Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Features Review

August 19, 2008

FEATURES | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

inside, another rescue attempt proceeds apace
Automobile

may just be the best…paddle shifter yet
Road & Track

TAPShift buttons are located in a good position
Autoblog

Displacement on Demand…enable[s] up to 12 percent improved fuel economy
The Auto Channel

The 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix has a lengthy list of standard features, as well as some clever convenience items that help salvage its otherwise mediocre standing within its segment.

One of the Grand Prix’s most clever features is a flat-folding passenger seat (another feature shared with the late and unlamented Aztek are speedo and tach needles shaped, curiously, like crutches). An option on the Grand Prix, the folding passenger seat creates a “9.5-foot space, easily large enough to bring home 2x4s or a ladder from the hardware store,” claims Motor Trend. In a rare moment of praise, Automobile states, “the Grand Prix's packaging flexibility is world class” and also likes the optional XM radio, claiming that “it makes all cars better.” MyRide.com is impressed with rear doors that “swing out 82 degrees, improving ingress and egress for people and stuff.”

Despite affecting only four gears, the TAPShift feature, standard on the GXP, is praised for its intuitive and easy operation. “Just a light tap,” says Motor Trend, “commands the automatic transmission to do the driver's bidding.” Even the driving enthusiasts at Road & Track love it, claiming “this may just be the best steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifter yet, allowing the palm and fingers to remain on to the steering wheel in their normal position while the thumbs do all of the gear changes.”

“It’s not hard to max out the capabilities of the base system if you really like to blast music,” says Autoblog, who recommend upgrading to the optional Monsoon audio system. Both the base model and the GXP feature one year of GM’s OnStar service, but higher-tech features like Bluetooth and a navigation system are absent from either model.

Conclusion

The 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix’s lengthy list of convenient, well-thought-out features save it from irrelevance.

FEATURES | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:inside, another rescue attempt proceeds apaceAutomobilemay just be the best…paddle shifter yetRoad & TrackTAPShift buttons are located in a good positionAutoblogDisplacement on Demand…enable[s] up to 12 percent improved fuel economyThe Auto Channel The 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix has a lengthy list of standard features, as well as some clever convenience items that help salvage its otherwise mediocre standing within its segment. One of the Grand Prix’s most clever features is a flat-folding passenger seat (another feature shared with the late and unlamented Aztek are speedo and tach needles shaped, curiously, like crutches). An option on the Grand Prix, the folding passenger seat creates a “9.5-foot space, easily large enough to bring home 2x4s or a ladder from the hardware store,” claims Motor Trend. In a rare moment of praise, Automobile states, “the Grand Prix's packaging flexibility is world class” and also likes the optional XM radio, claiming that “it makes all cars better.” MyRide.com is impressed with rear doors that “swing out 82 degrees, improving ingress and egress for people and stuff.” Despite affecting only four gears, the TAPShift feature, standard on the GXP, is praised for its intuitive and easy operation. “Just a light tap,” says Motor Trend, “commands the automatic transmission to do the driver's bidding.” Even the driving enthusiasts at Road & Track love it, claiming “this may just be the best steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifter yet, allowing the palm and fingers to remain on to the steering wheel in their normal position while the thumbs do all of the gear changes.” “It’s not hard to max out the capabilities of the base system if you really like to blast music,” says Autoblog, who recommend upgrading to the optional Monsoon audio system. Both the base model and the GXP feature one year of GM’s OnStar service, but higher-tech features like Bluetooth and a navigation system are absent from either model. ConclusionThe 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix’s lengthy list of convenient, well-thought-out features save it from irrelevance.  2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX STYLING | [6 out of 10] Car and Driver: “Grand Prix has not aged well” Cars.com: “Aging design” Jalopnik: “kind of gawky” Automobile: “slavishly obeisant to Pontiac's past” Autoblog: “an overabundance of gray” The 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix, while breaking ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix was very nearly made redundant several years ago with the introduction of the G6 sedan, which is almost as roomy inside. Its closest rival may be the Nissan Maxima, which offers gutsy V-6 performance and front-wheel drive; the current Maxima, however, doesn’t feel tremendously sporty due to its CVT and softer tuning than in previous iterations, though its interior is very attractive. The Ford Taurus isn’t at all fashionable, but it’s extremely spacious, rides well, and has ample power from the 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic; the Taurus is also one of the safest cars available. Other types of buyers might better appreciate the Dodge Charger, which comes in V-6 and V-8 variants with rear- or all-wheel drive. But the Charger doesn’t ride quite as well as these other rivals, and its backseat is smaller.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix near you

See the Pontiac Grand Prix in Other Years:

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy