2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP Review

For the first time since 1987, the Pontiac Grand Prix is available with a V8 in the 2005 GXP model. After just paying off my 2000 Grand Prix GTP I just knew I had to drive one. Luckily, when GM's AutoShowInMotion came to town they had a GXP available to drive. Although you can't get a true feel for the car from driving around a small course in a parking lot, I was definitely intrigued by the experience.

I briefly considered the Chrysler 300C and the Dodge Charger. I drove a family member's 300C AWD and although it's a nice car, the tiny windows and nearly 2-ton heft of the car just didn't feel right to me. I assumed that the Charger would feel much the same.

I started searching local dealers on GMBuyPower.com and found one nearby that showed a car that pretty well matched what I wanted. I called the dealer and they told me that the car had not yet arrived and they'd call me when it came in. A week later I got a call stating that it had just been pulled off the delivery truck and later that afternoon I hit the dealership. A quick test drive on the open road, a little negotiating and the deal was done. I took possession of the car with 13 miles, 9 of which were put on during my test drive.

The improvements of the GXP over the previous top-of-the-line GTP Comp G all add up to make the GXP something special. First, let's start with the

5.3L LS4 V8. The engine puts out 303HP and 323lb-ft with a nice flat torque curve. And the exhaust note is tuned perfectly for this application, growling under acceleration but quietly fading into the background when cruising, without the annoying drone that accompanies many performance exhaust systems. The brakes on the GXP, 12.7" in front and 12" at the rear, both with rear cross-drilled and vented rotors, are, in a word, "awesome". They quickly and smoothly pull the car to a stop without being too grabby. Handling is improved with a lowered ride height combined with Bilstein gas-charged struts along with a 1" wider track on the front drive wheels. Styling is enhanced with 18" lightweight forged aluminum wheels, new front fascia and, in a tribute to the second generation Trans Am, fender heat extractors and machine-turned dash accents.

The Grand Prix is routinely hammered in reviews for its interior. Although it's not the best automotive interior on the market, it's certainly not the worst either. Some drivers may intimidated by the large number of knobs and buttons, but once you become familiar with them, you'll find that they are logically placed and easy to use. I do have to take Pontiac to task for the location of glove compartment, however. It is buried so far under the dash that even the passenger has a hard time seeing what's in there, let alone the driver. The absence of a glove box light, a cost cutting move made at the changeover to the current body style, doesn't help the situation.

Another common knock against the GXP is the 4-speed automatic transmission. Although it certainly doesn't appear impressive on the spec sheet compared to a modern 5-speed or 6-speed transmission, it certainly doesn't feel out of place in this application. The broad torque curve of the LS4 gives plenty of power throughout the RPM range and 4 speeds is certainly adequate with this amount of power. Fuel economy isn't hurt by the 4-speed transmission either, due to the Displacement On Demand feature of the LS4, where 4 of the 8 cylinders are seamlessly deactivated during cruising. Being a front-wheel drive vehicle with this much power, torque steer is obviously present, but not in an obtrusive manner. Anyone accustomed to driving a modern FWD vehicle with even modest power will not be uncomfortable driving the GXP. And the ability to drive year round, even in snowy climates, more than makes up for this minor inconvenience.

All in all, the GXP is a terrific vehicle. Although not a favorite of the automotive media, I've yet to meet a Grand Prix owner that is unhappy with the car, and the GXP is simply the best that the Grand Prix has to offer. I highly recommend that people in the market for a sports sedan give the GXP a shot. You'll be surprised at how good of a vehicle it is.

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Reply to
Scott Zabolotzky
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Scott, congratulations on the new GXP! I just saw one on a local lot and may drop down to try it out. Could you perhaps post a pic of the engine bay of yours? Thanks.

Reply to
StingRay

Scott,

Nice report on your car. May you have many years of "Passing Maxima's" ahead of you.

Can anything under the hood be seen? Such as the alternator, plugs, PS pump. Does it look like its an easy to work on engine?

Hope you can post a follow up report say in 6 months from now.

This engine will also be in the 06 Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS.

Good Luck.

Harryface

05 Park Avenue 91 Bonneville LE, 303,555 miles
Reply to
Harry Face

The first link has some pics I took of the GXP at GM's AutoShowInMotion and includes a few shots of the engine bay. The 2nd link has some pics of my car after an exterior detail.

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Scott

Reply to
Scott Zabolotzky

In short, no, it does not look like it will be easy to work on the engine. The LS4 is really stuffed in there!

Scott

Reply to
Scott Zabolotzky

awesome car!!! is the insurance alot higher than a Grand Prix GT for say than the GXP.

Reply to
Dardamar

Not for me it wasn't.

Scott

Reply to
Scott Zabolotzky

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