Used 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix

With the demise of the Bonneville, the Grand Prix becomes Pontiac’s largest and most sophisticated sedan. Despite tough competition from the HEMI-powered Dodge Charger, the Grand Prix has held its ground, demonstrating the ability to compete both in the horsepower arena and on the track. The V6-powered models also stack up well when compared to rivals from Nissan, Volkswagen and Mazda. Still, with a growing number of enthusiasts returning to rear-wheel drive, the front-wheel-drive Grand Prix has its fair share of vocal detractors. Few, however, can complain about the car’s impressive fuel economy, even when equipped with the optional 303-horsepower V8 engine, or the noteworthy list of available features, such as the GTP’s standard Head-Up Display.

A 200-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine provides power for the base model while the GT gets a supercharged version of the same engine. Both pull fairly strong off the line, but the GT clearly has the advantage as soon as the rpm needle passes 1500. You’ll find that the GT’s 17-inch wheels and tires provide the Grand Prix with good reflexes while still delivering a surprisingly smooth and quiet ride.

More aggressive handling (not to mention pin-you-to-your-seat acceleration) comes with the V8-powered GXP, which feels so connected to the road you might easily be fooled into thinking this is an all-wheel-drive car. It’s not, of course, but for a front-drive sedan of this size and performance level the handling is remarkably good.

The Grand Prix’s dash is playful, with overlapping folds, large round air vents and prominent red lighting. The steering wheel on the GXP has an additional set of touch paddles (GM calls this TAPshift – Touch Activated Power) that allow the driver to manually shift gears using only his or her thumbs. Rear-seat passengers may feel a bit boxed-in, as the high upswept beltline results in smaller windows that limit outward vision. Low rear-seat bottoms had our taller passengers riding with their knees uncomfortably high.

The first thing you notice about the Grand Prix is its clean, uncluttered sheet metal. While the swooping lines, familiar split grille and cat’s-eye headlamps are still in place, the heavy tacked-on body cladding that once plastered every Pontiac with sporting intentions has finally been banished. The large wheels eliminate the unsightly gap that can make a car look like it’s riding on tires that are too small.

TAPshift
The GXP package adds Pontiac’s TAPshift paddle shifter to the steering wheel.

Fold-Flat Front Seat
The Grand Prix’s fold-flat front seat lets you load relatively long cargo.

The Grand Prix has a four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, a tire pressure monitor, air conditioning, rear defroster, six-way power driver’s seat, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, AM/FM stereo with CD, one year of OnStar, tilt wheel, cruise control and 16-inch wheels. The GT adds an anti-lock braking system (ABS), power lumbar support, overhead console, leather-wrapped steering wheel with touch controls, traction control and alloy wheels. The GXP adds a Head-Up Display, Bilstein shock absorbers and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Options vary by trim and include a trip computer, fog lights, flat-folding front passenger seat, Head-Up Display, Monsoon sound system, navigation, power glass moonroof, stainless steel exhaust tips, head-curtain airbags, leather seats and automatic air conditioning.

The Grand Prix offers three very good powerplants. The base car’s 3.8-liter engine has plenty of low-end torque to allow for speedy intersection crossings. The Supercharged GT is plenty fast, and most will find this a very satisfying drive indeed. The V8-powered GXP is the true performer here, turning out over 300 horsepower while its Active Fuel Management (AFM) helps deliver highway fuel economy figures better than some V6s. AFM works by cutting fuel to four of the eight cylinders when the engine is not under load. The instant full power is needed, the system restores fuel to the deactivated cylinders.

3.8-liter V6
200 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
230 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/30

3.8-liter V6 Supercharged
260 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
280 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28

5.3-liter V8
303 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
323 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27