Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Pontiac Grand Prix - 2000-2005
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Regarding handling - I honestly must give it to the Maxima. I had a GTP (w/o Comp G pkg, as I didn't want the sport suspension and the shift paddles are a gimmick, IMO. Had one in another car and never used 'em), and had a problem with rear end slipping out when doing tight corners (have a tight hair pin turn on my daily commute and I really notice the difference). Guess the Michelin tires on the GP don't 'stick' as well as the Conti-Touring on the Maxima? IN any event, no slippage with the Maxima at all - feels more like my 4WD SUV rounding corners. Regarding torque steer - didn't notice a big problem with either, although I'm not doing a lot of twisty driving, where I guess you see more of that. Although since both are rather high HP engines w/front wheel drive, I would expect to have some torque steer. I hear the new Acura TL w/270 hp has a big problem with torque steer, but I wasn't troubled by it in the GP or the Maxima. One more thing - suspension. It's a lot tighter in the GTP. I felt bumps a lot harder than in the Maxima. AGain, I have the SL with 17" wheels. THe Max SE has 18" wheels and I think has a firmer suspension. I prefer not feeling all the nasty potholes bumps on the lousy roads here in NJ, so I never go for the sport suspension models. If you live in FLorida or Arizona where all the roads are nice and smooth - this will be less of an issue. Again, personal preference.
Overall impression - my GTP drove like a big, heavy car, with decent HP under the hood, but moaning and groaning when you would accelerate hard. The steering feel was numb - something a lot of pro reviewers have commented on. The Maxima is a different animal - feels lighter, with better feel to steering, and acceleration is very smooth and quick. You really don't feel like you're in a vehicle with 260 hp, until you put the pedal down, and then it just takes off, with minimal growl, etc. So for me, it's a lot more fun to drive than the Pontiac. If you like the feel and sound of a 'Vette or souped up Mustang accelerating - the Max is just the opposite. In the GP - you could hear the exhaust rumble fairly loudly on acceleration and it felt like the engine was working hard. Once at speed, however, noise was not objectionable. But again, if you're looking for that sports car feel (I've owned Z cars and Supras and the GTP is no Z car or Supra!).
So there you have it - for those trying to decide between a GP and a Maxima, I would recommend doing extended test drives, especially on twisty roads, as well as on straightaways to test acceleration. For me, the Maxima is a more enjoyable ride, and better fit. For others, it may be the opposite. The GP does have some bells/whistles, like OnStar and Heads Up Display, that you can't get in the Maxima, if those are important to you (they're options, except OnStar is standard in GTP). I chose the GP without test driving too many other models, which was my mistake, but I hope this comparo will help others in making the right choice. (One more thing that might be a factor - mileage/fuel. the 3.8L Series III S/C engine in GTP is rated at 18 mpg city, capable of using regular fuel, but premium required to get full 260 hp, according to manual. The 3.5 L V6 (NA) Nissan engine is rated at 20 mpg city, with premium fuel recommended for best performance. I do notice the Maxima being a bit better on fuel consumption but engine hasn't gone thru break in yet, so won't make any definite comparison statements).
Good luck.
I have recently changed my oil on my Grand Prix GT and 3 weeks later the warning light
“Change Oil Soon” came up. Is this a mechanical feature that should be reset or this is an indication for some problem?
If it can be reset, please tell me how. On my Montana I just need to pump gas pedal three times with ignition on, and this message disappears. On Grand Prix I have tried it many times, but nothing happens.
I have bought this car (model 2001) 6 month ago with 40K miles. I like it so far.
Thanks,
Igor
In fact the GTP Comp beat the Audi A6 3.0 in all 5 categories as well, pretty impressive.
Remember the tires have a lot to do with it. IMHO Stock tires usually stink. I know from personal experience on my 1997 and 2002 GTP coupes, the stock Goodyear RSA tires were garbage in any kind of semi hard cornering. Squealed like a pig. 1st thing I did was get rid of the stock tires and upgrade. P245 50 16 makes a positive dif. in handling over stock P225 60 16 size.
