How to Build a Custom Pontiac Grand Prix

From selecting factory options to aftermarket parts, here are the best ways to build a custom Pontiac Grand Prix.
Written by Sarah Williams
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
If you’re looking for a used car to customize, the Pontiac Grand Prix is a practical option for a midsize family sedan. With the many aftermarket parts available, you can create your very own unique Grand Prix. 
The Grand Prix not only gets great mileage and has plenty of room for the whole family, but its strong lines and powerful engine also make it suitable for driving enthusiasts alike. However, 2008 was the last year the Pontiac Grand Prix was produced before the close of General Motors in 2009. 
Brand new, the starting price for a Grand Prix in 2008 was between $22K and $29K. Now, you can get one used for between $4K and $6K. 
If you’re considering building a custom Pontiac Grand Prix, read on. We've put together a guide detailing all the Grand Prix’s customization options.
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Pontiac Grand Prix customization options

The Pontiac Grand Prix is a four-door, five-passenger sedan. The final generation of the Grand Prix was launched in 2004 and discontinued after 2008. With every year came improvements, making the last the best generation yet. In 2006, Pontiac added V8 power to increase its performance, and detail improvements were added in 2007. 
When customizing your used Pontiac Grand Prix, you’ll want to start by selecting a trim. Each trim comes with different pros and cons, and not all are available for each year the Grand Prix was produced. 
In its last year, the Pontiac Grand Prix offered the base trim and GXP trim. The base trim came with a V6 engine with 200 horsepower and a four-speed automatic transmission. The V6 gets excellent fuel economy, with a city/highway fuel rating of 18/28 mpg. 
Although discontinued in 2008, the formerly available GT trim came with a 260-horsepower V6 engine.
The Grand Prix GXP, on the other hand, provided a V8 engine with 303 horsepower. The V8 was outfitted with General Motors’ Active Fuel Management, which deactivates four of its cylinders when driving with light loads to improve the vehicle's fuel economy. Fairly impressive for a V8, it achieved an EPA rating of 16/25 mpg with its four-speed automatic transmission and steering-wheel-mounted paddles that enable manual shift capabilities. The GXP also comes with bigger brakes and an antiskid system.

Pontiac Grand Prix optional packages

Beyond trim levels, the used Pontiac Grand Prix that you purchase may come with options that were added at the original point of purchase. These may range from a $200 XM satellite radio to a bundled package like the $995Security Package with curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. 
Here are a few packages to look for while you shop:
Package
Cost
Features
Which trims is it available on?
Special Edition Package
$1,995
Increases wheel size to 17 inches and adds a body-color grille, dual exhaust, and body-color front and rear fascias
Only available on base models with Crimson Red, Ivory White, Black, Liquid Silver Metallic, or Dark Slate Metallic paint
Sun and Sound Package
$1,590
Power sunroof, nine-speaker Monsoon stereo system, and a six-CD in-dash changer
Base and GXP
Preferred Package
$965
Two-way power lumbar control, cargo net, remote starter, folding front-passenger seat, trip computer, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob, and interior chrome accents
Base
Premium Package
$940
Dual-zone climate controls and heated front seats
Requires the Preferred Package
Security Package
$995
Anti-lock brakes, curtain airbags, and traction control
Base
Sport Package
$680
Dual exhaust, 5-spoke 16-inch aluminum wheels, and fog lights
Base
Beyond that, those buying brand new could customize their Pontiac Grand Prix with add-ons including a $200 XM satellite radio, a $2,540 navigation and Monsoon stereo system, $80 floor mats, $495 five-spoke aluminum wheels, an $895power sunroof, a $150 MP3-capable CD player, $80 carpeted floor mats, $600 anti-lock brakes, a $380 rear sport spoiler, and $395 curtain airbags. 

How to customize your Grand Prix to save money

You may think that add-ons and packages will just increase the cost of your custom Pontiac Grand Prix, but in reality, some add-ons may actually save you money. 
On top of saving thousands of dollars buying used, add-ons that look good to insurance providers or increase your Grand Prix’s reliability can be big money savers in the long run. Here are a few examples: 
  • Security Package: Buying a Grand Prix with the anti-lock brakes, curtain airbags, and traction control included in the Security Package could earn you discounts with your insurance provider. 
  • Low resistance tires: Switching to low resistance tires can improve your fuel economy and as a result, save you money on gas. About 4–11% of fuel consumption is actually due to tire resistance. 
  • Aerodynamic modifications: When you optimize airflow through aerodynamic modifications, you can cool your brakes, engine, KERS, and transmission more efficiently. A couple of easy ways to do this are removing roof bars or adding a spoiler. 
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The best Pontiac Grand Prix mods

While the original Pontiac Grand Prixs come with a large variety of optional packages, capitalizing on custom mods opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Here are a few upgrades to keep in mind when building your custom Pontiac Grand Prix. 

Window deflectors 

With the powerful engine of the Grand Prix, you want to be able to roll down your windows and enjoy the open road. Adding window deflectors allow you to do that, no matter the weather. Not only that, but they are easy to install and durable

Brake kit

Purchasing a brake kit is one way to enhance the performance of your Grand Prix. This upgrade is especially important if you’ve made other adjustments to increase the power of your vehicle. 
Brake kits generally include rotors, calipers, and pads. Some kits are designed to support daily use, while others are designed for high-performance driving. 
Here’s how a brake kit can improve your Grand Prix’s stopping performance. Large brake rotors have more surface area. The brake pads then have more to grab onto, making your car’s stopping time shorter. 

Floor mats

A great way to protect the interior of your Grand Prix is with brand new floor mats. A good rubber floor mat will provide a heavy-duty layer of protection against water, mud, dirt—or anything your kids trail into this classic family vehicle. 
Fitted with grips, the right floor mat will stay securely in place and the outer ridge will prevent debris from spilling out onto your carpet. 
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How to find affordable insurance for your Pontiac Grand Prix 

After you put in all the work to customize your Pontiac Grand Prix, you’ll want to protect your investment with the right car insurance. Get the best insurance at the best price by downloading
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In only 45 seconds, Jerry will generate custom quotes for your Grand Prix sourced from over 50 of the nation’s top insurance providers. Choose the policy that works for you and Jerry takes care of the rest. 
Best of all? The average Jerry user saves $887 a year on
car insurance
. Just imagine all the mods you could add to your Grand Prix with that extra cash! 
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