🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Pontiac Model: Grand Prix Year: 2008 Market Segment: Full-size Sedan (often marketed as Large Car) Codes Vin Prefix: 1G (General Motors, USA) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment Positioning: Positioned as a comfortable, spacious, and relatively powerful American sedan, competing in the large car segment against models like the Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala, and Dodge Charger. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 2008: Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300 Key Features Platform: GM W platform (a common platform shared with other GM sedans like Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Impala, and Pontiac Grand Am/G6) Body Styles: Sedan (4-door) Design Philosophy: Sporty yet comfortable American sedan, emphasizing road presence and available V6 power. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Language: English Format: Printed Paperback Manual Type: Owner's Manual Page Count Approximate Pages: 200-300 Manual Type Manual Purpose: To educate the owner on vehicle features, safe operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, fuel system, exhaust system basics Chassis: Braking system, steering, suspension basics Electrical: Lighting system, basic warning lights, battery care Interior Features: Climate control, seating adjustments, door locks, mirrors Infotainment: Radio operation, CD player, auxiliary inputs Safety Systems: Airbag system, seat belts, child seat installation, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) Procedures Included Operation: Starting and driving, parking, fuel filler operation Maintenance: Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire inflation, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement Troubleshooting: Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting steps for common issues Emergency Procedures: Emergency braking, dealing with a flat tire (using spare or inflation kit), jump starting a dead battery Technical Depth Diagnostic Level: Basic owner-level diagnosis, not detailed repair procedures Repair Coverage: Limited to simple user-replaceable items (e.g., fuses, bulbs, wipers) 📊 Manual Specifications Print Quality Binding Type: Perfect bound or saddle-stitched Paper Type: Standard paper, likely glossy for cover, matte for internal pages Print Quality: Standard professional printing, with clear text and diagrams File Format File Format: Physical printed book ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Gasoline: L36 (3.8L V6 Supercharged, Series II) Engine Displacement Gasoline: 3.8 L (231 cu in) Engine Type Gasoline: Naturally Aspirated V6 (Base models) and Supercharged V6 (GT, GXP trims) Performance Horsepower Base: ~200-210 hp @ 5200 rpm (for 3.8L V6) Torque Base: ~225-230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (for 3.8L V6) Horsepower Supercharged: ~260-270 hp @ 5200 rpm (for 3.8L Supercharged V6) Torque Supercharged: ~280-300 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (for 3.8L Supercharged V6) Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane recommended for Supercharged) Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) Engine Variations Engine Option 3 8L V6: Standard on base models (CX, SE) Engine Option 3 8L Supercharged V6: Optional on GT, standard on GXP 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 4-speed automatic (4T65-E) Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control (DSC) for manual gear selection (on GT/GXP) Features Traction Control: Standard or optional depending on trim level Shift Modes: Normal, Sport/Performance modes often available 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 199.7 inches Width: Approx. 71.7 inches Height: Approx. 57.4 inches Wheelbase: Approx. 110.5 inches Interior Passenger Volume: Approx. 103.7 cubic feet Cargo Trunk Capacity: Approx. 16.7 cubic feet Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3400-3700 lbs (depending on engine/trim) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Driver: Good (5-star) NHTSA Frontal Passenger: Good (5-star) NHTSA Side Driver: Good (4-star) NHTSA Side Passenger: Good (4-star) NHTSA Rollover: 4-star (calculated) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Traction Control: Available Traction Control System (TCS) Stability Control: Not commonly available on this model year's Grand Prix. Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on trim) Seat Belts: Three-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners, rear three-point seat belts Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system Tpms: Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) indicator 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with CD player, available premium sound systems (e.g., Monsoon), auxiliary input jacks. Navigation: Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system. Remote Start: Optional remote keyless entry and remote start system. Connectivity Onstar: Available OnStar communication system (subscription-based). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil) Tire Rotation Interval: Every 7,500 miles Engine Air Filter Replacement: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles) Spark Plug Replacement: Recommended at 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped spark plugs Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: SAE 5W-30, API Certified (GM recommends Dexos or equivalent) Coolant Specification: GM P/N 1052829 or equivalent (orange or pink color, Dex-Cool compatible) Transmission Fluid Specification: Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid Brake Fluid Specification: DOT 3 Power Steering Fluid: GM P/N 89021183 or equivalent (Type A Suffix A) Known Issues...
