The base sedan, which has a starting MSRP of $22,500, has a 200 horsepower, 3.8 liter V6 engine, and the GT (starting at $25,420) has the same engine, kicked up to 260 horsepower. For a base MSRP of $29,500 the GXP comes with a 303 horsepower, 5.3 liter V8 engine, that also has electronic throttle control. There are two available transmissions: a four-speed automatic, or a TAPshift transmission that allows manual gear shifting.

Estimated fuel efficiency is 20 mpg city and 30 highway with the 3.8 liter; 19/28 with the supercharged version; and 18/27 with the 5.3 liter. (Fuel capacity is 17 gallons.) Crash avoidance features include a four-wheel antilock braking system as well as an enhanced traction control system, and a system that monitors tire pressure. Daytime running lights, fog lights, and high intensity halogen headlights are other options that vary by trim level.

Security features include automatic door locks, keyless entry, and an electronic anti-theft system, as well as emergency trunk release handle. The 2007 Grand Prix comes with multi-stage front airbags, as well as head-protecting side-impact airbags for both the front and back seats. Safety-cage construction, three-point seat belts for all passengers, and the LATCH system for child seats round out the standard features.

Buyers have their choice of six upgrade packages like the security package that includes extra airbag protection, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. Some potential buyers might be put off by the fact that certain features are considered additions and thus come with an attached fee; however, others will likely find that this gives them a chance to customize their Grand Prix. Buyers also have their pick of two trim levels, the Sedan or GXP, that vary in both power and upgraded interior features.

While the 2008 Grand Prix Sedan is fitted with a 200 horsepower 3.8L 3800 Series III V6, the Grand Prix GXP is equipped with a 5.3L 5300 V8 that produces around 303 horsepower. The GXP also features active fuel management to provide greater fuel economy in a larger engine. The active fuel management works by disabling some of the cylinders when they are not being used; thus, the fuel economy in a vehicle with active fuel management could rival a V6 or even a 4-cylinder. With the Sedan reaching a combined fuel rating of 29 MPG, and the GXP reaching up to a combined 27 MPG, Pontiac has certainly been working to help buyers adapt to the higher cost of fuel. Nevertheless, buyers might not be thrilled with the availability of only one transmission, a 4-speed automatic with electronic overdrive.

Standard in the GXP is the Preferred Package that includes a remote start system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel and chrome interior accents. However, it will take the addition of the Premium Package on the Pontiac Grand Prix Sedan to get dual-zone automatic air conditioning and heated leather front seats. Available in both the 2008 Grand Prix Sedan and GXP is a Sun and Sound Package that features a power sunroof, quality speaker system and 6-disc in-dash CD changer. This 4-door sedan can also have fog lights, a rear spoiler and grille inserts added without a package purchase.

The 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix’s base MSRP of $22,960 will draw potential buyers away from such models as the Audi RS4. The price coupled with the gas mileage might just put the Grand Prix in the running to become a bestseller for Pontiac. Unfortunately, if buyers are looking for a sporty sedan that comes standard with a number of features, they’ll need to look somewhere else. Though the base MSRP is reasonable, once features start being added (features that are commonly standard on other makers’ sedans), the price will quickly climb as well.

The second generation, beginning in 1969, dropped the Grand Prix to mid-size. The new Grand Prix got its own body style for the first time. It sported a 400 or 428 cubic inch engine, the latter replaced by the 455 in 1970. Transmission offerings remained essentially the same. In 1972 it carried Pontiac’s first radial tire offering.

Beginning with the third generation in 1972, the Grand Prix grew again, though marginally. During this time Pontiac offered four engines, including their first V6, but overall engine performance declined due to new federal emission guidelines. The manual transmission was dropped in favor of the three-speed automatic. Sales hit record levels in 1976 and 1977.

The fourth generation faced new realities of driving - environmental concerns and the rising price of gasoline. Beginning in 1978 the Grand Prix was a foot shorter and six hundred pounds lighter. For the first time, the standard engine was neither V8 nor Pontiac. It was a Buick V6.

The new engine was matched with a standard three speed manual transmission, though the old three speed automatic was optional. The sporty appearance was toned down and a more sedate, family looking vehicle took its place. By 1982, Pontiac engines were phased out entirely. During this period the Grand Prix got its only diesel engine.

The fifth generation Grand Prix was scaled down to a more “personal” size. It was still available in two or four doors, but even the V6 was beginning to seem upscale as the first four-cylinder engine became standard on the low-end model in 1990. A four speed automatic and a five speed manual transmission were offered during this time.