Not sure for the redesigned 2004 Max, but the 2002-2003 Max and I35 with the 255hp engine had the WORST torque steer I have ever felt. You didn't want to floor the car because it was so annoying and intrusive. I get I35 & now G35x loaners when my I30t is in the shop.
After buying my 2001 I30t, I might NEVER buy a japanese car again. They are NOT as good as people claim them to be after my experiences. I bought it because everybody was telling me how superior the japanese cars are etc. My I30t has been so-so or ok, but not what I expected. Same or Worse reliability then my GTP. No better then an American Car
Not all the products out of detroit in the 80's were that bad. The old school RWD V8 cars were pretty reliable in my experience. Esp. the mid-sized and full sized ones. The FWD ones were sometimes another story, LOL!
No back door child saftey door switches, '97-'02 had it. Seems to be a problem with almost ALL new GM cars.
They made the 2004 1 inch taller, yet there is a LOSS of 1/2" headroom in the backseat! LOL! The Front gains 1/2"
No digital Climate Control, the '97-'01 had it.
Driver Info Center is noticeably smaller Harder to use in 2004. I liked '97-'03 center better even though it showed less.
Why no horspower bump or increase on the base 3800? Still the same 200hp as the 1997-2003 model. GM obviously bumped the GTP up 20hp, 240 to 260hp.
The 2004 GT1 & GT2 offer NO performance or gas mileage gains over the 1997-2003 GT & SE with 3800 engine.
The 1997-2003 was slightly faster 0-60mph & 1/4 then new 2004. Because they were 50-100 lbs lighter with same 200hp.
2004 GTP Comp not really any faster then 1997-2003. 6.5 seconds vs 6.8, about the same. At least it's faster.
2004 is the same sized car as '97-'03, where as Maxima & Altima made their cars slightly bigger-roomier in 2002 and 2004.
Gas gauge doesn't say E, 1/2 or F anymore, just annoying pictograms. Same with the driver info center, not labeled, just pictograms. 97-03 better in this respect, at least they are labeled!
UGLY rear end. 1997-2003 Rear end was better looking IMHO. Front end is nice though.
Coupe like styling for 2004, Guess what? It is NOT a coupe, still a 4 door last time I checked. No MORE 2 door coupe, 2002 was the last year. Tha prevents me from buying it in 2007.
Leather seats look improved as well as some of the interior over 97-03 but NOT enough.
2004 has more blindspots IMHO then 1997-2003 sedan did.
140mph speedo instead of what some people called a wimpy 110 mph speedo '97-'03.
Better-higher quality looking gauges then 1997-2003
Front end of 2004 is nicer looking then '97'03, IMHO
Rear end of 2004 is NASTY. Best combo would be 2004 front and 1997 rear.
Leather seats are of better quality and not the PLEATHER-Vinyl look of 1997-2003
Full backseat pass through, not just a small center one.
Interior is slightly improved in some aspects, but still not as good as other cars in class.
Increased handling-braking over 1997-2003. "97-'03 was pretty good.
Heated seat for the PASSENGER, about time.
17 inch wheels, plus or minus, 17" more $$ then 16" for tires
GM refers us to the Monte Carlo SS Supercharged which is the same car but IMHO is UGLY or the GTO which is more $$ and NOT as roomy.
BTW....2004 GP Sales were NOT as good as 1997 sales. Back in 1997 the Grand Prix sales increased 50% + over 1996. 2004 wasn't even close to the '97 increase.
New freshened Monte Carlo on the way. It looks much better in my opinion. A 2 door G6 is coming also, mite be an option for ya down the road.
Also, we have had our GTP since December, have about 5,500 miles on it and haven't had a lick of trouble yet, not that I would expect anything so soon.
Richard Moore
The rebate is potentialy lager between the years. There is a $655 allowance if the GTP has the leather interior, only on the 2004s. Also an additional $1,000 rebate if the buyer goes through GMAC.
As far as who's end it comes from, the dealer is the one selling the car. And it is can be less then they would normally sell for. And they don't get their usual doc fees. But they do save the time spent in the traditional sale proccess, so it could be a wash. And GM gets another car sold, so they are ahead. And the buyer gets a decent price and a simplified buying proccess, so they are ahead.
As far as your underlying question fo which year. There are product changes for 2005 that you may find important (MP3, Nav, Remote Start, Auto A/C) enough to go that route. Also depends on if the dealer can find a 2004 they way you want. And if you were not planning on going GMAC, the price difference may not be more then $655.
;-)
;-)
I had some loose trim fixed up, aside from that my 04 has been trouble free and the A/C is cold. I have about 23000 kms on it now.
and if there are any other changes that have to be made. thanks, logger
Some observations:
-gas mileage- average 13.5km per litre highway at 100-120km per hour. Car was fully loaded with 4 people - 37 miles per imperial gallon. Got 800kms in the first tank before the low fuel light came on.
-air conditioning was not a problem.
-lots of power to accelerate evem from 120km/hr.
-seats are a little stiff front and back. Hard to take a nap in the back seats because of the steep rake of the rear windows.
-no rattles as of yet inside the car.
would be interested in other observations on long trips.
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS
2004 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE
2004 Toyota Camry LE V6
I have only driven the GT2. I plan on test driving the others very soon.
Thanks!
Kristen
Keep an eye on torque steering when driving the Altima. It's said to be horrible.
Look critically at the fit and finish in the GP and in the Malibu.
The Camry is a good all-around car, but many might disagree why it made in your list with its looks. :-)
If you can wait, try to drive the Pontiac G6 late in the fall.
Good luck and, please, keep us abreast of your driving impressions.
1. Will the 05 GP get a V8 and RWD?
and
2. Will the 05 get any body changes?
Thanx alot guys!
Body changes: don't think so.
Does anyone else have this problem?
Does anyone know how I can correct it? I assume I need to contact a federal government agency, but not sure which one. Remember its a federal offense to do anything with the odometer.
Thanks...
Thanks!
Kristen
Source?
Thanks,
- Ray
Wondering what V8 - and why I have not heard about it elsewhere . . .
--Robert
We'll see . . .
Thanks,
- Ray
Hoping for a different trans., at least, or this GXP exercise is likely doomed . . .
Something doesn't seem right here.
Let me re-state what I said:
"I find it difficult to believe that there's a 320hp Northstar under the hood of a Grand Prix - at least from the factory (i.e. not a show or custom car)."
I'm stating that I doubt that any factory-produced, for sale at a dealer car has a 320 hp Northstar under the hood. The only place I'd expect to see that is in, as you said, a show or custom car :-)
--Robert
While there I asked about a V8 in the Grand Prix's future and the dealer said most likely as the Bonneville was being discontinued. That seems to back up what bigdaddycoats just posted.
By the way, can anybody convert 5.3L into cubic inches for me?
But, the Grand Prix is front wheel drive. Unless and until it is converted to RWD, you can probably kiss any chance of a V8 in that platform goodbye. Ain't gonna happen. Sheer fantasy.
Enjoy, though.
--Robert
who has a V-8 in his FWD Aurora (and his RWD GTO)
Instead what we have gotten recently has been a supercharged V6 a generation behind that in the Grand Prix. Got tired of waiting...I'm selling my 00 Impala with 168k virtually trouble free miles (had a 98 Grand Prix GTP before that) and moving on to the Ford Five Hundred. (Want to talk about why? See me in either Impala or Five Hundred forums...I ain't talking about it here...)
Well, anywho, nice as all this is, let's go on talking about the Grand Prix!
I do give other car makes credit for producing appealing, powerful cars (namely Chrysler, and did you guys get a load of the new Charger?)...but, the new Five-Hundred comes with a 3.0 V6 (making 210 horses, I believe), the same engine in the current Taurus and Escape, nothing bigger. Putting the "Five-Hundred" nameplate on a car with an engine that size, to me, is like putting a Cadillac emblem on a Yugo. The new Five-Hundred is a nice looking car, and offers some goodies such as all wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission, however Ford is going to have to work a little on their powerplants to keep up with other makes. You can make fun of the V8 in the Bonneville all you want to, but at least it has one!