Cars service manual

2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Reviews Specs

This is a really nice blend of performance and practicality. You get an exciting car that is also functional with 4 full doors, decent gas mileage, and front wheel drive. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for some fun without sacrificing the family. The heads-up-display and red instrumentation gives a fighter-jet feeling. It gets up to speed quickly, so you might want to buy a radar detector.


You wont regret this purchase.....I just hope it doesnt depreciate as hard as the other Grand Prix models.

News

Though Grand Prix plans seem to be in flux at the moment, a redesign is said to be slated for model-year 2008 or 09. The makeover may move this Pontiac to a new platform and back to rear-wheel drive, but that cant be confirmed. We may get a clearer picture at the January 2007 North American International Auto Show, where Pontiac is scheduled to show a concept car said to preview the next-generation Grand Prix.

New For 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix

These midsize sedans are slightly larger than Pontiacs G6 models. Grand Prix comes in three models. Base models have a 200-hp V6. GTs have a 260-hp supercharged V6. GXPs use a 303-hp V8 with GMs Active Fuel Management, which deactivates four cylinders while cruising to save fuel. All engines team with a 4-speed automatic transmission. GXP adds Pontiacs TAPshift steering wheel paddles for manual operation. All models come with OnStar assistance and 4-wheel disc brakes. GT and GXP add ABS and traction control, which are optional for the base model. Curtain side airbags are optional on GT and GXP. A navigation system is available.

Interior Design and Special Features

Inside the Grand Prix, theres a definite cockpit theme, as the center stack curves to meet the driver and the gauges and displays are all in red. Control layouts are simple and intuitive, even the trip computer. The front seats are broad and comfortable, though taller adults may find headroom limited. The backseat is cramped, with a low bench and tight foot room making it a last resort for adults. At least theres plenty of cargo space, thanks to a 16-cubic-foot trunk.

Safety

Antilock brakes and traction control are optional on the base and standard on the GT and GXP. Stability control, dubbed StabiliTrak Sport, is standard on the GXP. Front and rear side curtain airbags are optional on all models. In government crash tests, the Pontiac Grand Prix earned three out of five stars for side impacts (front and rear), but the car tested did not have side curtain airbags. Frontal crash tests resulted in a three-star rating for driver protection and four stars for the passenger. In IIHS frontal-offset testing, the Grand Prix was named a "Best Pick."

Powertrains and Performance

A pair of 3.8-liter V6s and a 5.3-liter V8 serves duty in the front-wheel-drive Grand Prix. In the base model, the standard 3800 Series III V6 makes 200 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. The GT has a supercharged version rated for 260 ponies and 280 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the 5.3-liter V8 in the GXP makes a healthy 303 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque. All engines come with a four-speed automatic transmission; the GXPs has an automanual mode.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options

The Pontiac Grand Prix is available as a four-door sedan in one of three trim levels -- Base, GT and GXP. The base model comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, OnStar, a CD player, cruise control, air conditioning, keyless entry and power windows and mirrors. The GT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, a remote vehicle starter and a trip computer. A Special Edition package, which features ground effects, body color grille, bright exhaust tips and unique 17-inch alloys, is optional. The GXP includes firmer suspension tuning, performance tires, an enthusiast-oriented stability control system, upgraded steering, a head-up display, unique trim and 18-inch alloys. A Premium Package, with leather seating and automatic dual-zone climate control, is also available on the Pontiac car.

Well Equipped

All Grand Prix versions are generally well equipped and look sporty, partly because they have a coupe-style roofline, which does cause taller rear passengers to duck when getting in or out.
Theres plenty of room up front and all doors open very widely. Three tall occupants fit in back, but wont be as comfortable as those in front because, for one thing, the rear seat isnt as comfortable.

The trunk is large, with a low, wide opening. Split-folding rear seatbacks enlarge the cargo area.
Head-protecting side-curtain airbags for all but the base model cost $395. Torso side airbags arent offered.

The GXP is a solid, logical addition to the Grand Prix line, but one wonders why it came so late.


Driving Impressions

Even the base engine furnishes brisk response at low- and midrange speeds, while the supercharged GT keeps up with V6 versions of the Accord and Altima. Although we certainly enjoy the rush of the stout V8 in the GXP, the front wheels have a hard time of handling its power. Torque steer is noticeable and the car feels nose-heavy during spirited cornering. Daily driving in the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix is just fine but its not really that much fun to drive in a sporting manner due to its plain-Jane four-speed automatic and numb steering feel.

Favorite Features

the aluminum rims, the bucket seats, and the powerful v6 engine.

Overall Review

If you can afford the gas then this car is great. Premium gas is reccomended for better performance but it sill "moves" with regular. Breaking is excellent.

MSRP Price Range $21,330 - $27,330
Invoice Price Range $20,157 - $25,827