The sixth (1997) and seventh (2004) generation Grand Prix kept, but modernized, the basic look of the fifth generation. It moved back to a V6 standard for all models and the seventh generation even offered a new V8. But major changes lay underneath the skin as the Grand Prix kept up with the safety and efficiency standards of the industry. 2008 was its last model year. Without doubt, the Pontiac Grand Prix was one of America’s most innovative vehicles ever.

The sedan, however, is arguably the wiser choice, delivering more value and functionality than its sister models. This 4-door sedan shares the same basic design as the Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn Aura and Saab 9-3 and is available in 4 price leading trims-the Value Leader, Base, GT and the sporty new GXP. For the 2008 model year, the GXP trim is added to the lineup, while anti-lock brakes, traction control, side impact airbags and Onstar are added to the standard equipment list for all versions of the G6.

The Value Leader and Base G6 Sedans have a 164 horsepower, 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine and a 4 speed automatic transmission. The GT Sedan is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine rated at 219 horsepower with a 4 speed automatic transmission, while the performance oriented GXP comes equipped with a potent 252 horsepower, 3.6 liter V6 mated to a 6 speed automatic. Both engines provide ample power and the automatic transmissions downshift readily for impressive acceleration when passing. Using regular grade fuel, sedans equipped with the 3.5 V6 average about 22 miles per gallon.

The Value Leader GT Sedan is very well equipped and comes standard with many safety features including a full array of airbags, traction control, anti-lock brakes and an anti-skid system. Also included are 16 inch wheels, daytime running lights, air conditioning, Onstar, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, split folding rear seat, full power accessories and an AM/FM/CD stereo system. The Base Sedan replaces the 16-inch wheels with 17-inch wheels and adds cruise control and remote keyless entry. The GT Sedan adds a leather wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio system controls, an upgraded sound system with in dash CD changer and satellite radio; fog lights and a sport tuned suspension. In addition to the most powerful engine in the lineup, the GXP features heated front seats, automatic climate control and a power adjustable driver seat.

Although the 2008 Pontiac G6 Sedan lacks some of the well tuned feel and the exceptionally quiet cabin of some of the other midsize sedans on the market today, however the much sleeker looking G6 Sedan does undercut them on price while still providing a safe and very comfortable ride as well as an almost thrilling driving experience.

Pontiac G6 Sedan took over for the Grand Am and Grand Prix in the maker’s lineup. The Pontiac G6 was originally unveiled at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. The G6 was put in place to reinforce GM’s idea that their daughter division was the sportier of the bunch. The Pontiac G6 was and still is available as a sedan, convertible, or coupe. In 2005 the G6 was ranked at number eleven in the top selling cars in America.

The G6 Sedan comes standard with a 2.4L Ecotec LE5 4-cylinder engine, producing up to 169 horsepower. In the 2005 model year, Pontiac released a G6 convertible. The retractable hardtop put the G6 convertible in the running with much more expensive car brands, such as the Infiniti G35. The GT trim of the G6 came with TAPshift, much similar to the AutoStick. The TAPshift gave the G6 the ease of driving an automatic, but allowed the driver to upshift or downshift manually when necessary. The 2006 model year also introduced 201 horsepower, a much needed boost for a car marketed as “sporty.” It was not until 2007 when Pontiac gave the G6 GT an engine upgrade to a 3.9L V6 that produced 252 horsepower. The latest G6 trim is the GXP. The GXP had a revamped front end and featured two air scoops on the hood.

When the G6 Sedan was first released, America got to get their first glimpse through Oprah Winfrey. She famously gave an entire studio audience, 276 people, each a Pontiac G6 of their own. By releasing the car nationwide by donating 276 cars to people on an incredibly popular talk show, Pontiac succeeded in making the G6 a household name overnight. However, soon after the show debuted controversy began. Though the sedans were given to people in need in Oprah’s audience, the taxes were not paid. Many of the winners were unable to even keep the vehicle because they simply did not have enough money to cover the cost of taxes.

The Pontiac G6 Sedan is also used in racing. The G6 took the place of the GTO.R in the Rolex Sports Car Series. Also, the G6 GXP is involved in Powerade Drag Racing. Though the G6’s marketing campaign was incredibly different than that of its competition, the maker succeeded in creating a brand that all became familiar with very quickly. Since then, other makers have been pushing vehicles more and more on talk shows by giving them away to deserving audience members. However, none have done it on quite the grand scale that Pontiac did.

