For more than four decades, the Pontiac Grand Prix has delivered style, performance and passion to mid-size car enthusiasts. Over the years, we've developed an appreciation for Pontiac, and their Grand Prix, as they both represent the sporty side of General Motors. And it always appears on our annual ÒBest Bang For Your BuckÓ list. One thing's for sure, you can't get away with calling the Pontiac Motor Division bland. There's hardly a dull edge anywhere across the line. For 2004, the all-new Grand Prix continues this tradition with a redesigned chassis that is sure to stir the soul. Carrying on with the wide, firmly-planted signature stance, the Grand Prix appears sleeker and more athletic than its predecessor. Grand Prix offers two versions of its 3.8-liter V6 engine. The normally aspirated version powers Grand Prix GT1 and GT2 models with 200 horsepower and 230 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The top-of-the-line GTP is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 with a high-performance Eaton supercharger that pumps out 260 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines employ electronic throttle control (ETC) to provide no-lag engine response. My co-tester and I recently chartered the GTP version with the new Competition Group Package. The Competition Group Package (Comp G), optional on the GTP model, makes Grand Prix capable of attaining .83G of lateral acceleration in turns. StabiliTrak, a segment-exclusive four-wheel vehicle stability enhancement system, also is included in the Comp G package. StabiliTrak helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle in sudden maneuvers, particularly in low traction conditions, in emergency lane changes, and during avoidance maneuvers. If the system determines that the vehicle is not responding appropriately to the driver's steering, StabliTrak precisely reduces engine torque and applies precise amounts of pressure to the individual front brakes to slow the vehicle and help bring it back to its intended path. Also standard with the Comp G package is TAPshift (Touch Activated Power), a feature providing all the fun of driving a manual transmission while retaining the convenience of an automatic. TAPshift uses Formula One-style paddles on each side of the steering wheel to manually control which gear the driver chooses. One click on the front of the paddle moves the transmission up a gear, while one tap from the backside produces a downshift. TAPshift holds the car in a specific gear until instructed by the driver to change. Also included with the Comp G package is a performance-tuned suspension system, head-up display, special 17-inch wheels fitted with performance tires, red painted brake calipers and a 3.29 axle ratio. For all you get, it's hard to believe that the Comp G package only adds $1,395 to the price of the car. Our tester's supercharged V6 offered plenty of power. Comp G's agile handling and TAPshift transmission make the all-new Grand Prix even grander. Inside, Grand Prix is loaded with amenities. Our GTP tester also included OnStar with a one-year Safe & Sound Plan. Grand Prix buyers can add extras like leather trim, XM satellite radio, upgraded Monsoon audio system and a power sunroof. There's a lot to like with the new Grand Prix. I'd like it even better if it had a tad more headroom, up front and in the rear. The back glass is sloped at such a narrow angle; taller passengers may not be able to get comfortable in the rear seat. With the Comp G package, the Grand Prix is very much a driver's car. Our tester remained very flat in corners and exhibited very little torque-steer during hard acceleration, something front-drive cars are known for. The biggest surprise was the price. With all that the GTP w/Comp G package offers, I was expecting a steeper sticker price. Our tester's $30,370 pricetag makes it quite accessible.
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Sedan
Engine: 3.8-liter (260 hp) supercharged V6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive Type: FWD
Fuel Economy: 18 city/27 highway
Base Price: $25,860
As Tested: $30,370 (including $635 for destination)
Website: www.pontiac.com |
