Coolant leak
I got a coolant leak toward passenger front lower part of 3.8l v6 is this gasket?
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2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Few changes were made to the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix, a mid-size sport sedan that touts its versatility as a family car and road performer. The GTP trim is gone in 2006, taken over by the simple GT name. Base Grand Prix has a 3.8-liter, 200-hp engine. The GT gets the supercharged 3.8 at 260-hp. If that isn't fast enough for you, the 5.3-liter, 303-hp V8 in the GXP should satisfy. The somewhat outdated 4-speed automatic overdrive is the only transmission available. A Special Edition Package is offered in the 2006 Grand Prix GT, which basically adds more performance features, such as ground effects, bright exhaust tips, alloy wheels, body-colored grille, and a restyled center console. The GXP is definitely aimed at the driving enthusiast, who wants speed over practicality. Equipped with standard ABS, traction control, TAPshift, and stability control, it is also supposed to improve fuel economy by dismantling four of its eight cylinders when the car is simply cruising. ABS and traction are also standard on the GT, but an option on base models. OnStar is standard across the lineup, as is power windows and locks, air conditioning, a driver's information center, and fog lights. Add-ons include the favorite heads-up display, heated seats, and a sunroof. An already large trunk can be expanded by folding down the rear seats and the front passenger seat. GXP power is fun, agree 2006 Grand Prix owners. Though they say its steering can have excessive torque pull and the ride can feel rough, the pickup and takeoff are unsurpassed. Drivers love the style of the Grand Prix, though agree the interior plastic downgrades the overall look. Handling is generally good, and all the standard features for a relatively low price are other standouts. Headroom is limited and rear legroom is only adequate for children if you're in the car for a long time. Though gas mileage is decent, gas consumption is quick. Some feel the 4-speed is inadequate for a sports sedan.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
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by Jason A
Oct 29, 2021
Rock solid 3.8l v6! Take care of it and it will go 300k+ miles! Oct 29, 2021
by Anonymous
Mar 22, 2015
OEM tires are sized different front to rear so that conventional tire rotation is not feasible. Minor repairs have been minimal;p. Pontiac crammed a lot of horsepower into a V6 engine compartment. Overall this car has definitely been a satisfactory experience. Mar 22, 2015
by Anonymous
Mar 18, 2015
I like the interior. I love that they're spacious. This car has been perfect for me. I only have one child and I'm hoping one day I can pass it on to her!I absolutely love my car very much!Mar 18, 2015
User rating:
by Jason A
Oct 29, 2021
Rock solid 3.8l v6! Take care of it and it will go 300k+ miles! Oct 29, 2021
by Anonymous
Mar 22, 2015
OEM tires are sized different front to rear so that conventional tire rotation is not feasible. Minor repairs have been minimal;p. Pontiac crammed a lot of horsepower into a V6 engine compartment. Overall this car has definitely been a satisfactory experience. Mar 22, 2015
by Anonymous
Mar 18, 2015
I like the interior. I love that they're spacious. This car has been perfect for me. I only have one child and I'm hoping one day I can pass it on to her!I absolutely love my car very much!Mar 18, 2015
by Anonymous
Sep 23, 2014
I like everything about this car from Performance,Looks and Gas economy it was build to please its owner and drives.
One thing dough, the competition did not know what was coming for them when Pontiac release the 2006 Grand Prix 5.3 L 303 HP 453 pounds of torque all american muscle.
There was no Sedan out there that could have competed to its top performance and great handling of the roads as the 2006 Grand Prix GXP . Wide track system that can manage any curves like its on rails. and with its sophisticated system in gas economy that can Provide Displacement on Demand.
