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2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Review
Interior flexibility, improved performance for a solid hit.
2004 Grand Prix Review Summary & Specifications
In the early '60s when Pontiac first released its Grand Prix, I muttered: "There Detroit goes again, bouncing its image off of others peoples' trophies." Pontiac had never been near Grand Prix racing, not even as a spectator. I expressed some doubt their American public could even pronounce the name right (which would be poetic justice). Bonneville, now that's another matter. That was earned.Pontiac prevailed. My attitude mellowed. I quit taking car names literally. And I can say honestly that I like the 2004 Grand Prix a lot. I welcome the commitment GM is making to the function of the machine as a utilitarian transporter of people and things and a stimulator of the brain's pleasure center. Having car guys in charge matters. Many Americans who turned to Europe and Asia for cars to suit their needs would like a reason to buy American again. Pontiac has given them grounds to consider the 2004 Grand Prix. It is hot to drive and cool to live with.
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| Vehicle Category | Midsize Cars |
| Editor | Denise McCluggage |
| Model Lineup | GT1 ($21,760); GT2; GTP ($25,860); GTP Competition Group ($27,255) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.8-liter supercharged ohv V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 4-speed automatic with TAPshift |
| Engines (optional) | 3.8-liter V6; 3.8-liter supercharged V6 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 4-speed automatic; 4-speed automatic with TAPshift |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | front-seat airbags |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | ABS, traction control, side-curtain airbags |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Oshawa, Ontario |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-762-2737 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.pontiac.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 21760 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Pontiac Grand Prix GTP ($25,860) |
| Standard Equipment | air conditioning, cloth front bucket seats, 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks, fog lamps, twin exhaust tips, 16-inch wheel covers, rear spoiler, body-color sport mirrors, backlight radio antenna, tinted glass, Driver Information Center, remote keyless entry, anti-theft system, power mirrors/door locks/windows, cruise control, rear defogger, tilt steering, tachometer, CD radio with 6 speakers, two auxiliary power outlets, side protective moldings; GT2 adds Steering wheel radio controls, premium lighting (rear assist handles, lighted vanity mirrors, reading lamps front/rear, overhead console with glasses storage), Lifestyle Package (right front folding seatback, reversible cargo mat, covered cargo storage, cargo net), ABS (with enhanced traction system), Magnasteer, variable effort power steering, Driver?s Package (power driver's seat, floormats); GTP adds full-function traction control, driver's power lumbar, OnStar |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Premium Audio Package ($695) includes 6-CD player and Monsoon speakers; Leather Trim ($795) includes leather-appointed seating, heated driver and front passenger seats, power driver lumbar |
| Destination Charge | 635 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 27985 |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 260 @ 5200 |
| Torque | 280 @ 3600 |
| Fuel Economy | 18/28 |
| Wheelbase | 110.5 |
| Length/Width/Height | 198.2/71.6/55.9 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 37.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.8/54.5/42.2 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 36.2/54.3/36.2 |
| Trunk Volume | 57 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 10001000 |
| Front Suspension | independent, MacPherson struts with coil springs, lower A-arm, 20mm solid anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent, tri-link coil over strut, 17.2mm anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | |
| Curb Weight | 3583 |
| Stock Tires | P225/55HR17 Michelin Energy |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 |
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