Against 458 other V6 cars rated 2006–2008, the Grand Prix sits right on their 19.3 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.3L 4-cyl (1990–1991), does 21.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5L 8-cyl Hybrid (1984–1985), 17.5: $408 a year apart.
Every Pontiac Grand Prix engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 19 / 26.5 | 1990–1991 | $1,786 | |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 18 / 25 | 1984–1984 | $1,829 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 18 / 26.5 | 1988–1989 | $1,829 | |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 17.4 / 26.1 | 1990–2003 | $1,864 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 17.6 / 25.6 | 1984–2008 | $1,892 | |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 16 / 24 | 1986–1986 | $2,021 | |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 16 / 25 | 2005–2008 | $2,021 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 15 / 22.5 | 1986–1987 | $2,133 | |
| 5L 8-cyl Hybrid | 15 / 21.5 | 1984–1985 | $2,194 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Acura TL gets 21 mpg, the Ford Fusion 22 mpg and the Buick LaCrosse 20.2 mpg, next to 20 mpg for the 2008 Grand Prix. The Grand Prix costs the most of them to run: $175 a year more than the Ford Fusion.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2008) | $0.160 |
| Fuel per year | $1,920 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,600 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2006–2008 | −$70 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,194 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix gives up 9.5 mpg in town: 26.5 on the highway against 17 in the city, $810 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2008) | 17 mpg | $2,259 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26.5 mpg | $1,449 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9.5 mpg (56%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Grand Prix changed over the years
The Grand Prix peaked in 2004 at 21 mpg (18 city, 28 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1987 at 18.5 — 2.5 mpg apart, or $247 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2008 car does 20.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 17 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2007 | 17 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2006 | 17 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2005 | 17 / 26 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2004 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2003 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2002 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2001 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2000 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1999 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1997 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1996 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1995 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1994 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1993 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1992 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1991 | 18 / 27 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1990 | 18 / 27 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 1989 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1988 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1987 | 16 / 22 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1986 | 15.5 / 23.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1985 | 16 / 22 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1984 | 16.7 / 22.7 | 3 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 36 EPA ratings of the Pontiac Grand Prix — 9 engines across 1984–2008. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,194. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix get?
20 mpg combined, 17 city and 26.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 19 to 21. Across every year since 1984 the Grand Prix has averaged 20.1 mpg.
Is the 2008 Grand Prix more efficient than the 2007?
About the same: 20 against 20 mpg combined.
Which Grand Prix year has the best gas mileage?
The 2004, at 21 mpg combined (18 city, 28 highway).
Does the Grand Prix get better gas mileage than the Acura TL?
No: 20 mpg for the 2008 Grand Prix against 21 for the 2009 Acura TL, about $91 a year more to run.
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