Sincerely,Pontiac4Life Sep 23, 2014
by Anonymous
Jan 07, 2014
I would Highly recommend this car. No Car currently on market can compete with what Pontiac Grand Prix provided for the price of (mid 20K)
The car represents what Pontiac is known for "Performance at a reasonable price"
Even Though it is a FULL SIZE car I know it can give many 6 cylinder mustangs a run for their money. (Even with the smallest engine GM put in the vehicle)
Handling is excellent especially for a full size!!!!!!!Jan 07, 2014
by Chip K
Sep 22, 2013
Lots of fun to drive, and I love the color. Surprised a few folks with how fast this car really is. Interior design left some things to be desired, overall cheap feeling despite a few nice details. Don't miss the red gauges.Sep 22, 2013
by Anonymous
Mar 30, 2013
This is a great reliable car that has a ton of power, a stereo that booms and great gas mileage. Over the last four years I have had to do no maintenance and the car has brand new tires. Perfect family car. This is a car for a teenager, big, safe.Mar 30, 2013
by Anonymous
Jul 06, 2012
Its a shame Pontiac went bye bye. They had a nicely balanced family sport sedan. It is a noisy ride, but that sacrifce for the performance and price is well worth it. Bottom line, for the price you get an athletic vehicle that turns heads, gets average + fuel economy, and is reliable. Stay away from the GXP, and go with the GT if your looking for reliability along with your performance.Jul 06, 2012
by Anonymous
Feb 19, 2012
I love the looks and performance of this car. Get alot of compliments and alot of people saying that has a v8? lol. The ride is a little rough but it makes up for it in performance. And the sound of the exhaust is great.Feb 19, 2012
by Chris M
Dec 18, 2011
Its fun to drive, great sleeper and compromise. Comfortably seats 6' adults in the back seat. 90k miles and only repairs have been under warranty. Some owners complain about transmission problems but they drive the cars hard and do not put a tranny cooler. Install a bar in plate tranny cooler and synthetic tranny fluid and you wont have any issues with the tranny. The heat is what kills it. I have towed 3000lbs trailer 70mph for 260miles and tranny temps only got up to 208. Prior to tranny cooler adn synthetic fluid 217* while running down the interstate was normal. ** re manufactured transmission usually void the warranty if tranny temps reach or exceed 260* (there is a temp sensitive sticker they put on the tranny)**Dec 18, 2011
by Anonymous
Nov 10, 2011
I have loved these cars for many years now. Started with my 1999 GTP which was quick and fun to drive. I now have this one plus another 2006 supercharged. They have been the most reliable cars I have owned including the bullet proof 3.8L drivetrain.Nov 10, 2011
by Jessica S
Jun 26, 2010
I Love it! The best car I've owned in a long time, I planning on driving it until it dies. I got a good deal on the car, and its a blast to drive. I haven't had a car in a long time that I've been this happy withJun 26, 2010
by Justin H
May 24, 2010
I live everything about this car. It is fast, has a roomy interior, and plenty of neat little features most people would just love to have. The 3800 series III does not dissapoint, and the supercharger adds plenty more fun to the ride.May 24, 2010
by Larry P
May 21, 2010
The car has a lot of torque for a fwd, and handles amazingly. It would be better if it was rwd, but you get what you pay for. It has an aggressive stance that is really eye catching. Plus eveyone gets out of my way on the highway. ( They think its a undercover car) :-)May 21, 2010
by Andre B
May 19, 2010
Pros: With 200 hp and 200 lb-ft 3.8l V6, this car hauls decently and accelerates
on demand. This car definitely puts a grin on your face. The suspension and
handling is also superb. Spacious car with tons of legroom. The Driver-
Information-Control is great (Poor acronym DIC)
Cons: With the 3.8L hard driving and stop and go driving kills the mpg to around
17. No Ipod or Aux adapter on any radio options. Needs another gear in the 4
spd Auto
Summary: Fun, safe, and fast car with great styling. If you want more power
go for the Supercharged 3.8l V6 or the insane 5.8L V8May 19, 2010
by Brendon W
May 13, 2010
Performance-5.3L 303 hp 323 lbs of torque. stock, need I say more??
