2006 Pontiac Grand Prix

Once known as GM’s performance brand, Pontiac was discontinued in 2010 along with Hummer, Saab, and Saturn. The legendary GTO of the 1960s and Firebird of the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s were joined by models such as the Grand Am, Grand Prix, and Bonneville, which were based on other GM models. The Australian-built Pontiac G8 was a legitimate muscle car, and the Vibe hatchback shared its design with the Toyota Corolla Matrix. Today, most Pontiac vehicles still on the road are more than a decade old and lack the safety and convenience features found in modern vehicles.

With its stiff suspension, heavy steering, and prominent exhaust sound, the Grand Prix presents a sporty veneer that comes up short in substance. The powertrain is responsive but lacks polish. Handling is secure but not agile. The interior is cramped for a car of this size. The rear seat, however, is short on head room, and the ride is unexceptional. Despite a redesign for 2004, the Grand Prix continues its mediocre tradition. The base V6 engine is fairly quick but noisy. The GTP model features a supercharged V6. The ride is very stiff and braking is only adequate. The low roofline limits head room and visibility.