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Pontiac Grand Prix 2004 Redesign Questions & Comments
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Comments
Ride? Firm, but acceptable, all in all. Information I have indicates that the difference between the GTP and the CompG suspension-wise is only ‘firmer bushings and spring rates’. Meaning not also dampers / shock absorbers. The replacement of shocks (for those who don’t happen to know) with struts, is typically more expensive than replacing bushings. I found the isolation of short sharp bumps or broken pavement to be quite reasonable, esp. given the V rated 55 series tires.
Acceleration? Pretty much as I expected, having owned a ’97 GTP.
NVH? This appears to be a solid, well bolted (welded, bonded, glued) together vehicle. Pontiac seems to have done both a good job at design avoiding areas where various interior components might rub or squeak (for instance) and assembly. Structure appears v. good. The exhaust note is noticeable, but not objectionable.
There was absolutely NO noticeable torque steer! And I was looking carefully for this. Driving only the front wheels with torque over 250 tends to be a challenge. Well done, Pontiac!
Steering at all speeds (well, I did not have the opportunity to exceed about 75) seemed well weighted and accurate.
Smoothness? Power delivery is excellent and TQ is available at any RPM. The drivetrain is well sorted. The TAPshift feature added to the MX0 trans. is well executed. Though I noticed no ‘throttle blip’ on downshifts, they were still well handled with minimal surge / buck. The upshifts were quick and well managed. Since both my current and prior vehicles had a ‘man-u-matic’ feature, I am used to the concept. What I found WOULD (for me) likely require some time to adapt to is the paddle shift mechanisms. The certainly work as advertised, but I am used to reaching down with my right hand to slap the console mounted shift lever forward or back to shift manually that I was not immediately comfortable with the paddles. And in sharp turns, where the paddles are substantially ‘out of position’, I found it a bit un-intuitive to have to seek the current (sometimes moving) paddle positions to shift. Sometimes it is just not practical to maintain hand positions at 10 and 2.
I do like the enhanced DIC and HUD. And the level of interior trim, quality, fit and finish seem appropriate for a car in this proce range.
Driving position? I was a bit surprised that w/moonroof I needed to adopt rather more of a ‘laid back’ driving position to clear the headliner . . .
RPM at 60 approx. 1800 / 1850.
I happen to like to 10 spoke wheels – and the red brake calipers.
I really would like GM to increase the GP warrantee beyond 36 / 36. And a DVD based NAV system. But I digress . . .
All is all, the GP GTP w/CompG stays on my short list. . .
Cheers,
- Ray
Just my $.01.5 worth – adjusted for current economic conditions.
Production on the wheels was only delayed 2 weeks. My dealer refused to force the wheels on until they became available from GM. Now all is back. My suggestion is. If you like the wheels on the GTP standard don't buy the comp- G. It defeats the purpose.
In prior posts, some people have complained about the 10-spoke Comp-G wheels. I actually like the 10-spoke wheels, but didn't want the extra firm ride of the Comp-G.
So, if there's anyone in the Chicago area who would like to trade their 10-spoke wheels for my chrome 5-spoke curved wheels, let me know.
- Ray
Always enjoying being a man of few words . . .
My local (awful) Pontiac dealer has at least a dozen of the new Grand Prix's on the lots. Almost all are GTP's. Haven't seen one on the road yet.
--Robert
I have a '99 Regal. The side view mirrors will fold back if they are bumped in the front. I thought this was standard on GM mid and large size cars. Also I didn't see electochromatic mirrors, pollen filter or automatic climate control on the '04 GTP. Perhaps I am mistaken.
Pretty sad, but just more decontenting. The automatic climate control is one of many factors apt to steer me into a Mazda6 or a Subaru WRX and right out of the GTP. Well, that and the ridiculous not-suited-for-adults flat back seat.
I can't confirm that with GM. I spoke to a factory info. rep. on the 1-800 line & she referreed me to their on-line catalog which still states premium fuel is required on the supercharged GTP for 2004.
So what's the story?
So I still have the same question.
<<<GM could have something here.>>>
A dealer convention???
john cline ii, who just had to
I have not been around awhile. MY Regal GS is gone now two reasons getting upside down, too many problems to boot. Anyways I am delighted about the new GTP and hope to get one on GM's 24 hour test drive offer I just received.