Build Quality- Its a W-body GM car from 2006, soo not the best not the worst
Appearance- the color and rims are sick
Cost of Ownership- Gas sucks, and everything is expensive to fix, you gotta
pay to play with these cars
Fun Factor- Its nice to see people's faces when their expensive sports cars
get owned by a 4 door family car :)May 13, 2010
by Dorian H
May 11, 2010
It's pretty quick. It's a great car, pretty good-looking and
spacious on the inside. Plenty of trunk space too. It's fun to drive, practical, and
not too expensive. The only unreliable part is the plastic heater hose bypass
elbows cracked and leaked out coolant, causing the heater to not work, then the
engine to overheat. I replaced them with aluminum ones, so I shouldn't have that
problem again. I get excellent fuel economy, up to 33 mpg when I drive carefully.May 11, 2010
by Chris M
Apr 30, 2010
Love the Performance, Handling, and Braking of the GXP. The Brakes did make noise with the stock pads and had alot of dust. There is a low dust AC Delco pad avalible that doesnt sacrifice performance. The gas mileage is 16 city 26hwy but thats to be expected with a 5.3L V8. I have been able to get 30mpg interstate... I do wish the styling was a bit more agressive. I need a ram air hood in my opinion to get a great pontiac muscle/performance car. It does use an odd size front tire which makes them expensive to replace, Be ready to spend $500-600 for 2 front tires.Apr 30, 2010
by Anonymous
Feb 09, 2010
I lost my 98 Riviera this winter in an accident(great car)! I searched & found this gem in Indiana... a 2006 Grand Prix. It's the color combo I wanted(Black/Tan Interior), sun roof, remote start, replaced the stock rims with a new set from MB wheels, Monsoon sound system. power lumbar & an awesome 3800 series 3 v6(Rated one the 10 best engines ever made by Wards automotive)! I've had it 2 months & can't say enough good things about it. Firm ride, responsive steering, NO SQUEAKS OR RATTLES!!! Perfect alignment throughout. I new about the great reputation of the 3800 v6 because my Riv had the 3800 Series 2 v6. They finally replaced the plastic intake manifold with an aluminum in the series 3 finally making this engine perfect! These engines will run forever with proper maintenance. I miss my Riv, but I'm glad I found this great Grand Prix. Now if I could do something about the weather...Feb 09, 2010
by Anonymous
Dec 20, 2009
My car is comfortable, quiet and smooth, acceleration is there when needed, and brakes are fine wet and dry. It, has good vision, no rattles or plastic noises. Dash is easy to read. Drove across country and hated to get out of it, no fatigue (I'm 65). Averaged 28 mpg with air. Audio is great, thought I had a Bose. My car is easy to keep clean and looks GOOD. I was looking for a used G6 when I found this which turned out to be even better for me. Dec 20, 2009
by Steve S
Sep 14, 2009
very snapy and most people just think its a 3.8 super charged and dont realize its a 5.3 and shuts them up in a hurry. the car is very fun to drive but you can go threw a set of tires in a hurry its luxurious and looks sharpSep 14, 2009
by Ty A
Sep 09, 2009
This is my 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GT Special Edition Supercharged. It has a K&N air filter and has been tuned and treated with AMS Oil since i bought it. Has the sport wheels and green neons. Fast car that gets pretty good gas mileage.Sep 09, 2009
by Ashlie R
Aug 31, 2009
acceleration is great, no squeaks or rattles, style is great, interior is awsome, ac perfection, handling is great, the cost is cheap, and the car is turbo charged. how could it not be fun to drive and race everyone? seriously?Aug 31, 2009
by Anonymous
Jul 24, 2009
My GP is a 2006 special edition car with ground effects and added lowers in front and rear. It is 3.8 but runs like a much bigger V-8, quick and handles like it is on rails. GREAT CAR and FAST. A real quality machine that is fun to driveJul 24, 2009
by Dawn K
Jun 25, 2009
I have loved my car since the day I purchased it used. I
love driving this car everywhere and anywhere...
