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Pontiac Grand Prix - 2000-2005
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Comments
I've posted before (#3955), but didn't get any help. Same car, an updated question.
I think I have eliminated just about everything, except the ignition switch. I even tried a new key with the same resistance as the original one.
Someone once told me, you can eliminate the resistor on the ignition key if you measure the resistance in ohms across the key (1.13k in this case), get an inline resistor, cut a wire from the ignition switch and install the resistor.
If anyone knows of this method, could you please post. Also, if this is the case, would I have to remove the resistor on the key itself.
Thank you for your time. Mike.
My cousin told me I should buy a Dodge. I test drove the Magnum Hemi, but that is as far as I go with that.
I've had Impala rental cars and been extremely unimpressed with the interior quality. I also had an '05 Grand Prix rental for a week while my GTO was in the shop, and, while I wasn't super-impressed with it at first, it kinda grew on me after awhile. I still like the exterior appearance of the 1997-2003 models (wife had an 01 GTP) better, but the interior of the 2004-2005 is much better.
You might consider the Bonneville GXP - Northstar-powered, Aurora-sized, with seats from the 2001-2003 Aurora, but a lot sportier (18" wheels, sports suspension, et. al.). You should consider the GTP - my wife's car was VERY reliable in the 3 years, 39k miles we owned it. There is also an upcoming Grand Prix GXP coming later in the 2005 model year, with a 5.3L V8.
Strongly suggest you go over to the Real World Trade-in Values board over in the Finance discussion here on Edmunds, and find out what your Aurora is worth. My guess is you'd do a lot better if you went private-party...
--Robert
I have the dealer going to the St. Louis auction on Thursday. He has found a '04 GP GTP "factory special event" car with only 8k miles. He is going to call me from the auction to let me know about the pirce, says it's a good time of year to buy.
As for the Aurora, he thinks he has a buyer waiting in the wings. It's a win, win for everyone if the price of this GTP is reasonable.
I will post here what I end up getting.
Kelly
Wouldn't be nice if Pontiac made a Pontiac. No more sharing of parts platforms and engines.
How bout a 4 door RWD, V-6 with 250 hp and a optional 350 hp V-8(made by Pontiac only for Pontiac) mated with a 6-speed gear box and shod with 18" fat sticky tires.
Make it look good, engineer it like a BMW (handling, suspension etc....) and build quality of a Japanese car. Build the car here in the states, not importing them from Australia.
Pontiac would sell a ton of them.
I looked over and sat in a Bonne GXP last weekend. Some interior upgrades - suede insert in seats, "carbon fiber" like trim, white face gauges... even with the V8 not sure it is worth the $5k mark up over the SLE. I sure hope Pontiac is smarter about procing the GP GXP.
Well, I have driven a CompG (shortly after the intro., quite a while ago now) and spent a couple of days recently driving a GTP (non-CompG) rental in Colorado with my daughter. And I owned a ’97 GTP for approx. 3 years.
Depending on your time-line, and what you really want out of a new vehicle, you may want to wait until the new (long rumored) GXP actually hits dealers. Sounds like that will be early 2005.
With a 5.3L V8 (and a different exhaust system – that I expect will allow some measure of the characteristic V8 heterodyne beat to escape) with (Est.) 290 HP / 325 TQ, all the CompG equipment, a beefed up trans., etc. – this new model / version may interest me.
According to GM, 18” wheels / tires and Bilstein dampers will be included – and a stiffer rear stabilizer bar. Upgraded disk brakes. It will be almost a half inch lower.
My understanding is that this all aluminum V8 weighs less than the S/C 3800 V6. With a bunch more Torque and DOD, this may prove to be a significantly improved drivetrain.
And rumor has it that the pricing will be little (if any) more than the CompG.
Although an optimal drag race style start will likely be problematic with such TQ numbers (with a 3.4” pulley on my ’97 it certainly was) the pull through the gears for highway merging and passing ought to be improved over the S/C V6. We’ll see.
We certainly live in interesting times.
Again, depends on exactly what you want and when you want / need to make a change.
- Ray
Waiting . . .
As for the Bonny GXP, that platform was designed to use a V8, same platform as the Caddy. Nice car the GXP is, but not worth nearly $40k. GTP is just as fast if not faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile with a V6 and $10k less !!
<<<<As for the Grand Prix's reliability Consumer Reports gives the Grand Prix's with the base engines a bullseye for excellent reliability. However they don't recomend the 04 Grand Prix's with the supercharged engine>>>>
"The Grand Prix is a mediocre sedan. it's ride, rear seat comfort, and 20mpg overall fuel economy aren't up to the levels of MOST competing sedans. The V6 is fairly quick but NOISY. Taller drivers may find headroom insufficient. the rear seats are very CRAMPED" Consumer Reports January 2004 Review summary.
CR never gave ANY model of the GP a "bullseye for excellent reliablity" The only year the GP was above average in reliability was 2002. The 1997 & 1998 GP are on their list of used cars to AVOID and below reliability.
To my knowledge CR has never tested a Supercharged GTP, only the normally aspirated 200hp GT1 and GT2 in their car review of Jan. 2004. They never tested a 1997-2003 GTP either.. only GT. .
Actually the normally aspirated 3800 V6 has the weak plastic intake manifold which is known for leaking coolant, where as the supercharged 3800 uses a metal intake manifold that lasts much longer.
I have had a 1997 and 2002 GTP. The 1997 had many problems..most fixed under warranty. My 2002 is doing pretty well... only 1 problem in 2 yrs now.. knock on wood. Much better car. I have now learned my lesson buying 1st year cars.. my 1995 Aurora V8 was pretty problematic too.
My 2000 GTP had enhanced traction control which did a good job. I've driven lesser powered FWD cars that handled the torque steer terribly. (Hang on and fight to keep a straight line)
http://www.fast-autos.net/pontiac/pontiacgrandprixgxp.html
Now that the Grand Prix is built in Canada at the same plant where the Buick Regal was built, the reliabilty ratings are as high as the Regal's. My 2004 Grand Prix GT has 49K miles, and all I have had to replace are fluids and filters. It has not been back to the dealer once.
My 2000 GTP had enhanced traction control which did a good job. I've driven lesser powered FWD cars that handled the torque steer terribly. (Hang on and fight to keep a straight line)”
Perhaps I have missed something here (I only stop in this Forum occasionally) but the Bonne GXP uses (essentially) the old FWD SLS version of the Northstar 4.6 L V8. DOHC and all. . . Likely pretty expensive to produce.
The Grand Prix GXP uses a very different OHV V8. Cost to adapt to this applicateion, not trivial, I expect – but perhaps cheaper to build in volume.
The increased torque can certainly be an issue when trying to accelerate around a (slippery) corner.
And I expect that it will not result in particularly impressive 60’ times, if drag racing numbers are important to you. I expect that an aggressive launch will be tricky.
OTOH, this boost in torque makes the wide ratio 4-speed automatic (as opposed to 5 or 6 ratios) somewhat more palatable (to me) - and keeping the Grand Prix final drive at 2.93 (Bonne GXP is 3.7 – one reason their highway fuel mileage is not very impressive) combined with DOD may produce reasonable highway fuel mileage.
But driving the beast will tell me more.
- Ray
Still interested in a test drive . . .
At the PDX auto show in 2004 they had a special GP show car with a 5.3L V8 which the GM Rep said was never likely to be built! Sounds like somebody changed their minds....
Anyway, I'm looking forward to testing one as the practical side of me has me shying away from the GTO or the Bonne GXP.
The Bonne GXP at 17 / 24 is not impressive (to me) - and postings seem to indicate that 24's about as good as it gets.
I wonder if the GP GXP will match the CompG - at 18 / 27 - or even better?
And if Job #1 is in March, I expect that magazine reviews will start hitting the streets in February.
- Ray
Just wondering . . .
I own a Ford Five Hundred, NOT a Chrysler 300. There are many reasons, not relevant here. But you REALLY need to give that 300 an extended test drive before you jump out of the Grand Prix.
Anyone know if the V8 in the upcoming GP is the same?
- From my post of a few days back . . .
Perhaps I need to clarify this. For those interested:
I believe that the final drive of the GT/GT1/GT2 Grand Prix is 2.93 or 3.05 (C+D).
The CompG / WS6 package includes a change in final drive ratio to 3.29. Not a huge difference, but approx. 10%. Primarily to further enhance acceleration, I expect.
The GXP reverts (?) to the same 2.93 ratio as the GTx-s. (I hope it is re-engineered to handle the additional torque – as the trans. reportedly is.)
In combination with the increased TQ and HP of the V8 (compared to the S/C 3800) I expect that this will result in better acceleration than the CompG (mid- or low-14s?) but potential for slightly better “real world” highway MPG as well – between the DoD and the 10% lower RPM required at cruise. (More with the 18” wheel / tire package? I did not check the rolling diameters . . .)
Drag Strip launches (and even any aggressive acceleration with the front tires pointed anywhere but straight ahead and / or less than optimal surface grip) will likely be a challenge. But a freeway ramp merge may be pretty entertaining.
Just my opinion. We’ll see in a few months.
- Ray
Wondering if an overnight extended Test Drive will be available . . .
If this is also part of the GXP package / option, this would mean that one could start in second gear at 0 mph and shift to 3rd at (looking at the gearing of the current CompG and the GXP) something close to 98 mph??????
More relevant (?) speculation:
With this gearing and HP / TQ, it looks possible that the GXP with 303 / 325 could be a (very?) low 14 second SS Quarter. And may hit the traps at the top of 2nd gear – again at approx. 98 mph. Current CompG (260 / 280 HP / TQ) = 15.0 at 93 in C+D test.
- Ray
Well – it was raining during lunch time . . .
$29.9K
- Ray
Thinking that's pretty reasonable . . .
Thanks!
normally in that discussion group. I am thinking about trading to a grand Prix (used maybe 2 to 4 years old). Can you guys give me your opinion(s)
on the car(s) (Traction control, Handeling, performance, anything ......etc)
Thanks .....
email is washijl@auburn.edu
If so let me know.
Drove a Ford Five Hundred, very nice car, but in my Humble Opinion it needs more then the Ford Taurus carry over 200hp V6. That engine doesn't cut the mustard in the larger-heavier 500. 300C easily much more powefull, not even a comparison. The AWD 500 model felt slow-sluggish off line. I believe 0-60 is nearly 9 seconds+ on AWD model.. pretty sloooow.
I think the regular 500 is 8.5 seconds.. which is adequate.. but... the competion is faster-
Oddyssey and Sienna minivans are faster more performance then 500 and are much larger-roomier
On paper it should provide better performance and better economy, but if you drive one and check the window sticker you'll find out that it fails on both aspects.
Besides, it's just plain annoying to listen the engine drone at high RPM without the expected corresponding pep.
Back on the Grand Prix - specifically the 303 HP / 323 TQ GXP due to start production next month.
The only full road test of a CompG in the 3 major car magazines that I recall is the C+D test with 0 – 60: 6.6 and SS Quarter: 15.0 at 93 MPH. (IIRC, Pontiac’s claim at the time was 6.5 seconds for 0 – 60.)
I believe that Pontiac has variously claimed 6 seconds and “less than 6 seconds” for 0 – 60 on the GXP.
Given the difference in HP / TQ, roughly similar weights and utilization of the 2.93 final drive, I could believe 0 – 60 in 5.8 or 5.9.
Although while here at work without my library (somewhat exalted term for a rather messy collection) of car reference material I have no sources to back it up, my recollection is that a 5 to 7 tenths quicker 0 – 60 time is typically matched with a similarly quicker SS Quarter time. (All other factors being nearly the same.)
In this case, there is also a suggestion that the shifts, with the beefed up trans. will be quicker than in the CompG.
Thus, I’ll predict / speculate that the GXP will likely post a 14.3 second quarter mile time. (Assuming a good launch.)
While not as quick as the Mustang GT Automatic (MT: 13.6 at 99.9!!) those numbers would indicate an acceleration capability that would be sufficient for my enjoyment. (I personally have no interest in a manual trans. in this car.) Particularly if this acceleration is accompanied by the distinctive, rumbling heterodyne beat of a 5.3L V8 exhaust.
I am also much more interested in roll-on, freeway merge, and high speed pass acceleration that 60’ times.
We’ll see – in a couple of months.
Cheers,
- Ray
Admitted acceleration junkie . . .
That GXP V8 Grand Prix wll be nice.. but what is the price?? I have read that GM says it will be MORE $$ then the current CompG which starts at nearly $28k MSRP now. I hope they don't price themselves out of the market like the GXP bonny did.
BTW....It's very easy to modify a 1997 to 2005 GTP to run high 13's low 14's 1/4 mile times... Total price?? Under $1k. Pulley swap, reprogram, K&N, u bend replacement, thermostat etc... Cost you $1k, a lot cheaper then buying a GXP.
As long as you aren't hard on the car all the time it will hold up fine with the mods.
I will NEVER buy a Grand prix again unless they bring back a COUPE. In my opinion the 4 door looks too much like a rental-car.
Why since 1997 as Pontiac made the GTP look nearly identical to the GT?? Only dif is the GTP symbol on the doors on 1997-2003 or the GTP symbol on trunk of 2004 and on. They should have made more of a dif, like the PRE 1997
1997 GTP coupe
2002 GTP coupe END OF an ERA, last 2 door currently..
Of course the Grand Prix will probably be gone by 2008 or 2009. Hello G8 (RWD large car)...
20% of 2002 Grand Prix sales were coupes... thats pretty significant. GTO is priced noticeably higher. Why does GM still sell the Monte then? Or Honda still sells the Accord Coupe? Or Ford selling the Mustang then? Rumor is that GM will bring back the Camaro on the GTO chassis in a few years.....If coupes are a dying breed? What about the Corvette? Which is the best selling sports car.... or the new 350Z/G35 coupe?
Not all of us want minivans or Suv's or sedans...
In 2007 when I buy my next coupe it will probably be a GTO,, just have to spend the extra $$ argh!!
Did you consider the Mercury then?
TIA
I wish GM had put a better CVT in their ION, or offered one in cars the size of the Grand Prix. I am very happy with the Ford. I considered the Mercury, but was about to take several long trips (hence the already 12,500 miles on the Five Hundred) and couldn't wait for delivery for a Montego. Except for HID headlights and LED tail lights, the cars are functionally about the same, though the Mercury has a much prettier interior, in my book.
Feel free to come over and take a read in the Five Hundred forums. Very few people, though, would be interested in BOTH a Five Hundred and a Pontiac Grand Prix. I was one of them!
I might even have been interested in another Grand Prix GTP, if I could also get all wheel drive with it!