The 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix is a part of the final generation of this storied mid-size sedan, which ran from 2004 until Pontiac discontinued the model in 2008. This period marks the last iteration of the Grand Prix within GM’s W-body platform, known for front-wheel drive configurations and shared among other GM vehicles like the Chevrolet Impala and Buick Regal.

The 2004 model year saw Pontiac launch the eighth and final generation of the Grand Prix, continuing its lineage of sporty sedans that began in 1962. The design emphasized a balance between performance, handling, and comfort, with the car positioned as a more aggressive, driver-focused alternative to other GM mid-sized sedans.

Design and Engineering

The 2004 Grand Prix debuted with a refreshed exterior design that sharpened the lines and gave the car a more muscular, aggressive look, characteristic of Pontiac’s performance-oriented aesthetic. It had a wide stance, angular bodywork, and a signature dual-port front grille. The 2004-2008 models also featured a “coke-bottle” beltline and tail lights that accentuated the sporty intentions of the brand.

The Grand Prix remained on the W-body platform during these years, which had been extensively refined since its introduction in 1988. The platform’s main attributes included a front-wheel-drive layout, a transversely mounted engine, and an independent suspension. For the 2004 update, the chassis was stiffened to improve handling and reduce body roll.

Trims and Models

The 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix was available in several trims over the years:

• Grand Prix (Base Model): The entry-level Grand Prix came with a 3.8-liter (L36) V6 engine producing 200 horsepower. It featured standard equipment like power windows, keyless entry, and a stereo system with a CD player.
• GT: The GT trim offered a more comprehensive feature set, including upgraded interior materials, alloy wheels, and dual-zone climate control. It continued with the naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 engine but added more premium features to appeal to comfort-seeking buyers.
• GTP: The Grand Prix GTP was the performance-oriented version, equipped with a supercharged 3.8L V6 engine (L32) that produced 260 horsepower. This version also came with a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes for enhanced driving dynamics. The GTP also introduced the “Comp-G” package, which added a unique suspension setup, a quicker steering ratio, and a TapShift transmission system that allowed manual control of gear shifts via steering-wheel-mounted paddles.
• GXP (2005-2008): In 2005, Pontiac launched the Grand Prix GXP, the high-performance model powered by a 5.3-liter V8 engine (LS4) producing 303 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque. This engine used Displacement on Demand (DoD) technology, allowing four of the eight cylinders to deactivate under light loads to improve fuel efficiency. The GXP also featured a performance-tuned suspension, Bilstein dampers, upgraded Brembo brakes, and unique 18-inch wheels. The GXP distinguished itself with its aggressive styling cues, such as quad exhaust tips and a rear spoiler.

Technological and Safety Features

Throughout its 2004-2008 run, the Pontiac Grand Prix offered various technological and safety advancements. Features like anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and front-seat side airbags became standard or available on higher trims. The car also included a heads-up display (HUD) on some models, projecting key vehicle information onto the windshield to aid driver focus.

Additionally, the OnStar telematics system was available across the range, offering drivers services such as automatic crash response, navigation, and roadside assistance.

Performance and Handling

The Grand Prix, particularly in its GTP and GXP trims, was known for solid performance for a front-wheel-drive sedan. The supercharged GTP could reach 0-60 mph in about 6.6 seconds, while the V8-powered GXP shaved that down to around 5.7 seconds, making it one of the quicker mid-size sedans of its time.

The suspension was tuned for a balance between comfort and sporty handling, with the GXP benefiting from a more performance-focused setup. It featured a unique “staggered” wheel setup, with wider tires in the front than in the rear to improve traction and handling balance.

Despite being front-wheel drive, the Grand Prix GXP’s engineering allowed for respectable handling characteristics, though torque steer (common in high-powered FWD cars) was still noticeable under hard acceleration.

Reception and Market Position

The 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix received praise for its powerful engine options, spacious interior, and long list of features. The GTP and GXP models, in particular, were well-regarded for providing a good balance of performance and comfort at a reasonable price point. However, criticisms often centered around the interior quality, which some felt lagged behind competitors in terms of materials and design.

Throughout these years, the Grand Prix maintained a loyal fanbase, but changing market demands and the overall decline of the Pontiac brand affected its sales. Despite strong performance attributes, mid-size sedans were losing ground to the growing popularity of SUVs and crossovers during this period.

2008: The End of an Era

2008 marked the final year of production for the Pontiac Grand Prix. General Motors had decided to phase out the Grand Prix in favor of the Pontiac G8, a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan sourced from GM’s Australian subsidiary, Holden. By 2010, GM announced the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand altogether as part of its post-bankruptcy restructuring plan.

The 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix thus represents the last chapter in the history of the Grand Prix nameplate and serves as a poignant reminder of Pontiac’s storied performance heritage within GM.

Legacy and Enthusiast Appeal

Though production ended in 2008, the 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix remains a popular model among automotive enthusiasts, particularly in the W-body community. Its relatively affordable price, reliable 3.8L V6 engine, and the availability of performance-oriented trims like the GTP and GXP have kept it in demand in the used car market. Many owners continue to modify and upgrade these cars, focusing on enhancing performance and maintaining the car’s distinctive aesthetic.