Positioned as a comfortable, spacious, and relatively powerful American sedan, competing in the large car segment against models like the Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala, and Dodge Charger.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors 2008:
Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300
Key Features
Platform:
GM W platform (a common platform shared with other GM sedans like Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Impala, and Pontiac Grand Am/G6)
Body Styles:
Sedan (4-door)
Design Philosophy:
Sporty yet comfortable American sedan, emphasizing road presence and available V6 power.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Language:
English
Format:
Printed Paperback
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Page Count
Approximate Pages:
200-300
Manual Type
Manual Purpose:
To educate the owner on vehicle features, safe operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, exhaust system basics
Chassis:
Braking system, steering, suspension basics
Electrical:
Lighting system, basic warning lights, battery care
Interior Features:
Climate control, seating adjustments, door locks, mirrors
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane recommended for Supercharged)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Engine Variations
Engine Option 3 8L V6:
Standard on base models (CX, SE)
Engine Option 3 8L Supercharged V6:
Optional on GT, standard on GXP
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed automatic (4T65-E)
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control (DSC) for manual gear selection (on GT/GXP)
Features
Traction Control:
Standard or optional depending on trim level
Shift Modes:
Normal, Sport/Performance modes often available
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 199.7 inches
Width:
Approx. 71.7 inches
Height:
Approx. 57.4 inches
Wheelbase:
Approx. 110.5 inches
Interior
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 103.7 cubic feet
Cargo
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 16.7 cubic feet
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3400-3700 lbs (depending on engine/trim)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (5-star)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (5-star)
NHTSA Side Driver:
Good (4-star)
NHTSA Side Passenger:
Good (4-star)
NHTSA Rollover:
4-star (calculated)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Not commonly available on this model year's Grand Prix.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on trim)
Seat Belts:
Three-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners, rear three-point seat belts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Tpms:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) indicator
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, available premium sound systems (e.g., Monsoon), auxiliary input jacks.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Remote Start:
Optional remote keyless entry and remote start system.
Connectivity
Onstar:
Available OnStar communication system (subscription-based).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended at 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped spark plugs
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30, API Certified (GM recommends Dexos or equivalent)
Coolant Specification:
GM P/N 1052829 or equivalent (orange or pink color, Dex-Cool compatible)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
GM P/N 89021183 or equivalent (Type A Suffix A)
Known Issues
Transmission Issues:
Some instances of transmission solenoid issues or rough shifting in the 4T65-E transmission.
Engine Performance:
Supercharger belt tensioner and pulley issues on supercharged models, some intake manifold gasket leaks.
Suspension:
Potential for worn strut mounts or control arm bushings over time.
Electrical Systems:
Occasional reports of HVAC blower motor issues or power window regulator failures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was known for performance-oriented vehicles, often with a focus on styling and sporty driving dynamics within the General Motors portfolio.
Model Evolution
Grand Prix Lineage:
The Grand Prix has a long history, evolving from a personal luxury coupe to a sporty sedan, with various generations offering different styling cues and performance options, including iconic supercharged engines.
Production
Production End Year:
2008 was the final model year for the Pontiac Grand Prix before the Pontiac brand was discontinued by GM in 2010.
Manufacturing Location:
General Motors Oshawa Car Assembly, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards 2008:
Achieved good ratings in IIHS crash testing for frontal offset, demonstrating decent safety performance for its era.
Performance Acclaim:
The supercharged GXP model was often praised for its strong acceleration and performance relative to its price point in the large sedan segment.
Certifications
Emissions Standards:
Complies with EPA emissions standards for the model year.
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