VROOOOM!!! This car has been no trouble except for my
trunk latch breaking.. Otherwise I am still in love with it like
the day I brought it home.Jun 25, 2009
by Anonymous
Jan 04, 2009
I have a 2006 GXP it's 303hp acceleration is fine for me. If I take it easy it returns 28mpg hwy, not too shabby. The torque steer is slight but manageable once you expect it. The benefit of fwd really serves in the freezing winter and gets me home in those surprise snow storms. I've driven right past Mustangs spinning their rear wheels. It's the best of all words for me.Speed-4 dr, huge trunk, fwd, 28mpg,side airbags,6 disc CD,looks brilliant at night in side. HUD. Even the rear doors open up 90 degrees.For the price-I love it.Jan 04, 2009
by Paul C
Sep 19, 2008
the rear end is a bit high to see over when backing up. it has really good accelleration being the v6 and the handling is amazing. i personally dont like the stability and electronic braking but in other circumstances others may love it. to me the leather interior is a must have. to me it beats the previous car we owned a 2002 monte carlo. this car make me feel safe confortable and i enjoy it alot.Sep 19, 2008
by Ryan F
Aug 20, 2008
I have a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP. It has a 5.3L V8 303hp engine. I have and intake in it and am hoping to get a new exhaust next summer for it. It is the best car i have owned, besides my 1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula. I keep this car really clean. I hope that my next pontiac will be the Pontiac G8 GXP.Aug 20, 2008
by Paul L
Jul 20, 2008
The Grand Prix is a soild mid-line car for the money. The GT with the Supercharged 3.8L engine has enough power and responce to feed the 'beast' so tp speak in most of us. The read end is a bit strange so it is difficult to know where the rear of the car actully ends. Jul 20, 2008
by Sean M
Jun 29, 2008
Enough power, descent interior, cheap price.Jun 29, 2008
by Karen R
Apr 16, 2008
Bought this car for my loving husband who works really hard. He totally deserved it. He loves the super charger that it has, full of power.Apr 16, 2008
by Justin R
Apr 15, 2008
Looks sharp, really sharp if it is in the blue green mist color. Has a tight sport suspension so it handles well but does not ride as nice as a Denali. Nice looking comfortable interior. Models with a sunroof might not work so well for people over 6' tall. Overall a very nice good looking and performing car. Apr 15, 2008
by Daniel N
Apr 03, 2008
This car is really fast, even for a base modelApr 03, 2008
by Bilal B
Mar 29, 2008
This is one hell of a car. It is fast, good looking, and very practicall. It has a sense of design. Pontiac knows design shouldnt jack up the priceMar 29, 2008
by Dustin W
Mar 18, 2008
fun car to drive (thanks dave!) helluva lot of power. sticks to the road and stopped on a dime. comfy with lots of room.Mar 18, 2008
by Dave P
Mar 05, 2008
this car is fast, burns a lot of gas and burns premium, well built from what i can tell so far, no real issues other than the tires melting.Mar 05, 2008
by Rodger L
Jan 10, 2008
I've owned this car for a year now and I havent had any problems so far. I am always ahead of the pack when the light turns green with little effort. It came with a drivers package (Dual exhaust, Remote ignition, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter). The widetrak allows it to handle very well at high speeds, I had it gong 185 km/h with no problems. This model was produced in the award wining Oshawa GM plant and won a J.D. Power and Associates award for least problems reported per 100 cars for 2006.Overall this is one of the best cars I've ever driven and I would recommed this car.Jan 10, 2008
What users have asked
Bright lights randomly go on and I have to wiggle the turn signal to turn them off
The high beam lights activate for no reason while I am driving and the only way to shut them off is if I wiggle the turn signal arm. They will continue to do this while I am driving and it really angers the cars in front of me. Can anyone offer me a suggestion?
5900 views
engine swap
I wanna do a engine swap. I found a 3800 SC(motor and tranny,pcm,harness,etc) easily a complete motor.Came outta a 02 gtp. My question is...will it fit and how much difficulty,is involved with the swap?
9892 views
2006 pontiac grand prix transmission problem?
I left to go to dinner tonight and my grand prix ran fine. Got to the first stoplight in the neighborhood and when the light turned green the car ground a little and then jerked forward, then next light a few hundred yards away, it would not go forward in drive, or drive 3, had to put it in drive 2, once I got to about 30 mph, I put it back in drive and hit the highway, was fine. But every light I hit it did the same thing. Temp of trans fluid reached 221. Not sure, why it did what it did, but why would it not drive in either drive or d3, but work in d2, d1? Again, once up to normal driving speed I could put it in drive and as long as I don't accelerate quickly, it will be fine.
3746 views
What kind of freon do you use in a 06 pontiac grand prix gt supercharge
AC not blowing cold
24 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix?Compare this car
2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Pricing
Original MSRP
$21,990 to $27,990Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Overhead console: overhead console with storage · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather/suede
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent