2006 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.8 series II from North America

Summary:

Love the car

Faults:

62,000 - this will be the second time the intermediate shaft for the steering will be replaced. There was a factory recall on the problem and Pontiac fixed it the first time.

30,000 - While fixing the intermediate shaft at Pontiac, they also found the tie rods ends needed replacing...

Now they tell me the rack and pinion is leaking.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th September, 2009

2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Not sure yet

Faults:

Engine is using half litre of oil between changes every 5000 kms. It's been the same since we bought it at 15k. Should I be concerned? Not sure if this is normal, never owned a 3.8 before.

General Comments:

Other than the oil usage, all is great with the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st February, 2009

2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Base 3.8 Series III from North America

Summary:

Great Quality

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

Not the fastest car in the world, but it has a nice ride for the front seat. A little small in the back, but that is OK for me since I have two small children. I love the interior look and the sporty look of the outside. I run Mobil 1 Synthetic in it and do all my maintenance early (Tranny flush at 75k, radiator flush at 75k and oil changes every 5-10k miles) and have had no issues. Gas mileage is not great when you drive in traffic or in the city (about 21-23), but highway I have gotten as high as 32mpg. GM did a good job on this one. This is my 3rd Pontiac and I have loved them all!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th October, 2008

2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8L Series III Supercharged from North America

Summary:

Why does anyone buy a Camry?

Faults:

Tire pressure alert has come on and I checked all tire pressures and they are fine. I can't get it to go off/

I've had it about a year and only ever had to have the oil changed and basic stuff like that.

General Comments:

It is very comfortable with heated leather seats, and I fit in it well (I'm 6'-4") I'm used to 2 door cars and the B pillar is too far forward for my likes. It's very quick for its size and fuel economy. It's the fastest big 4 door I've seen that can still get 29mpg on the highway.

It's a pretty practical car yet still decently fun to drive. When that supercharger kicks in you really feel it.

I personally like sports cars, I last drove a Firebird Formula it's a whole different type of car. Speed wise this Grand Prix is impressive for what it is under 7 sec 0-60, but the front wheel drive feels stupid sometimes when your used to rear wheel.

This car is a great compromise if you like speed, but have a family and need better gas mileage than a V-8.

I think it might be an option on them, but mine does not play MP3 CDs or have an input for iPod/mp3 player If I could make one suggestion for the manufacturer; make mp3 a standard. Seriously, that has become the "cupholder" of this era of auto manufacture.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th April, 2008

7th Jan 2011, 19:10

People buy a Camry because they like to drive a vehicle that does nothing but get them to point A to point B. A Camry does this task in spades, and all the while will most likely not need much but general maintenance up to 200,000 miles. Grand Prix and like vehicles were made for people who want a little bit more with their vehicle. A little bit more flair with the exterior, plastic clad body panels that look "buff". A little bit more performance (with the GTP package). A little bit more road noise. A little bit more up-keep.

This type of "more" leads to less investment in NVH areas (noise, vibration, harshness) where things tend to break down, because people who drive these "excitement" vehicles drive them as if they were sports cars. Sadly, they aren't built to last if driven hard, and it shows given the amount of bad reviews.

I personally like the Grand Prix nameplate, and wish that the newer G8 car had carried on the tradition of the Grand Prix line. It would have lent a little credibility to its forebearers, especially the late 90's and early 00's.

Alas, we are left with only memories of "fast in a straight line" vehicles with muscle car handling and a teen dream body.

15th Jan 2011, 16:04

The engine in this reviewers car is the 3800, and the drive train in his car commonly does over 200,000 miles. I agree that the driver plays the biggest role in the amount of life you get out of your car, however if you drove a Toyota in the way you are talking about, it would last an even shorter time. Those engine are on the list of best engines of the past 100 years. As well the W-platform has proven itself again and again to be as versatile and reliable as the world's best.

18th Jan 2011, 09:04

I don't know if it has so much to do with getting over 200,000 miles out of the vehicle as it does with how much money is spent getting the car to 200,000 miles.

I would be willing to bet that almost any engine that does not have a cracked block will reach 200,000 miles. You can rebuild an engine and do numerous repairs to keep a car running on the road.