On the plus side, refined ride (not quite so harsh as the 03), extremely quiet. Miss my Ricaro seats, but the leather is quite comfortable. The 3800 series 3 is adequate, not spectacular, but I am getting great mileage (35 mpg on highway). Steering takes a bit getting used to, but in the end is responsive when it needs to be, and soft when you don't want to be jerked all over the road. Brakes are massive all 'round, best I've had in a long time. The back seat looks crummy, and headroom is a bit limited, but if you don't have a long torso it is actually very roomy and comfortable, even for 3 adults. But then I don't sit there - LOL. The head up display is finally quite useful, and I have already become totally dependent on it. The info. display took some getting used to, but it doesn't take long. The timer is a [non-permissible content removed] to set/reset, and quite frankly I'd rather have the odometer & trip on view all the time. But the second trip odometer makes up for it.
On the negative side, the lumbar support is better than nothing, but not great. The cowl over the dash is way too small. You get glare in the lower corners of the gauge panel no matter how you adjust the seating. Little too much black plastic on the dash and doors for my liking, and the electrochromatic rear view mirror would have been a nice touch, as would have been auto dual air. The tether on the gas cap is really short, and I miss the bracket on the gas door to hold the cap while fuelling. The cap swings & rubs against the back fender.
But all in all a fun car to drive, reasonable power in the GT2, and its kinda nice to get the turned heads and stares...its a good looker (of course I am biased, I paid for the sucker).
I tortured over the GT2 or GTP. I still torture over it, but in the end I really harldly ever demand full power from a car, so while the extra power would be quite welcome, I would rarely use it.
I'm just pissed I couldn't get the 5-year 0% financing.
My Question is - What color did you go for?
I had a look at 5 units side-by-each of different colors, and while my original choice from the brochure was black, to my eye the darker colors and hte white tended to mask out the sharp sheet-metal lines and the car didn't look quite so distinctive as in silver, but color is such a personal matter, eh?
Didn't expect the factory order until August-September, but 2 weeks after placing the order the dealer called and said it just came off the assembly line, and the next week it arrived, and a few days later later it was prepped & paint sealed & ready to go after they showed it off and put on their damn dealer stickers. 4 weeks, not bad for a factory order! And the stickers peeled off real easy in the hot sun.
Not to be too negative, but there really isn;t much clearance between the driver's seat where the seat controls are nad the door. Hard on the wrist watch.
As for the interior of the 2004 GP, it seems a bit more cockpit like, but I also have a tight fit reaching for the seat controls on our 2001 GMC Yukon.(and it's not like I have Popeye size arms!) I'm still a bit perplexed that Lutz let the interior finishes go to production like they are. But then again it's a matter of tastes.
"Automotive News has reported in its August 4 issue that the 2006 Impala will have an optional V8, probably a 275 hp 4.8L V8. The car will probably remain front wheel drive. The article did not say what the other engines will be, but I would not be surprised if the 200 hp 3.5L OHV V6 from the 2004 Malibu were standard. GM is also introducing a new 3.9L OHV V6 for the 2006 model year that could go into the Impala."
The '05 GP may be getting these same motors before Chevy gets them. I also read where the normally aspirated and supercharged 3.8 liter Series III engines will eventually be phased out.
ps: saw some photos of the 2004 GTO posted on the GTO board. Check out posting 329 and click on the links.
Standard tires are P225-60R-16. GTP gets you into P225-55R-17.
GT2 adds 4-wheel ABS, aluminmum wheels, power seats with optional power lumbar, Magnasteer power steering, traction assist, tire inflation monitor, Lifestyle pkg. includes front passenger folding seatback (folds forward into a "desk", cargo mat, cargo net and covered cargo storage, Premium Light Group: includes front and rear reading lamps, driver and passenger illuminated visor mirrors, rear assist grips and overhead console, leather covered steering wheel with radio controls, overhead console, & optional head-curtain side air bags ( extra cost, around $800.00 CDN as I recall). The GT2 add-on is well worth the extra cost compared to the GT1.
I only added leather & info. technology display (head up display and enhanced trip computer). Never been too fussy on the sun roof, and the chromed wheels for a grand didn't particularly impress me.
Highway mpg is in US gal. It's rated at 33 mpg(US) or 40 mpg(Imperial). I am pretty impressed, but that is with cruise on & I have a pretty soft foot, besides. However as soon as you get into city stop & go driving, or if you get aggressive at all, it drops like a lead baloon. I'm averaging city/hwy about 50/50 and getting about 30mpg(US) overall, but like i said I am very soft on the accelerator and brakes.
The dealer is a buddy, so I got a pretty good price, but at the time I bought, most other dealers were selling them at mfg. list price, no discounts at all since there was a ton of 2003 inventory to get rid of & very few 2004 in stock.
Don't ask me about color. Whatever turns your crank. You have to see them in person, though, as the brochure does not show the colours well.