- sedan 128,535
- Paris, TN
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- autoshopper.com
2008 pontiac grand prix review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Fun to drive and practical. introductiontrue to its long heritage, the pontiac grand prix is a big car promising performance-car excitement. The first two generations of grand prix were big cars, even by 1960s standards. The current-generation grand prix was launched as a 2004 model, and we think it's the best grand prix yet. The v6 develops 200 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 230 pound-feet of torque at 4000. The v6 gets an epa-rated city/highway 18/28 mpg, while meeting sulev (super low emissions vehicle) standards in california and the northeast. the grand prix gxp boasts a 5. 3-liter v8 that makes 303 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 323 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. The v8 gets an epa-rated 16/25 mpg. Abs 600) is optional and comes with electronic brake-force distribution (ebd) and advanced traction control; the security package adds side curtain airbags, and we recommend this. options include a premium package 940) with leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a fold-flat front passenger seat, and a cargo net. A more elaborate preferred package 965) includes power lumbar support, fold-flat front passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, redundant audio controls on the steering wheel, driver information center, chrome interior accents, remote vehicle start, a cargo net, and a lighted vanity mirrors and reading lights. The special edition 1,995) adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, stainless exhaust tips, body-color grille and aero extensions all around; while a sport package 680) adds fog lamps, stainless exhaust tips, and polished aluminum wheels; and a custom accessories package 675) combines a unique rear spoiler, front grille inserts, and stainless steel exhaust tips. Polished alloy wheels 495), the fold-flat front passenger seat 75), and remote starter 190) are also available as stand-alones. the performance-oriented gxp 29,325) boasts a 5. 3-liter transverse-mounted v8 that makes 303 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 323 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. The gxp’s automatic transmission comes with tapshift (touch activated power), a feature that provides a pair of steering-wheel-safety features include dual-stage front airbags as standard equipment. Antilock brakes (abs), electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, and curtain airbags are optional. Mounted paddles for manual shift capability. Gxp models also get bigger brakes, an antiskid system, leather and suede upholstery, dual-zone climate controls, heated front seats, nine-speaker monsoon sound system, a head-up instrument display, 255/45wr18 front and 225/50wr18 rear bridgestone potenza tires, and polished alloy wheels. Most of the equipment that’s optional on the base model is standard on the gxp. And the suspension is even sportier, with higher spring rates, gas-charged shocks, a nine-millimeter lower ride height, and a larger rear stabilizer bar. both models are offered with a sunroof 895); or a sun and sound package that combines a power sunroof and a 6-cd changer on the gxp 1,195) plus the monsoon sound system on the base model 1,590). Xm satellite radio 200) and an engine block heater 75) are also available. A navigation system is offered on both models, but its price 1,845-2,540) varies depending on other equipment. Safety features include dual-stage front airbags as standard equipment. Antilock brakes (abs), electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, and curtain airbags are optional. walkaroundthe grand prix is an attractive car. A commitment to style separates the grand prix from other mid-size transportation appliances. The rear end is as muscular as a speed skater's. Pronounced, enlarged taillights are mounted at the corners. A discreet spoiler finishes the deck lid. pushing through the taillights and extended into the sheet metal are two horizontal bulges, like cladding segments escaped from the sides of an old grand am. The rear is important in appearance and certainly distinguishable from its road mates. Following a grand prix down the highway is a pleasant occupation. up front, the slightly sculptured hood flows into pontiac's trademark twin nostril grille. The overall effect looks a bit like a tight smirk or knowing grin, enhanced by the grand prix’s slanted and attenuated headlights. the coke-bottle sides are marked by two parallel strakes that slash through the doors about a hand's span below the door handles. Gratefully, there's no cladding, but those deep cut lines can be off-putting. One reason the grand prix looks best in black is because black hides these creases. the aerodynamic door handles can be hard to grab and hold onto when in a hurry. interiorthe grand prix interior is has been upgraded since its introduction and it's a pleasant environment that is appropriate for the price. Materials pleasant to both the eye and fingertips enhance the experience, especially in the gxp, where the steering wheel and shifter are leather-wrapped. the seats are supportive and comfortable. Front-seat headroom is not as good as in some of the other mid-size sedans, however. The leather-wrapped steering wheel fills the hand just right. The outside mirrors are remarkably large for a sedan. They offer excellent rearward vision yet add no noticeable wind noise. All of the controls are well-marked and within arm's reach. The glove box lid opens with the clatter of plastic. rear-seat headroom is a bit tight, the downside to the coupe-like body design, and the rear seat-bottoms are flat and set low, making long-trip comfort an issue. The large center speedometer stands out from and overlaps the tachometer to the left and the circle containing the fuel and temperature gauges to the right. With a background in a shadowy grid pattern, these watch-like dials yield their information with simple, uncluttered, handsome functionality. No cluttering inner-ring of numbers. the head-up display in the gxp is almost subliminal in its presence. Below an organized cluster of white icons on simple black buttons and dials keep the driver tuned in, warm or cool, etc. Pleasing to look at and nothing bewildering. the cabin is comfortable and pleasant to look at, but what is really special is its functionality and flexibility. Not only do the back seats fold down in pairs or singly (with a 60/40 split) to effectively increase cargo capacity, the back of the front passenger seat folds forward, table-flat on gxp (optional on base). With all those seats folded, there’s 57 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to some small wagons. all this flat and nearly flat space can be accessed through the trunk, which benefits from a particularly low lift-over height. Thus it's easy to fold the appropriate seats and load long objects into the vehicle: a roll of carpet or a ladder or skis or italian market umbrellas. The trunk opening itself is low and wide. with the rear seat up and five people on board, the trunk still holds 16 cubic feet of whatever those folks.
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