The front-wheel-drive 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix sedan is available in two different models, both with their own powertrain. The base Grand Prix has a 200-horsepower, 3.8L V6 underhood, while the GXP model packs a 303-horsepower, 5.3L V8. Both engines come with a four-speed automatic transmission.
The top GXP comes with a standard head-up display (HUD), which projects dashboard displays onto the windshield. The system is designed to enhance safety, but can be switched off if not desired. A performance-tuned suspension, 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, StabiliTrak stability control, and the Magnasteer II variable-assist power steering system are all standard on the GXP, which translates to a sportier overall driving experience. The GXP can accelerate from 0-60 in only 5.6 seconds, and its transmission features a TAPshift manual-shift function.
All Grand Prix models have quite impressive fuel economy ratings. The base Grand Prix is rated at 28 mpg highway, and the V8 manages to get 16 city, 25 highway.
A Special Edition Package adds a high-performance appearance to the base model, including an air dam, rear spoiler, body-color grille, and dual bright exhaust tips.
The Grand Prix has an especially spacious interior, including a back seat capable of carrying three adults. The back seats are split 60/40 and can fold forward or have a pass through for narrow objects like skis for objects as long as nine feet.
Both Grand Prix models have four-wheel disc brakes, but anti-lock is optional on the base Grand Prix. Front and rear side curtain air bags are optional on both models.
The standard OnStar system includes GM’s Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, which can make crash data available to 911 dispatch, depending on the situation. The service can also accommodate an optional Turn-by-Turn Navigation system.
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Pontiac’s 2008 G5 employs the worldwide Delta platform to provide an economical and bold alternative in the compact coupe market. Two trims and two engine types are available.
The base G5 coupe starts at $14,945 and is powered by a 2.2L in-line four-cylinder engine that is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Standard equipment in all G5s includes air conditioning, a CD player, power door locks, and power windows.
The G5 GT has a spiced-up appearance, with sport rocker moldings, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a chrome exhaust tip, and fog lamps. Inside, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and a leather-wrapped shift knob enhance the driving experience. Four-wheel ABS disc brakes and a stiffer suspension are also part of the package. More importantly, however, is the 171-horsepower 2.4L engine that replaces the base trim’s 2.2L four-cylinder.
Both trims come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed automatic is a $925 option.
All manner of optional equipment can be ordered to dress up the G5. Various aluminum wheels and audio systems are available, as are a sunroof, traction control, leather seat trim and remote start.
The improvement the G5 represents over Pontiac’s previous compact coupe, the 2005 Sunfire, is what impressed us the most. The body is much stiffer and feels more substantial. The interior also benefits significantly from upgrades, with the dash, door panels, and other trim now look very contemporary. Both G5s deliver a surprisingly smooth ride.
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise was how roomy the back seat is. It’s not unusual to find reasonably comfortable bucket seats in the front of any of the G5’s competitors, but the G5’s back seat can accommodate three adults with enough room for lengthy trips. Here is a car that offers the sharp looks of a two door, but has enough room in back so you can bring four friends along on the next adventure.
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The new 2008 Pontiac G8 sport sedan will come in two models, G8 and G8 GT. The G8 comes with a 256-horsepower, 3.6L V6 with variable valve timing, and the G8 GT steps up to a 6.0L V8 making 361 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. The V6 comes with a five-speed automatic transmission and the V8 gets a six-speed automatic with manual shift mode. A six-speed manual will be available late in the model year. The V8 uses the Active Fuel Management system, which saves fuel while coasting or cruising by temporarily shutting off half of the cylinders.
The G8’s suspension has a four-wheel independent design and is adjustable, front and rear, in several different ways to provide tailored suspension tuning. Powerful four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock are standard on the G8; they’re vented in front on both models, but the G8’s brakes are even larger to handle additional braking needs.
The interior features a cockpit-like instrument panel, dressed up with satin and chrome trim plus Pontiac-signature red lighting. Well-bolstered sport seats are ready to offer firm support in cornering with good overall comfort. Optional on the G8 GT model is a two-tone cloth or leather combination, which brings black seats with red or blue inserts and color-matched instrument faces. From the outside, there’s quite a bit of attention to design details; for instance, in back on GT models there are clear taillight lenses and quad chrome exhaust tips, while all G8s have projector-beam headlamps, fog lamps, and an aggressive front fascia.
The G8 GT also piles on more luxury features, including dual-zone climate control and an 11-speaker Blaupunkt audio system with MP3-compatible six-disc changer and big LCD color display.
On the safety front, seat-mounted thorax air bags are standard, as are roof-mounted side curtain air bags that cover front and rear outboard occupants. Electronic stability control is also included.
Major options include a Sport Package, available on both models, which brings larger 19-inch aluminum wheels, summer performance tires, leather trim, and alloy pedals, plus a Premium Package, that includes leather upholstery, leather trim, and heated power front seats.
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