For 40 years the Pontiac Grand Prix has enjoyed a loyal following composed of those who love performance in a big car. Now comes the 2004 model.
There’s something about a Grand Prix that’s distinctive yet hard to define. I spent the week trying to determine why I felt so comfortable in the new Grand Prix GT2 sedan considering that it’s not a luxury car — yet it is. Nor is it a sports car — yet it is. It’s listed as a midsize car — yet it’s big. It has an ordinary design — yet it’s stylish. What is it about this car that makes it so hard to define?
My conclusion: There’s no one reason that attracted me; it was the accumulation of all those thoughts that made my week so enjoyable in a car that’s distinctive in subtle ways.
The powertrain on my tester had the 3800 Series III 3.8-liter V-6 engine that is connected to a four-speed automatic transmission. Although it produces only 200 horsepower and 230 foot-pounds of torque, there is nothing sluggish in the way this beauty accelerates. For those who really want power, a supercharged V-6 engine that can produce 280 foot-pounds of torque is available.
One of the features the Grand Prix has been noted for is WideTrack suspension. The few extra inches between the tires on each axle provide better cornering, resulting in its distinctive handling characteristics. The Grand Prix, with four-wheel independent suspension, feels more balanced when making turns. It also has special anti-roll bars that give it the response and feel of a genuine sports car.
But it doesn’t have the disadvantages of a sports car, such as difficult entry and exits. The doors open wide and it’s easy to enter. The sporty bucket seats are comfortable and the passenger’s seat can fold down should there be need for carrying extra-large parcels. The rear seat has the 60/40 split back to allow something extra long to slide clear through the trunk up to the dash panel.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel has the radio controls and three buttons that provide the driver information about the engine on the instrument panel. In addition, this car has the option of a nine-speaker 245-watt Monsoon sound system that plays AM/FM and six CDs. It also has a tilt-steering column and cruise control.
Another enjoyable option is the leather trim package that has heated driver and passenger front seats plus lumbar support. A trip computer and a heads-up display that shows the speedometer reading in the windshield so it is visible while looking at the road offer additional driving comfort.
I appreciate the XM Satellite radio. I’ve enjoyed their stations so much I seldom listen to regular AM/FM broadcasts anymore — even at home. Add these options to the $23,660 base price and the total cost is $26,710.
The Pontiac people boast of the safety equipment on the Grand Prix. It has the usual driver and passenger dual-stage airbags plus front seat-belt pretensioners. In addition, side impact head-curtain air bags are available as an option though my tester didn’t have that equipment.
However, it did include crash avoidance features such as four-wheel anti-lock brakes.
Whether driving in the city, the highway or on rural open roads, the Grand Prix has a special, solid feel.
The sure-footed traction is one of the reasons; balance of the suspension system is another.
The response of the engine is a particular reason I had an enjoyable week driving this car.
Yet, as much as I tried, I could not pinpoint the exact reason the Grand Prix has been a crowd-pleaser for the past 40 years.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.