- sedan
- Cocoa, FL
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- autoshopper.com
2004 pontiac grand prix review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Interior flexibility, improved performance for a solid hit. introductionthe pontiac grand prix has been known as a fine mover, a good stopper, a fair looker and a reasonable handler. In its 2004 manifestation expect general improvements in all those categories, but prepare for a real surprise party in the interior. And not only in eye-appeal and ergonomics but in versatility, flexibility and utility. the latent creativity of the general motors design staff has been stirred into activity coming up with more good ideas than a carton of cartoon light bulbs. If the name wasn't already taken for machines more cumbersome this mid-size sedan could be dubbed a 'sport-utility vehicle' because it has valid claim to both elements. Two versions of the gt model are available, gt1 21,760) and gt2 23,660). Gt1 has less standard equipment. Abs, for instance, is optional 600). gtp 25,860) gets a supercharged version of that same engine, increasing the ratings to 260 hp (at 5200 rpm) and 280 ft.-lbs. The all-new competition group 1395) is an option package for the gtp that adds a sports suspension system, stabilitrak sport, and tapshift. Stabilitrak sport is a vehicle-stability system tuned to provide maximum hands-on control during cornering. The rear end is as muscular as a speed skater. Pronounced, enlarged taillights are mounted at the corners. A discreet spoiler finishes the deck lid. through the taillights and extended into the sheet metal are two horizontal bulges, like cladding segments escaped from the sides of a grand am. If this were a fashion story i would say they were 'to add eye interest' to the back. Anyway, following a 2004 grand prix down the highway is a pleasant occupation. The back is important in appearance and certainly distinguishable from its road mates. appearance is the most subjective aspect of any automobile. Suffice it to say i would rather follow this grand prix than spot it in the rearview mirror: i'm not delighted with the front end of this 2004 model. the slightly sculptured hood is a good beginning, but when shaping lines come off the hood swooping down to trace around the grille something goes wrong for me. The resulting grille with its trademark pontiac division is straight across on top with bowl-shape curving sides. It appears to me like a tight smirk, ungenerous and simpering. The headlights are even more slanted and attenuated than on the previous grand prix. the so-called coke bottle sides are marked (marred i would say) by two parallel character lines through the two doors about a hand's span below the door handles. Gratefully, there's no cladding but these lines bother me. I think one reason the new grand prix looks best in black is because black hides these lines. the black grand prix at the press introduction also had a solution for some of my objections to the new grille, a heavier, more important optional chrome surround. (now if a black grand prix came with a crew armed with california dusters i'd consider it in a heartbeat.) . interiorinside is where the grand prix absolutely shines. General motors cars have consistently disappointed me in their interior design. I circled it in delight. Then i opened the door only to find the same unrelenting, ugly cliff of an instrument panel that the general had plunked into every model from cadillac to suburban. i would guess that changes in gm interiors will demonstrate a singularly visible (and tactile) impact that bob lutz has on his new employer's products. He is known to be an admirer of audi and vw interiors, probably the world's best, and the grand prix reveals progress in that direction in choice of textures, in shapes and in the feel of whatever is touched. Leather and satin nickel set the tone for the grand prix interior style, materials pleasant to both eye and fingertips continue the experience. the grand prix seats are supportive and comfortable. The steering wheel fills the hand just right. The outside mirrors are remarkably large for a sedan. That's a feature suv drivers often mention as a reason they like suvs. The large center speedometer stands out from and overlaps the tachometer (on the left) and the circle containing the fuel and temperature gauges (on the right). No cluttering inner-ring of numbers. Below an organized cluster of white icons on simple black buttons and dials keep the driver tuned in, warm or cool, etc. Pleasing to look at and nothing bewildering. as comfortable as the seating, as pleasant to look at and feel as the interior is what is really special is its functionality and flexibility. Not only do the back seats fold down in pairs or singly (60/40 split) to effectively increase cargo capacity, the back of the front passenger seat folds forward, table flat. all this flat and nearly flat space can be accessed through the trunk (with a particularly low lift-over height.) thus it's easy to fold the appropriate seats and load long objects into the vehicle. That kayak mentioned above or a roll of carpet or a ladder or skis or italian market umbrellas. That trunk opening besides being lower is also about ten inches wider. They had to be stripped of their packing to manipulate them through the doors. Cognizant of that problem, grand prix designers played dentist: 'open wider, please.' and now the doors swing out to a few degrees shy of 90, improving ingress and egress for people and stuff. driving alo. driving impressionif memory serves, the pontiac grand prix has always been fun to drive. The driving experience is noticeable, not the vehicle providing that experience. Anyone test-driving such a car has to consciously force attention through to the vehicle instead of simply enjoying the ease of motion, the willingness of the engine, the responsiveness of the brakes. The testing driver has to notice what the designers have worked to make seamless. I made myself notice and allowed myself to enjoy. to maintain peak performance athletes might clamp an oxygen mask to their face. That's what an engine is doing with a turbo- or supercharger: forcing more oxygen inside. While a turbo comes into play after the engine is spooled up a bit, the supercharger is there from the get-go. the 3. 8-liter v6 in the grand prix is normally aspirated in the gt model but supercharged in gtp versions. That lowers gas mileage slightly, but accounts for the addition of 60 horsepower (to 260) and the reduction by some two seconds in the time it takes to reach 60 mph from zero. We're talking just 6. 5 seconds in the comp g, a comforting figure when merging or passing in tight situations. At that the gas mileage is respectable: the gt gets 20 city and 30 highway with two mpg less for the supercharged versions. usually when power even approaching 200 hp is put through the same wheels that steer the car (i. E., the front wheels) a phenomenon known as torque steer ensues. This is that disconcerting tug at the steering wheel under rapid acceleration. It's like the front wheels are in a race with each other. Happily, there's little to no torque steer in the 2004 grand prix. Pull away smoothly with the right foot down hard and the grand prix is as stable as an acura. the f. Tachometer
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