Car Review of the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Mid-Size Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $21,500 to $26,000
Base Invoice Range: $20,000 to $24,000
Price Quote
MSRP As Tested: $26,965 (GT2)
Versions: GT1, GT2, GTP
Vehicle Category: Mid-Size Sedan
Engine Location: Front Engine
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive
Engine As Tested: 3.8-liter, Overhead Valve, V-6 cylinder, 200-horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 225 lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm. The GTP version comes with a 3.8 liter, Supercharged, Overhead Valve, V-6, with 260-horsepower at 5,200 rpm, and 280 lb.-ft. torque at 3,600 rpm.
Transmission As Tested: 4-Speed Automatic
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 20/30. With Supercharger 18/28.
Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger, front and side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, Antilock Braking System, Traction Control, In-Trunk Emergency Trunk Release, Remote Keyless Entry, Daytime Running Lights, Theft Deterrent System, Tire Pressure Monitor.
Competition: Buick Century, Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Stratus, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai XG350, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Mercury Sable, Mitsubishi Diamante, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima, Oldsmobile Alero, Pontiac Grand Am, Saturn L-Series, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Toyota Camry
Like with people, there comes a point in every car's life when it's time to grow up. Pontiac knows this. The company looked at its aging Grand Prix -- complete with tacky plastic slapped onto its sides and a cheap, boy-racer image -- when it came to the obvious conclusion: it?s time to leave Never Never Land.
Gone are the ugly plastic ripples and busy, adolescent styling that characterized Pontiacs starting in the mid '90s. In their place is a clean, taut, refined body that mimics today's great European sports sedans, making the 2004 Grand Prix look strikingly similar to its BMW counterpart.
Finally, after nine generations of scrapes and bruises, the Grand Prix is an adult.
But adults have more fun, right? They get to stay up late, eat dessert whenever they want, and don't eat veggies unless they choose to. Yup, grown ups know how to have a good time, as does this new Pontiac.
Its terrific drivetrain brings the biggest smiles, as a splendid 3.8-liter V6 makes 200 horsepower in the base model. Even with an automatic transmission its acceleration is inspirational, its response instant, and its exhaust note enchanting, bringing some much-needed excitement to Pontiac's performance crop that's painfully missing the flagship Firebird.
But that's just the start. The real Grand Prix party machine is the high-performance GTP version with an optional Competition Group package. Its supercharged V6 belts out 260 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque for blistering speed, and its upgraded suspension can handle a very impressive .83 Gs of lateral acceleration. It even includes Formula 1-style paddle shifters on the steering wheel for a bit of racetrack whimsy, if not true performance enhancement.
Grand Prix GT -- The base version isn't as aggressive but is much more livable in the real world. Its suspension can still be fun on twisty roads, but it's surprisingly compliant, comfortable, and quiet on the highway. Its greatest weakness is its steering feel, which isn't quite sloppy, but it doesn't provide the kind of communicative driving feedback one would expect from such a sporty, driver-oriented sedan.
Inside, this focus on the driver is made obvious by a wrap-around dash that puts all controls within easy reach from the left seat. Passengers may not be so happy about this, though, because several controls, like those for the radio and temperature, are angled in a way that makes them more difficult to see and change.
Despite its clear emphasis on performance, practicality isn't sacrificed. The back seat has comfortable knee and head room, and a 60/40 split bench can fold forward and allow access through the trunk with enough space for a nine-foot ladder or a kayak, Pontiac claims.
Of all the changes for 2004, the best has to be styling. Designers did a great job with the front end, wisely keeping the brand's signature split grille, with elongated headlights, large fog lamps, and a muscular bulge down the center of the hood. An almost coupe-like roofline looks sporty and sleek, while the triangular taillights are classy and smart looking. Only a hint of the ugly ripples remains on the rear decklid and on the taillight lenses.
While it's not a low-priced BMW, as Pontiac was aiming for, it is a vast improvement in terms of style and image over its predecessor. It's more of a real sports sedan than a plastic-clad wannabe, and that's sure to bring excitement for both young and old.
Editors' Ratings
Pros: Clean, cosmopolitan styling eliminates its boy-racer image in favor of a more refined, European-inspired look. It also has a great drivetrain, good handling, and a comfortable cabin.
Cons: Steering feels fairly loose and disconnected, disappointing for a car with such sporty intentions. Also, driver-oriented controls can make it more difficult for passengers to make changes to the climate control and radio.
Ratings (1-10)
- Style: 9
- Performance: 7
- Price: 6
- Handling: 6
- Ride: 6
- Comfort: 7
- Quality: 7
- Overall: 6.7
MORE DATA
Where Built: Canada
Major Options: head-up display, heated seats, leather upholstery, power seats, side-curtain airbags, leather trim package ($795), premium audio package ($695), power sunroof ($795), OnStar ($695), satellite radio ($325).
Seating: 5
Number of Rows: 2
Crash Test Ratings:
- NHTSA Frontal Impact/Driver Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
- NHTSA Frontal Impact/Passenger Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
- NHTSA Side Impact/Front Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested/LI>
- NHTSA Side Impact/Rear Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
- NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating: Not Yet Tested
- IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test: Not Yet Tested
Length in Inches: 198.3
Warranties: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 6 years/100,000 miles corrosion, 3 years/36,000 miles free Roadside Assistance.
Weight in Pounds: 3,477
Towing Capacity in Pounds: Not Applicable
Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 17.0
Destination Charge: $635
