ever it raind out, or moisture in the air, when going over the smallest bumps. The driver side window was stuck, and would not go down. This car was in the shop for repairs 4 times in 1 1/2 years. I sent a letter to GM and received NO reply??? OK, so it's nothing major under the hood, but still had it's share of PROBLEMS. So I ditched the Prix for a 2000 Honda Accord V6 Coupe, and love it!!! I have the Accord for 1 1/2 years now, and have no problems what so ever. This is why people go buy Hondas. Look, if you want a sporty car think of the Accord Coupe and add on the rear & underbody spoilers, fogg lights, and moonroof visor. I did all this to my Accord, and it looks sweet. Just because it's a Honda, do don't have to drive around in a basic looking car, personalize it. Add to that the reliability and excellent safty ratings of a Honda, and your in with no worries.

This car has the looks and the power, but this car SUCKS!!! Problem after problem, I'm glad I got rid of it...... So much for "Driving Excitement."

Similar Products Used:

I now have the Accord, and LOVE IT. In my opinion, whatever you do DON'T BUY A PONTIAC, THEY SUCK!!!

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[Aug 10, 2001]
A

Strength:

Looks

Weakness:

Manual transmission?? would be nice....

I will never buy another grand prix. I bought it and did not even get home and check engine light came on!! I turned around and went back to the dealer and they checked it out and they claimed that nothing was wrong.... Well two weeks later I was back. The transmission was leaking! So they replaced it... Then three weeks went by and I was back for another transmission!!! So finally I have a transmission that works, and everything has been fine since.

Similar Products Used:

Honda v6, Maxima

OVERALL
RATING
2
VALUE
RATING
3
[Aug 09, 2001]
Jeff
Model Reviewed: Grand Prix GT 4 door

Strength:

Motor has been around for years and years. I liked the 3.3L 4sp auto in my last Olds that ran great up to 142,000 miles.

Weakness:

The CD player in the upgrade radio died and had to be pulled for 2 weeks for service. The alternator died after 2 years and I got a new one under the extended warranty. The next alternator died within a month and that one was also replaced without cost to me. No known cause, just a pain. Other wise, I gotta say I like the car.

I bought the car knowing that the 3.8 L V6 was a great motor combining 200HP with reliability, torque, and mileage. I like the car. I like the ride. I like the lines and the looks of the GT. I think it handles well for a 4 door. The Metallic Brown paint is fine after 2 years. I like the wheels. The average mileage is around 24 in town and up to 31 at steady hiway speeds. Got a ticket to prove it rides smooth at speed.

Similar Products Used:

Last car was a 160HP 3.3L V6 Olds that ran great up to 140,000+ miles. For the price, I am pleased with the GT so far. Plans are to keep it for the long haul.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Aug 19, 2001]
John
Model Reviewed: GTP

Strength:

Pretty good horsepower, the steering isn't bad. Sleak design. Comes with a 12 pack CD changer and I like the controls on the steering wheel. Comfortable although squaking leather is annoying.

Weakness:

As mentioned above in the overall impression, the car has had a lot of problems. The power window motor, alternator, resistors to control the air speed in the car and the fuel pump resistor going (one of the recall items--the windsheild motor being the other) could all be systems of electrical problems. I'm weighing my options and considering getting rid of this car.

QUITE POOR!! I bought the car used 18 months ago, based on good reports that I heard, and I have had numerous problems with the car so far. The dealership has been of no help and GM has not helped so far despite complaining to them. In the last 18 months, the following problems have occurred: 1)The Alternator failed; 2)The power motor on the driver's side window failed; 3)Driver's side headlight cover fell off on the highway and the whole part had to be replaced. The left side has condensation in it and I'm just waiting for it to fall off; 4)Fan motor only works on the highest setting (could be indicative of electrical problems); 5)two recall notices so far; 6) headlights very poor!; 7) Tires stink in winter snow (no traction whatsoever), 8)When the car is running, there is a humming noise coming from underneath the car (just started in the last week--One more problem to contend with!!!). 9)There is a lot of squeaking in the interior; 10)The front driver's side door panel is loose; 11)The plastic over the power window controls broke-off and had to be replaced.

All this occurred after warranty ran out. Only 82,000 kms (51,000 miles) on it. Of the 18 months that I owned it, it was in storage for 5 months over the winter (had use of another car).

Similar Products Used:

A friend of mine has a 1999 Grand Prix GT and hasn't had any of these problems so far (owned for 14 months so far). I previously had a 1994 Grand Prix SE that really only had a starter and alternator go up to 170,000 KMS or 106,000 miles. Did I just get a lemon or has GM's quality gone down hill dramatically? Time will tell.

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
2
[Aug 11, 2001]
Joey O'Clair
Model Reviewed: Pontiac Grand Prix Se

Strength:

Powerfule engine, my car is the 3.0 L model...so i havent had any problems like the 3.8..fantastic handling, smooth ride, room!!

Weakness:

Ummm had one problem...it was with the alarm system..but that was easily fixed for free.. at my mechanica

The looks are what struck me at first, it has awesome handling, gives you a sense of comfort, really spacious...has alot of power. The overall design of the car is what attracted me

Similar Products Used:

I would compare it to the maxima..similar handling i think....the grand prix has a overall better look to it..and more power

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 261-268 of 268  

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