🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Pontiac

Model:

Grand Prix

Year:

2008

Market Segment:

Full-size Sedan (often marketed as Large Car)

Vin Prefix:

1G (General Motors, USA)

👋 Introduction

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.

Key Competitors 2008:

Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300

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

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Paperback

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Approximate Pages:

200-300

Manual Purpose:

To educate the owner on vehicle features, safe operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.

📖 Manual Coverage

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)

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

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

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:

Physical printed book

⚙️ Engine Specifications

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)

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 Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane recommended for Supercharged)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Engine Option 3 8L V6:

Standard on base models (CX, SE)

Engine Option 3 8L Supercharged V6:

Optional on GT, standard on GXP

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed automatic (4T65-E)

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control (DSC) for manual gear selection (on GT/GXP)

Traction Control:

Standard or optional depending on trim level

Shift Modes:

Normal, Sport/Performance modes often available

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 199.7 inches

Width:

Approx. 71.7 inches

Height:

Approx. 57.4 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 110.5 inches

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 103.7 cubic feet

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 16.7 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3400-3700 lbs (depending on engine/trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

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)

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.

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

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.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Remote Start:

Optional remote keyless entry and remote start system.

Onstar:

Available OnStar communication system (subscription-based).

🔧 Maintenance

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

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)

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

Pontiac Legacy:

Pontiac was known for performance-oriented vehicles, often with a focus on styling and sporty driving dynamics within the General Motors portfolio.

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 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

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.

Emissions Standards:

Complies with EPA emissions standards for the model year.