2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Credit: General Motors
Restyled in 2004, the front-drive Pontiac Grand Prix was, for much of its life, powered by a large-displacement V-6. You could still get it that way in 2006, either normally aspirated or with a supercharger, but V-8 aficionados could also choose a small-block, OHV V-8 with the GXP version.
This engine displaced 5.3 litres and developed 303 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 323 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. The supercharged V-6 version developed 260 hp, while the base V-6 put out 200 hp.
Three trim levels were offered: base, GT and the GXP, and there was just one transmission choice for all: a four-speed automatic with a manual shift feature GM called Tapshift. This allowed you to manually change gears either through the shift lever or with steering-wheel-mounted paddles.
Consumers consider many incentives when shopping for a new vehicle but often overlook a key element when deciding what to buy: the depreciation factor
Whichever powertrain you chose, the Grand Prix couldn't be described as a nimble automobile. But for the market it was aimed at - whatever that was - it did the job. However, enthusiasts with a keen eye for handling and poise should probably look elsewhere - to quote Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry, drivers of this car need to know its limitations.
That said the GXP, in particular, featured one of the sexiest exhaust notes on the market. A deep semi-ominous rumble that could only come from a nicely-tuned V-8 engine.
The GXP also featured GM's Displacement On Demand technology (DOD), which shuts down four cylinders under light load - during highway driving, for example. The idea was to save a few bucks in fuel costs, and at 100 km/h in fourth, the engine loafed along at just over 1,600 rpm.
The Grand Prix, though a little short on elbow and storage room, was actually one of the more comfortable mid-size sedans put out by GM. You could order heated seats, which was nice, and the front buckets featured excellent lateral support, while being hard without punishing their occupants.
One interesting option was the heads-up display (HUD), which projects speed, engine temperature, transmission gear and what-not onto the windscreen in front of you. Depending upon your point of view, this was kind of gimmicky and basically superfluous.
Rear-seat elbow-room was adequate for a car of this size, but the back seat itself was actually kind of uncomfortable. Leg and head space was inferior to rivals such as the Hyundai Azera or Nissan Maxima. All Grand Prix models seated five.
But it didn't matter in the overall scheme of things. The Grand Prix was discontinued two years later, and the Pontiac brand followed it into oblivion halfway through 2009.
Just one safety recall on file with Transport Canada and it's minor. Apparently, if you use the (optional) remote start feature, all the usual safety cautions - seat belt and warning chimes, for example - will not be present when you get into the car after a certain amount of time.
To this, we can add a recall from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that has to do with a faulty aftermarket replacement steering knuckle manufactured by Dorman. It can break and cause a complete loss of steering. This defect afflicts a wide range of GM products for this year.
NHTSA also has 44 technical service bulletins for the '06 Grand Prix, and they include things like an engine coolant leak, erratic low oil pressure warning light, a noisy supercharger with the V-6 model, excessive oil consumption, loss of Drive and Reverse, and a hefty amount of cooling system alerts.
Consumer Reports has an average used-car prediction rating for this vintage of Grand Prix, singling out the suspension, brakes, drivetrain and climate control system as weak areas - not to mention mysterious squeaks and rattles. Comments from owners include consistent complaints about peripheral visibility blind spots, an unrefined V-6 engine, lack of back seat legroom and "transmission failure at 46,000 miles."
Market research company J.D. Power is generally positive about the 2006 Grand Prix, although not overwhelmingly so. Aside from body and interior dependability, most areas of the car receive average or better ratings, and this organization gave it their "highest ranked large car in initial quality" award for that year. This looks at a car during its first 90 days of life, taking into account things like breakdowns, ease of operation and overall design.
These days, a four-year-old Grand Prix seems to be worth a little less than half of what it cost new. Base versions are going for about $10,000 to $11,000, while a loaded V8 GXP is in the $14,000- $15,000 neighbourhood.
Consumers consider many incentives when shopping for a new vehicle but often overlook a key element when deciding what to buy: the depreciation factor
globedrive@globeandmail.com
2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
Original Base Price: $25,885; Black Book Value: $10,675-$14,950; Red Book Value: $11,075- $13,275
Engine: 3.8-litre V-6 normally aspirated and turbocharged; 5.3-litre V-8
Horsepower/Torque:
- 200 hp/230 lb-ft for normally aspirated V-6;
- 260 hp/280 lb-ft for turbocharged V-6
- 303 hp/323 lb-ft for V-8
Transmission: Four-speed automatic with manual shift feature
Drive: Front-wheel-drive
Fuel Economy (litres/100 km): 11.8 city/7.1 highway (normally aspirated V-6); regular gas
Alternatives: Nissan Maxima, Honda Accord, Hyundai Azera, Kia Amanti, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger