Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Pontiac Grand Prix 2004 Redesign Questions & Comments
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
Also, most GP buyers never even look at imports. I doubt that changes.
The ONLY current exception seems to be Cadillac.
http://new.clubgp.com/sema2002/
1) The 2 A's are built on all new platforms, GP platform is at least 10-12 year old. Sorry, auto tech has moved on the last decade, the difference will be noticeable.
2) The A's engines are as powerful w/o supercharger. Sorry, auto tech has moved on...
3) GP might be more expensive than the A's.
The A's engines are detuned versions of engines in the G35/TL. Why cant GM put a detuned version of the CTS new 3.6L/250hp in GP? While their at it, might as well give it a new improved platform.
Its half baked attempts like this that causes GM to lose all of the 1 on 1 battles when it comes up against the imports.
AFAICT, the Accord is on the same chassis as last (several) years.
"GP platform is at least 10-12 year old."
The GP was all new in 96.
Not that it matters, they're both good daily drivers.
"2) The A's engines are as powerful w/o supercharger. Sorry, auto tech has moved on..."
Who cares!?, the GTP's engine will be more powerful PERIOD. I for one an disappointed in Nissan & Honda, in that they can't even best GM's motor like GM's motor did to Nissan's & Honda's in 96 (with a 50hp advantage).
"3) GP might be more expensive than the A's."
Well atleast that's right... "might".
"Why cant GM put a detuned version of the CTS new 3.6L/250hp in GP?"
Why? the new motor will be 260hp/280tq. More than the A's. The current GP's motor is already "detuned", and is readily capable of making substantially more HP with minor changes.
I am finally tiring of the cheap looking interiors in all GM products, except for perhaps Cadillac. The Accord interior seems almost Lexus-like. As much as I really want to stay with GM, partially due to GMS pricing and GM Card Rebates, I am nearing a decision I never thought I'd be making -- Buying Japanse.
I'm hoping the 2004 GP knocks my socks off at the Auto show in February, but I doubt it.
Enough decontenting already...I may just buy a Mazda6 this time and be done with it.
I, too, had a 98 GTP. I loved EVERYTHING about it except the headlights which constantly fogged with moisture, the backseat shoulderbelt portion of the seatbelts which constantly tightened and tightened and tightened, nearly strangling riders, and the cheapo interior which looked ratty, even when new.
Also, a car of the GTP's caliber (or the Impala LS's) should have automatic climate control, at least as an option.
Yeah, I agree Pontiac interior have an especially cheapo look to them, especially their leather. I would rather have a Chevy-look to the interior than the Pontiac-look.
If the 2004 GP interior looks as bad in person as the pictures I've seen posted on the Web, I'll probably be looking at purchasing either a CTS, Accura, Accord, or ES300. And the CTS interior isn't anything to write home about, but at least it's a slight improvement over the other GM cars. Deville and Seville are nice inside, but cost, heavy depreciation and quality are steering me away from them.
I remember when all Japanese cars were imported, many, including some in Detroit executive suits (conveniently enough), blamed the N/A workers when the Detroit products didn't measure up. Now when most Japanese cars are made here with American workers, it must be the unionized workers' fault. The one constant: the bean counters have been in control the whole time!
At the site click on Print Book, then select 2004 Grand Prix from the drop down.
You can chose by section or click on Print Model to get the entire document. You'll need Acrobat reader to open the document. Click on Print and it will open the document.
http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/vehiclesel.jsp?regionID=1&divisionID=7#
on a personal note, I feel that in the past most "Japanese" origin autos have had superior fit and finish cosmetically initially. But I've seen a number of Camrys, Accords, Maximas, Acuras that look tattered after several years of use. From what I have seen in the last 10 years from Ford, GM and even Chrysler is quantum leaps in interior improvements. "Perception" is still impacting them and that will take years(if ever) to over come. On the contrary, some data I've seen leads me to believe many of the foreign models interior/exterior quality has backtracked a tad.(some on models built here and also on models imported)
I believe that a lot of people's perception of "quality" is relative to what they are used to and what they read, what their friends think... I've got a brother that won't own anything but a Saab or a Volvo, everything else is junk to him.
So drive 'em all and buy whichever one best meets your personal needs and tastes.
I read on the Chicago Auto Show web site that the GP will start production right around the start of the Auto Show (Feb 14).
I'm hoping some dealers have them in stock by late February.
I signed up for the brochure request on the Pontiac Web site which now has a presentation on the 2004 GP. As far as I can tell it was only added to the site in the last few days... in my past experiences the cars start hitting the lots about the same time as limited brochures become available.
I've had 2 cars, a Honda & Nissan, both engines passed 140K without any problem, and were as eager to rev then as new. The Nissan never fails me in anything, the dash looks in perfect condition. In fact everything looks in brand new condition.
I remember my dad's old Chevys. The a/c's would not work after a few years. The dash would peel away. Seat covers would come apart at the seams. When cold, the engine would stall, usually right in middle of intersections.
Reading the specs, I know in reality GP is not matching Atltima/Accord. GM's just trying to convince people that they are. I say to GM: same old, same old. In the long term, the market is always right, and perception is reality.
Care to comment on my 2000 Impala LS which appears as new, has had ONE repair, a headlight switch, and has 111,000 miles?
Or my 98 Pontiac GTP which had 77000 carefree miles on it when I traded it in three years ago for said Impala?
Not fair to judge todays marques by 70's/80's crap. The Japanese cars from that era rusted away to nothing, for the most part.
Things are better now. Thank heaven.
The teaser emails that GM is sending to former GP owners (like me) say this:
**Pontiac Grand Prix is reborn for 2004. Taking the concept of the true driver's car to the next level, the thought arose: Might one car excel at everything? Check out the '04 Grand Prix online and the question magically answers itself. With power, torque and intensity. With an extraordinary handling system. Plus remarkable versatility and room. It's coming in late 2003. But it's waiting for you online right now.***
Late 2003???
What specs? GTP is faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile then the new V6 Accord. It stops shorter and outhandles it according to Car and Driver. Not to mention looking alot better then the Dull, Appliance, blend in with everything else look of the Accord. Car and Driver tested the skidpad of the Accord V6 at an embarassing .74g. Thats Towncar Territory. I've driven both cars. I have owned a 1997 and now a 2002 GTP. I have driven and ridden in my friends 2000 Accord. The GTP is fun to drive, I have gotten many compliments of "Nice car" though of course mine is modified, the Accord is dull and boring. Yes the accord has higher better resale, but I don't make a car buying decision on resale entirely, because all cars depreciate.
As for interiors... whats up with the small radio buttons, lack of radio steering controls, no head up display, no BOSE, No Onstar and the glove compartment door that is awkard and nearly as high as the airbag. Not to mention the noisy slow 4 cylinder in the accord that you can actually feel it idling where at least the GP comes with a std V6 which is smoother and you don't feel it idling at a light or in park.
My leftover new 2002 GTP coupe MSRP for $28,260 fully loaded. I got $3,000 off of it then GM's $3,000 rebate. I ended up paying $22,260, I feel a very good deal for what I got.
You can't get a V6 Altima or V6 Accord loaded for $22,260. Try about $26,000 or higher. I went to 5 dif Nissan dealers they all told me their cost on a loaded V6 Altima was $25,500 and that I would have to do better. The V6 Accord coupe loaded they are selling for MSRP or higher, some had a $2k over MSRP. Which brought it to $30k or more. Sorry, not worth $7k more.
The Accord and Atlima are NOT worth $4k more then what I paid for a GTP.
There is only one problem with the Accord in my opinion. And due to that problem, I will not buy one. You see, I have driven an Accord. And to me, the V-6 Accord is BORING. Terribly, interminably boring. Thanks, but no thanks.
I'm hoping the interior of the new GP is much improved, as some reviews have indicated.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=5650&sid=173&n=156
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/carkeys/
"2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
3.8-liter V-6 w/ Eaton supercharger
260-horsepower
$23,000 - $30,000
While trucks are king, General Motors is making it clear that it's still a car company at heart, as its prepares a complete overhaul of its mid-size sedan lineup. First out of the gate, the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Looking nearly identical to the G-Force show car, the '04 Grand Prix is largely all-new. The biggest visual change is the lack of body cladding, and the cleaner and sharper coupe-like profile. The wide track look is more hunkered down, especially in the top line GTP trim.
While the base GT is powered by a carryover 200-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6, the GTP ups the ante to a 260-horsepower 3.8, a 20-horsepower gain, by way of a new Eaton supercharger. For maximum grip, a new Comp G package adds lightweight 17-inch wheels, V-rated tires, retuned suspension, Magnasteer II steering, and StabilTrak. To manage power to that grip, Comp G also adds TAPshift steering wheel shift pedals for the sole transmission, a 4-speed automatic. Unlike some Formula-One-style pedals, TAPshift requires the driver to take control. It won't upshift for you.
The new Grand Prix provides total performance, including unmatched sedan versatility. The split-fold rear seat is huge, if spartan, and when combined with the available front folding passenger seat, allows objects up to 9 feet long to be hauled with the trunk closed. Rear doors also open nearly 90 degrees so oversized cargo can be loaded from the side. With this car you may not need a minivan or SUV.
And when the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix goes on sale in April it will have prices that put an SUV to shame, from about $23,000 for the GT, to around $28,000 for the GTP. Even with the Comp G package, the sticker should still be under 30-grand.
And when you compare the new Grand Prix to mid-size car favorites Accord and Camry, it simply out classes them in everything from velocity to versatility. If this is how GM plans to revitalize its car business, the Grand Prix is a great start."
Here is a link that has some of Pontiac's show and concept cars:
http://www.pontiac.com/pontiacjsp/passion/concept/main.jsp?source=main
What I understand is the G6 is the future Grand Am, the line of GXP show cars, some will be built as limited editions and there is also the G-force Grand Prix show car that may end up as a production variant.
Per my preferred dealer they are expecting to have one of the 2004 GPs at the PDX Auto show end of January, so I'm looking forward to getting a closer look.
Ba-Ba-Boom!
2004 Grand Prix
Initial date for orders Late Fall 2002
Retail production begins February 3, 2003
Fleet production begins May, 2003
First fleet deliveries June / July 2003
Per the same Report 2003 GP production ends on February 15th.
orwoody, I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures soon. Sorry, I don't know how to help you with your postings.
Anyone have any further info on that program?