Pontiac Grand Prix
20 MPG The 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix is EPA-rated at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 26.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 750 gallons, $2400 a year in fuel, or $0.160 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–2008 run it averages 19.6 MPG, improving by 2 MPG over 25 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.150 | $1500 | $2250 | $3000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.175 | $1750 | $2625 | $3500 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.225 | $2250 | $3375 | $4500 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26.5 | $3500 | 445 | 2 |
| 2007 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26.3 | $3675 | 445 | 4 |
| 2006 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26.3 | $3675 | 445 | 4 |
| 2005 | 19.8 MPG | 16.8 | 25.5 | $3538 | 451 | 4 |
| 2004 | 20 MPG | 16.7 | 26.3 | $3617 | 445 | 3 |
| 2003 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3367 | 445 | 3 |
| 2002 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3367 | 445 | 3 |
| 2001 | 20.7 MPG | 17 | 26.7 | $3250 | 430 | 3 |
| 2000 | 20.3 MPG | 17 | 26.3 | $3317 | 438 | 3 |
| 1999 | 20.3 MPG | 16.7 | 26 | $3317 | 438 | 3 |
| 1998 | 20.3 MPG | 16.7 | 26.3 | $3067 | 438 | 3 |
| 1997 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26.3 | $3367 | 445 | 3 |
| 1996 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 25 | $3200 | 458 | 2 |
| 1995 | 19.3 MPG | 16.3 | 25.3 | $3217 | 461 | 3 |
| 1994 | 19 MPG | 16 | 25 | $3275 | 469 | 2 |
| 1993 | 19 MPG | 16 | 25 | $3275 | 469 | 4 |
| 1992 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24.5 | $3275 | 469 | 4 |
| 1991 | 19.3 MPG | 16.5 | 25.5 | $3238 | 464 | 4 |
| 1990 | 20.3 MPG | 17 | 26.7 | $3083 | 439 | 3 |
| 1989 | 20.3 MPG | 17 | 27.3 | $3050 | 437 | 3 |
| 1988 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 26 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 1987 | 18.8 MPG | 16.5 | 22.5 | $3338 | 474 | 4 |
| 1986 | 18.3 MPG | 15.8 | 22.8 | $3413 | 487 | 4 |
| 1985 | 17.5 MPG | 15.5 | 21.3 | $3567 | 509 | 6 |
| 1984 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21.9 | $3688 | 516 | 8 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Pontiac Grand Prix ranks 188 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Volvo 850 (20.3), Acura TL 4WD (20.5), Daewoo Leganza (20.5), Lexus GS 300/GS 430 (20.5), Acura TL (20.7).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 445 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Pontiac Grand Prix get?
The 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix is rated at 20 MPG combined by the EPA — 17 city and 26.5 highway. Across all 25 model years in the database it averages 19.6 MPG, ranging from 15 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Pontiac Grand Prix cost in fuel per year?
At 20 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 750 gallons — roughly $2400 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.160 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2008 model is $3500.
Has the Pontiac Grand Prix become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 18 MPG in 1984 to 20 in 2008 — an improvement of 2 MPG, or 11% across 25 model years.
Is the Pontiac Grand Prix efficient for its class?
It ranks 188 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 7.2 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.