Ecotec engine and a five-speed manual engine, while an upgrade to the GT version of the car comes with a kickier 178 horsepower 2.4 liter Ecotec engine and a four-speed automatic transmission that includes overdrive functionality. Estimated fuel efficiency with the 2.2-liter engine is 25 city and 34 highway with the 2.4-liter unit returning 25/34. (Fuel capacity is 13 gallons.)

The G5’s instrumentation includes a speedometer, fuel gauge, tachometer, and Driver Information Center with outside temperature, warning messages, and programmable menu features. The front seats are buckets with manual recliners and adjustable outboard head restraints. They are not heated, but heating is an option. The back seat is a bench with a 60/40 split and pass-through access to the trunk. Other standard features include keyless entry, though keyless ignition is only available as an option, as is OnStar.

The standard audio system is a four-speaker AM/FM/CD combo with MP3 playback, auto-tone control, Radio Data System, automatic volume, and TheftLock. The optional premium system is a 228-watt, seven-speaker Pioneer unit with amplified tweeters and a rear subwoofer. XM Satellite Radio is also available.

The 2007 Pontiac G5 comes with airbags to protect the driver and front-seat passenger from front-impact collisions, but heat-protection and side-impact protection are optional upgrades, as are airbags for the back seat.

The G5 is available in a base model or GT trim. The base model rests upon 15 inch steel wheels and both models come with air conditioning, remote keyless entry, satellite radio with CD/MP3 player and auxiliary jack, a 60/40 split folding rear seat to increase cargo space and full power accessories. The GT has 17 inch aluminum wheels and also includes fog lights, a sport tuned suspension system, cruise control, an upgraded 7 speaker audio system with steering wheel mounted audio controls and a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The 16 inch alloy wheels as well as most of the features found on the GT can be purchased separately for the base model. To further furnish and personalize either model, additional options include heated leather seats, a sunroof, a remote start system, custom interior lighting, ground effects package and a cat back exhaust system.

The engines that power both models are quicker than those found in many economy cars. The base model is equipped with a 2.2 liter 4 cylinder engine that delivers 148 horsepower and the GT has a more powerful 2.4 liter 4 cylinder with a horsepower rating of 171. Both models have 5 speed manual transmissions, though swapping it out for a 4 speed automatic is an option. Fuel economy numbers are mediocre, with the EPA estimating somewhere between 22 and 24 MPG in the city and 31 and 33 MPG on the highway dependent upon the engine and transmission selections.

The 2008 Pontiac G5 is an affordable coupe with a nice design and clean lines. The ride is quiet and relatively smooth and the engines are adequate. This car will suit most daily commuters who are just looking for an inexpensive ride to and from work just fine. However, because it lacks the refinement and high quality performance based handling of other cars in its category, it is advisable to look around before you buy.

While the G5 only has one body style, it offers two trim levels and two motors. In addition to the base G5, there is the GT. The base engine is a 2.2 liter four cylinder with 148 horsepower. It can be upgraded to a 2.4 liter engine with variable valve timing and 171 horsepower. The 2.4 liter engine is standard in the GT. Mileage depends on the combination of engine, transmission and wheels, but you can expect to get at least 23 miles per gallon city and 32 miles per gallon highway.

Speaking of transmissions, there are two offered. Standard is a five speed manual, but you can order a four speed automatic.

Don’t be fooled by the G5’s five passenger rating. It will seat two adults in reasonable comfort. The back seats are okay for children, but if you’re taking extra adults use a bigger car. On the other hand, the G5 only comes in a coupe, so the doors are big enough for adults to enter and leave the vehicle easily.

The G5 has a host of available features which include just about anything you can get on any other General Motors vehicle. One of the handiest will probably be the 60/40 split rear seats with a pass through option. Others include OnStar, hands-free calling, XM radio with a Pioneer sound system, navigation system and IPod integration.

Starting price for the base model is $16,275. This makes it competitive in terms of price, mileage and horsepower. Air bags, dual speed front airbags, passenger sensing system, emergency trunk release, running lights and a tire pressure monitoring system all come standard. The GT also has standard antilock brakes, which are available on the base model. All speed traction control is available on both models and GM’s stability enhancement system is available on the GT. NHTSA gives a five star front crash rating and solid fours everywhere else, a good average for small cars.

All that having been said, the customer base for the G5 seems limited to first time drivers like high school, or maybe college, kids and possibly young newlyweds. Certainly, it’s too small for even a new family, in spite of having the LATCH system. Hauling anything more than a few groceries is out of the question. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a first car for your son or daughter, or a college car, and you want to get them something they’ll enjoy driving, then the 2009 Pontiac G5 is certainly worth a look.

