First released all the way back in 1962, the Pontiac Grand Prix has seen its fair share of variety through the years. One thing stayed consistent, however, and that’s the standard V6 engine on all models.

The Grand Prix has seen it all—from the luxury market and the hot-rod status to the coupe model and the sedan. Through every stage of its evolution, the Grand Prix delivered a sturdy V6 engine up until its final production year in 2008.

Want to hear more about it? We've made a guide to the Pontiac Grand Prix, covering its performance, speed, and most recent trims.

MORE:

How to save on your Pontiac Grand Prix insurance costs

Pontiac Grand Prix V6

Average price: $6,479

Engine: 3.8-liter V6

Horsepower: 200 hp at 5,200 rpm

Torque: 230 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm

0 to 60: 8.8 seconds

The Pontiac Grand Prix was produced from 1962 until 2008. Throughout its 46 years in production, the car consistently came standard with a V6 engine, though with varying volume capacities. The most recent Grand Prix model came standard with a 3.8-liter V6, though upgrading to a V8 was an option. The standard V6 on the 2008 Grand Prix produces 200 hp and 230 pounds-feet of torque with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Here are a few more specs of the 2008 Grand Prix:

Safety features: The 2008 V6 model comes with basic safety features like a remote anti-theft alarm system, rear door child safety locks, and an emergency interior trunk release.

Tech features: This Pontiac comes with simple tech and entertainment features, including AM/FM stereo, an element antenna, and adjustable speed-sensitive volume control.

Convenience & comfort: The no-frills Grand Prix featured power steering, cruise control, remote trunk release, and single-zone air conditioning.

How’s the fuel economy?

Since the V6 was the smallest engine option on the Grand Prix, it’s not much in terms of fuel efficiency, getting a combined mpg of 21, with 18 city mpg and 28 highway mpg, respectively. While the upgrade to V8 may give you slightly more power, it reduces the fuel economy down to a combined 19 mpg.

Which Pontiac Grand Prix models have the V6?

Through 46 years of production, the Grand Prix predictably came in a variety of engine options—and a V6 option every year. The late 1990s saw the start of the Grand Prix GTP, which came with a supercharged V6. A V8 engine has been an available engine option since the 1970s.

MORE:

Car insurance for used cars

How fast is the Pontiac Grand Prix V6?

While vintage and older models of the Grand Prix could go a bit faster with their engines, the 2008 Grand Prix V6 only managed a 0-to-60 time of 8.8 seconds. To put that into perspective, the 1989 model hit 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, and the 1997 model managed it in 6.5 seconds.

Here’s a look at how the speed of the 2008 Grand Prix compares to its contemporaries :

2008 Ford Taurus

: 5.8 seconds

2008 Ford Fusion

: 6.5 seconds

2008 Buick Lucerne

: 6.9 seconds

Even when equipped with a V6, the Pontiac Grand Prix can’t keep up with the competition.

Make safe driving pay

Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.

Start earning now

Which is better: Grand Prix base or GXP?

The 2008 Grand Prix came in only two options: the base model or the GXP trim. The base model comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, cranking out 200 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque.

Upgrading to the GXP trim comes with a 5.3-liter V8 engine with 303 horsepower and 323 pound-feet of torque—though it’s to the detriment of the car’s fuel economy. However, the GXP comes with GM’s Active Fuel Management, which deactivates four of the engine’s cylinders under light loads to boost fuel efficiency. GXP models also come with bigger brakes and an anti-skid system.

Because the convenience and safety packages are pretty rudimentary on both options, the best one for you comes down to your priorities—are you looking for power or fuel economy? The resale value of the GXP averages to be $7,227 while the base model sits around $6,479, so more power means more money, too.

MORE: 7 things to look for when buying a used car

How to find affordable Pontiac Grand Prix insurance

Whether you go for the base model or GXP—or another car altogether—you can always rely on

Jerry

to deliver the best options when it comes to car insurance.

Jerry isn’t only the #1

trusted super app

, but they’re also a licensed broker partnering with more than 50 top providers. That means Jerry brings you the absolute lowest rates on any coverage you need—all in just 45 seconds or less!

That’s not all, though. Jerry’s team of insurance geniuses will help you every step of the way when you pick a new policy—all without phone calls. Did we mention average Jerry users save $887 on insurance each year?

“I was tired of looking around multiple websites, so I decided to give
Jerry
a try. Let me tell you—the process is so easy and simple, and they really find you the best prices for your coverage level. Getting insurance for my new car was quick and easy!” —Joanna D.