Background: The front-wheel drive Grand Prix is the slightly larger and more potent of two mid-size offerings from General Motors’ sporty car division. First introduced in 1962 as a two-door coupe, the car came equipped with bucket seats and very little exterior chrome, features we take for granted today but out of the norm back in the early 1960s. Grand Prix was one of the first Pontiacs to get a jump start on the 2004 model year as models began arriving in showrooms this past March. Besides the Grand Prix the 2004 Pontiac lineup includes the slightly smaller mid-size Grand AM, Montana minivan, compact Vibe crossover vehicle, compact Sunfire, full-size Bonneville sedan and Aztek spot utility vehicle. Later this year, Pontiac brings back a name from the past when the GTO nameplate returns in limited quantities. Grand Prix is assembled in Oshawa, Ontario. Chicagoland is a key market for GM’s excitement division. According to Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager, Pontiac ranks as the fifth best-selling passenger car here in Chicagoland behind Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda and Ford. The Grand Prix is a big factor in Pontiac’s success. It was also the door prize for this past February’s black-tie charity preview preceding the 10-day Chicago Auto Show.
Engine/trim levels: Three trim levels are available: GT1, GT2 and supercharged GTP. Only sedan versions are offered in 2004 as a coupe version was dropped a couple of years ago. The entry GT1 is expected to account for 70 percent of sales. Both GT1 and GT2 editions come with a 3.8-liter Series III, overhead valve V-6 that cranks out 200 horsepower. The GTP supercharged version ups the horsepower to 260. The engine is connected with a standard four-speed automatic transmission. No manual transmission is offered. The fuel tank holds 17 gallons of fuel. The naturally aspirated engine utilizes regular 87-octane fuel while the supercharged version recommends 92 grade. Optional in the up-level GTP editions is a Comp G package with includes GM’s Stabilitrak which improves cornering and low-speed maneuvering characteristics. Comp G also includes a “TAPshift,” GM’s answer to manual shift-like driving without a foot clutch.
Standard equipment: All three trim editions include: AM/FM/single-feed compact disc player, cruise control, speed-proportional power steering, power door locks, power mirrors, power windows, rear window defroster and air conditioning. GT2 and GTP models add six-way power driver’s seat and secondary steering wheel controls. The optional Comp G package adds $1,395 to the GTP bottom line. Sunroofs ($795) and XM Satellite radio ($325) are options in GT2 and GTP.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 110.5 inches
Overall length: 198.3 inches
Overall width: 71.6 inches
Overall height: 55.9 inches
Curb weight: 3,484 pounds
Price: Pontiac supplied the Daily Herald with a silver metallic GTP edition with the supercharged engine and a starting price of $25,860. After adding the leather trim package ($665), upgraded stereo ($695), power sunroof ($795) and XM Satellite radio ($325) the bottom line added up to $28,975 including a $635 destination charge. The GT1 edition starts at $21,760 while the GT2 version lists at $23,660. Both these prices exclude the $635 destination charge. Comparing other mid-size competitors in this class, the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu with a 3.1-liter V-6 and automatic transmission starts at $18,075 while a 2003 Toyota Camry with a 3.5-liter V-6 and automatic starts at $25,405. Nissan’s redesigned and highly regarded 2003 Altima with a 3.5-liter V-6 and automatic begins at $23,149.
Interior: The five passenger Grand Prix has several different seating choices. Two leather-trimmed versions come in dark gray or light beige; the same two color schemes are also available in cloth materials. Even though our test model included the dark leather-trimmed interior, it was not as opulent feeling as other recently encountered leather-inspired interiors. The cockpit-like dashboard wraps around the driver’s bucket seat with a section of the center area facing right. Seven circular air vents dot the dashboard rather than the traditional four. At night, the dashboard and instrument panel get backlit with red lighting as with most Pontiac models. The top dashboard area includes a square-shaped digital message center with red lighting providing such information as odometer readings and miles to empty. The top of the central dash is home to the stereo system with compact disc player. Three dials below control fan speed, temperature and direction. A large, rectangular storage area rests along the bottom. In between the large bucket seats are two bi-level, inline beverage holders in front of a deep but smaller than normal storage bin/arm rest container. The parking brake is foot operated. The driver’s door includes a nice design with power window, power mirror, power lock and trunk release functions facing the driver at a 45-degree angle. Chrome-inspired interior handles are housed within a circular depression and a long grab bar helps close doors. The two-tone steering wheel (with brushed silver nuances) includes secondary stereo controls. Headlights operate from the turn signal stalk while front windshield wipers activate from a right side stalk. Also on the right side is a stubby extension monitoring all cruise control functions. Seating positions are slightly lower than most mid-size sedans, but not as low as a recently tested Saab 9-3 sedan. The back seat rests include a 60/40 split for increased cargo-carrying options . Grand Prix is large enough to accommodate three adults in back, but cupholders are noticeably absent. Trunk capacity measures in at 16.0 cubic feet, one of the largest in the mid-size sedan category. Shock-absorber like hinges on the outside of the cargo area prevent items from being scrunched by the older inside hinges found in several competitors. The trunk opening is more than 10 inches wider this year. A temporary spare tire situates under the flat floor.
Outside: Grand Prix was one of the first domestic sedans to seriously incorporate the sporty nuances of a two-door coupe. Like all Pontiac vehicles, the front end includes a twin-port grille with the familiar arrow-like logo and protruding front nose. The long, extended rear glass and high trunk design add to the sportyness. One item needing updating are the oval-shaped outside mirrors that do not bend or “breakaway” when brushed against. The more driver-friendly “breakaway” type are more forgiving if the car unexpectedly brushes against larger, more unforgiving objects. A non-locking, circular fuel door is on the driver’s side rear fender. All four doors have body-colored, flush mounted handles. The GTP edition had a rear spoiler adding a sporty touch. In front, large circular fog lights situate below front headlights in a cat’s eye-shaped housing. Rear doors swing open wider this year making entering and exiting the back easier. During the past couple of years, Pontiac has gotten away from offering ribbed side cladding along the bottom of side doors. Visually, the cladding creating a bottom-heavy look. The 2003 Pontiac Aztek sport utility looks like a much more nimble vehicle when compared with the cladding-filled 2002 version. Sixteen-inch tires are standard in GT1 and GT2 models while larger 17-inch versions adorn the GTP.
Warranty: Grand Prix comes with General Motors’ standard three-year/36,000-mile (whichever comes first )basic warranty. Roadside assistance is also covered for three years or 36,0000 miles. The powertrain warranty is covered for the same duration as is roadside assistance. The corrosion warranty is for six years or 100,000 miles.
Safety features: All models include dual front air bags, anti-theft alarm system, remote keyless entry and daytime running lights. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard in GT2 and GTP and optional in GT1. Side curtain head airbags are available. An enhanced traction system is optional in GT1 and standard in GT2. All-speed traction control is standard in GTP. General Motors’ OnStar satellite-linked communication system is standard in GTP while optional in GT2.
Final thoughts: Grand Prix distinguishes itself from a very crowded front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan category with a sportier look than most. With the 2004 next-generation redesign, Grand Prix now has one of the most potent six-cylinder engines in its class and the supercharged versions only adds to the mystique. Grand Prix has a very sold feel behind the wheel. Comparably equipped GT1 and GT2 editions with the 3.8-liter V-6 have a bottom line that compares favorably to that of V-6 poweredCamrys, Accords or Altimas. These three rivals also offer four-cylinder powertrains; Grand Prix is an exclusive six-cylinder vehicle. |