Pontiac G5 has had a great deal of buyer interest. Dynamic styling, a wealth of interior features, and decent fuel economy give the G5 a head above the competition. This compact car is available as either a two-door coupe or four-door sedan and is built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Cobalt. Though the G5 was first unveiled to American buyers in 2007, the model had already been on the Canadian and Mexican markets since 2004.

Available with either a 148 horsepower 2.2L I4 or 173 horsepower 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder engine, the Pontiac G5 has a sporty flair that most other compacts on the market lack. A buyer can also choose from either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. This level of customization has made the G5 a favorite among younger buyers because they can tailor the model to fit their unique needs.

Another draw for the contemporary buyer is the abundance of technological features. A stereo system that is MP3 adaptable gives drivers the opportunity to listen to their personal playlists in the G5. A trial subscription to XM Satellite Radio is also included with the purchase of a Pontiac G5. The model can also be upgraded with a sunroof, side impact airbags, and a number of other accessories. Several packages can be purchased that will give the model a sportier feel, greater adaptability, or a more luxurious interior.

The Pontiac G5 was featured in the Bruce Willis blockbuster Live Free or Die Hard in 2007. According to reports, the 2009 Pontiac G5 will feature better fuel economy (25 city MPG and 37 highway MPG), which will give the model an all new XFE badge (Extra Fuel Economy). A recent visit to the G5’s production plant by presidential nominee John McCain further boosted the model’s popularity. Senator McCain praised GM for its work toward building more fuel efficient models that emit fewer pollutants into the environment. He specifically named the Pontiac G5 as one of those models.

For the future, this five passenger model will see a single intro engine level, the 2.2L I4, while previously the 2.4L 4-cylinder was on the coupe. Also, the 2009 model year will bring a change in the Pontiac G5 styles. Only the G5 Coupe or G5 GT Coupe will be available. With lower sales of the four-door sedan version, Pontiac decided to cut its losses and go to market with just the bestselling version for 2009.

The 1.6L 106hp DOHC Ecotec V4 engine turns 105 lb-ft of torque and utilizes both the Pontiac MFI system and an oil life monitoring system. All combine to yield a very impressive 34 mpg on the highways. And even though it’s small, if offers the driver and passengers more than ample space to enjoy a quiet, comfortable ride. In fact, the G3 offers the most hip and shoulder room in the entire segment.

It will be available for purchase in the spring of 2009 and promises to be a sporty, fun car to drive. Pontiac guarantees an “uncommonly high level of standard content” for your enjoyment. The G3 will be the forth vehicle in the Pontiac lineup to deliver over 30 mpg on the highways. Coincidentally, the G3 also achieves a very respectable 27 mpg in the cities.

The G3 is already a success in Canada where it is marketed as the G3 Wave. Sales in the segment were up 33 percent in the first 6 months of 2008. Pontiac has therefore made the decision to bring its tiny new beast into the US. Pontiac representatives state that the G3 is solid proof that you never have to sacrifice a sporty design and/or highly-responsive handling in order to create a vehicle that delivers excellent fuel efficiency.

The stock transmission that comes on the 2009 G3 is a 5-speed manual, but there is an optional 4-speed automatic as well. Air conditioning, a stereo with CD and MP3 capability, auxiliary electrical jacks, four airbags, OnStar roadside assistance, fog lights, a spoiler in the rear and a 5-star frontal crash test rating are all unlikely to be found on most other entry-level cars.

Theatre-style seating for the rear passengers enhances their riding experiences. The rear seating folds on a 60/40 split to offer up to 42 cubic feet of cargo hauling space as well. Pricing starts at $14,995. It’s a small car overall, but its tall design makes it roomy. Its overall dimensions are 155 inches in length, 66.1 inches in width and 50.3 inches in height. It has a wheelbase of 97.6 inches and a curb weight of just 2546 pounds. The G3 is front wheel-driven.

The Pontiac G3 will see its main competition from the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen’s New Beetle and the Kia Rio5. Of those, all expect for the New Beetle are within $500 of one another. The New Beetle cost at least $3 thousand more than the rest (while delivering less gas mileage than any) .

Only time will tell, but the 2009 Pontiac G3 seems to have an audience waiting for its arrival. With more standard features than most of its competitors and higher fuel economy ratings than all accept for the Toyota Yaris, it will certainly give the others a good run. Look for the G3 to arrive in March at your local Pontiac dealers.

Newer Posts »