DecodedCars2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- Base 4dr Sedan FWD, Gxp 4dr Sedan FWD
- Engines
- 3.8L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 198.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,477–3,600 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
The 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (3.8L 6-cyl and 5.3L 8-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,477 lb (Base 4dr Sedan FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 28 highway), 0% better than the 2008 midsize car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Grand Prix — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Grand Prix →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base 4dr Sedan FWD | 198.4 in | 71.7 in | 55.9 in | 110.6 in | 61.8 / 61.4 in | 3,477 lb | 62/38 |
| Gxp 4dr Sedan FWD | 198.4 in | 71.7 in | 55.9 in | 110.6 in | 61.8 / 61.4 in | 3,600 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Prix | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | 0% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Grand Prix | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -10% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Dodge Charger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Dodge Challenger | 15 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu | 27 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 3, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V400000 · 5,877,718 vehicles
- Problem
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Not every 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 21 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Exterior Lighting — 19 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Engine — 7 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 115,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Grand Prix years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Grand Prix | 21 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 88 |
| 2006 Grand Prix | 21 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 89 |
| 2005 Grand Prix | 21 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 32 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Pontiac. How we calculate this →