The W-body platform’s modular nature also allows for easy upgrades and parts sharing with other GM vehicles from the same era, further fueling its popularity among car enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix served as a fitting send-off for one of Pontiac’s most iconic models. With a focus on performance, technology, and affordability, the final generation of the Grand Prix continues to be celebrated in enthusiast circles, marking the end of an era not only for the Grand Prix nameplate but also for Pontiac as a brand.

This generation encapsulates the appeal of Pontiac’s performance-oriented philosophy, offering drivers a sporty, practical sedan that’s still cherished by fans of the W-body platform today.

The 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix included several special models that catered to enthusiasts looking for higher performance and unique features. These models, such as the GTP Comp-G and the GXP, delivered enhanced driving experiences compared to the standard Grand Prix trims. Here’s a breakdown of these special editions and what made them stand out, perfect for WBodyTech.com.

2004-2005 Grand Prix GTP Comp-G

One of the most notable special models from this generation was the GTP Comp-G package. Built on the GTP’s supercharged platform, this edition was designed with a stronger focus on driving dynamics and sporty appeal.

Key Features:

• Engine: The Comp-G was powered by the 3.8-liter supercharged V6 engine (L32), producing 260 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
• TapShift Transmission: The Comp-G introduced a manual-shift mode called TapShift, which allowed drivers to manually control gear shifts via paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel, a rare feature in mid-size sedans of that era.
• Suspension: The Comp-G came with a performance-tuned suspension, designed to enhance cornering and reduce body roll, delivering a sharper, more responsive driving experience compared to the standard GTP.
• Steering: A unique Magnasteer II system gave the Comp-G a quicker steering ratio, improving responsiveness and feel at higher speeds.
• Wheels and Tires: It featured larger 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in performance tires, adding to the car’s sporty character.
• Interior: The Comp-G’s interior featured a heads-up display (HUD), projecting important information like speed and engine RPM onto the windshield to keep drivers focused on the road.

Legacy:

The Comp-G package was well-received by enthusiasts for its balance of power and handling improvements. It bridged the gap between a family sedan and a more driver-focused performance car, making it a desirable choice for those looking for sporty attributes in their daily driver.

2005-2008 Grand Prix GXP

The GXP model, introduced in 2005, was the ultimate performance variant of the 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix lineup. It distinguished itself from the rest of the range with a V8 engine and a host of high-performance upgrades, making it one of the most powerful front-wheel-drive sedans of its time.

Key Features:

• Engine: The GXP was equipped with a 5.3-liter LS4 V8 engine, producing 303 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque. This made it one of the few front-wheel-drive cars to feature a V8 engine, and the most powerful model in the Grand Prix lineup.
• Displacement on Demand (DoD): The GXP’s LS4 V8 came with Displacement on Demand technology, allowing the engine to deactivate four of its eight cylinders under light load to improve fuel efficiency, without sacrificing power when needed.
• Suspension: The GXP featured a more aggressive suspension setup with Bilstein dampers to provide a sportier ride and better handling, especially when cornering at high speeds.
• Wheels and Tires: A unique staggered wheel setup—18-inch wheels with wider tires in the front than the rear—improved traction and cornering stability, helping to manage the torque steer common in high-powered front-wheel-drive cars.
• Brakes: The GXP came equipped with upgraded Brembo brakes for improved stopping power, a must for handling the car’s substantial horsepower.
• Exhaust: The GXP featured a quad-tipped exhaust system, adding to its aggressive styling and delivering a distinctive V8 growl.
• Exterior and Interior: The GXP had a distinct appearance with its body kit, rear spoiler, and performance wheels. Inside, the GXP received special trim, including leather seats with GXP stitching, and standard features like the heads-up display (HUD).

Legacy:

The Grand Prix GXP was a unique offering in the mid-size sedan market, blending V8 muscle with front-wheel-drive practicality. It became an instant hit among enthusiasts who appreciated its power, unique handling setup, and aggressive styling. Today, the GXP remains a favorite in the W-body community for its rarity and performance potential.

Other Special Features and Limited Editions

Although the GTP Comp-G and GXP are the standout special models from this generation, the Grand Prix also had other trims and options that catered to different markets:

• Special Appearance Packages: Some models offered cosmetic upgrades, such as optional spoilers, chrome exhaust tips, or exclusive paint colors like Fusion Orange or Sport Red. These appearance packages were often offered through dealer-installed options or limited-edition runs, adding visual flair to the car without altering performance.
• Daytona 500 Special Editions: Throughout the Grand Prix’s history, Pontiac offered special editions to commemorate races like the Daytona 500. Although not mechanically different from their regular counterparts, these editions featured special badging and unique color schemes.

Conclusion

The 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix’s special models, particularly the GTP Comp-G and GXP, represent the pinnacle of Pontiac’s performance engineering during the era. They provided enhanced driving dynamics, powerful engines, and advanced technology, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors today. These models continue to have a strong legacy within the W-body community, where their combination of performance and practicality remains highly valued.