2002 Pontiac Grand Prix Review

Has it really been 40 years since the Pontiac Grand Prix strutted on stage as a dressed-up sporty Catalina coupe with bucket seats and a powerful V-8 with three carburetors? The mid-size Grand Prix hasn't had a V-8, let alone carburetors, for a long time. And no Grand Prix ever has looked as good as the exquisitely styled 1963 model. But the 2002 low, wide "Prix" still looks plenty sporty. And the hot GTP model's supercharged 240-horsepower V-6 performs like a strong V-8, although it's not as smooth.

To celebrate, Pontiac is offering the higher-line GT and GTP Grand Prix models with a $2,695 40th anniversary option package. It features dark cherry body paint, hood ducts, rear spoiler, dual exhausts, chrome wheels, two-tone leather upholstery and special badging. It's doubtful that the package will make the 2002 Grand Prix anything but a minor collector car down the road, but it enhances the aerodynamic car's visual appeal. This Pontiac shares the same rigid front-drive chassis with the Buick Regal and Oldsmobile Intrigue, although only Pontiac has a coupe body style. The Grand Prix comes as a base SE sedan and as coupes and sedans in sportier GT trim and GTP form.

Prices range from $20,965 to $25,805. The sedan looks nearly as racy as the coupe, which is good news for those wanting four-door utility. There's no stinting on standard equipment. Even the SE has air conditioning with separate front controls, AM/FM/cassette,anti-lock brakes, traction control, tire inflation monitor and power windows, door locks and mirrors. The GT adds items such as remote keyless entry. The GTP has a firmer sport suspension to go with its potent V-6, along with General Motors' OnStar safety and information system.

Popular options include a $795 power glass sunroof for the GT and GTP. A heated driver's seat is only $100 for the GT and GTP, but requires leather upholstery that costs $520 if not ordered in an option package. All models have a dashboard driver information center that tells, for instance, when an oil change is needed--a handy item for those with rushed lives. An optional trip computer adds driving range, oil life used, average fuel economy and fuel used since the last reset information. In keeping with the Grand Prix sporty tradition, even the SE has front bucket seats and a console, although the seats lack side support for spirited driving.

There's more standard equipment for 2002. The SE gets cruise control, remote trunk release and a rear spoiler. The GT receives a power driver's seat and steering wheel radio controls for the newly standard AM/FM/CD system. The GTP gets a sound system graphic equalizer. The base 175-horsepower 3.1-liter V-6 is adequate.

Performance is much better with the 3.8-liter, 200-horsepower V-6 and exceptional with the supercharged 240-horsepower version of that engine, which loafs at highway speeds.Fuel economy is an estimated 18-20 mpg in the city and 28-29 on the highway, depending on the engine. All models use a four-speed automatic transmission that upshifts almost imperceptibly and downshifts quickly. Steering is quick and the car rides smoothly and stops with authority. The all-independent suspension has front-rear stabilizer bars and provides handling that invites sporty driving. That's especially true with the GTP; it has a more advanced traction control system and larger wheels and performance tires. However, it has a slightly stiffer ride.

There's decent room for four tall adults, but the back seat is low and leg room is tight back there for a 6-footer behind a tall driver who moves his seat back. Seat belts get in the way when entering or leaving the rear of the coupe. Foreign rivals have better interior materials, but gauges are easily read and there are no miniature controls. The console has pop-out cupholders positioned to avoid beverage spills, but the ignition switch is hard to reach quickly on the steering column and rear windows don't lower all the way. The trunk is large, although the car's racy styling causes its opening to be high and rather narrow. All Grand Prix models are solid buys, but the muscular, all-American GTP is most reminiscent of the first Grand Prix.

PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

Prices
$20,965-$25,805
Likes
More equipment. Zoomy supercharged model. Fairly roomy. Solid handling.
Dislikes
Awkward rear-seat entry in coupes. High trunk opening. Front seats need more side support.