We always compare the latest Pontiacs to the old ones, for some reason.  To celebrate the all-new 2004 Grand Prix, let’s compare it to some other cars for a change.

The Grand Prix occupies a unique place in the market, in that it’s sportier than the average family sedan from Ford or Honda, but not a fast enough or luxurious enough to be considered a serious challenger to Audi or Acura.  That hasn’t stopped Pontiac from making a big sporty family sedan its goal, however, and with the completely redesigned ’04 model, it looks like they’ve learned a few things.

The plastic-splattered exterior look that we loved to hate is gone, replaced with a more modern, chiseled look.  This more substantial look is expected to work its way through the whole Pontiac lineup over the next few years, and we think that’s a good thing.  The new Grand Prix looks taut, with a more modern, liquid look than either the aging Dodge Intrepid or the freshly redesigned Toyota Camry.  High flanks and clever window treatment make the Grand Prix look like a coupe at first glance, and sometimes at second glance too.  The cat’s-eye headlamps and split grille are Pontiac hallmarks, as are the large round foglights.

Inside, the interior is also large and substantial.  Even with the large center console, the Grand Prix feels much more spacious than a Honda Accord.  The driver’s position is very cockpit-like, with red gauges and a three-spoke wheel.  There are a lot of buttons, but they fall easily to hand and we weren’t lost for long.  The plastic textures on the upper surfaces of the dashboard and console feel a bit cheap to the touch, but look good.  The head-up display (HUD), long a Grand Prix staple, is still offered, but now there’s a “stealth-mode” which turns off the rest of the instrument panel lights at night, leaving only the HUD projection on the windshield.  In addition to the standard safety features, a tire pressure monitor is also available, alerting the driver to a potential flat or blowout before it happens.  The Grand Prix has also inherited some convenience features from such unlikely sources as Subaru and Chrysler, with a fold-flat front passenger seat that allows long cargo to be carried, and rear doors which open almost perpendicular to the body for easy loading of bulky items into the rear seat.  The Grand Prix will swallow a 9-foot ladder with the trunk closed; who needs an SUV?

On the road, the new Grand Prix has a big, solid feel, with an emphasis on “big.” Body motions are damped as much by mass as by the suspension, it seems.  MacPherson struts up front are more or less an industry standard.  The tri-link rear is independent as well, and Pontiac touts the advantages of its “wide-track” suspension design.  Setting the wheels farther apart improves cornering stability, but also contributes to the Grand Prix’s feeling of heft.  The new Grand Prix is definitely more refined; it’s got the quality feeling of a Nissan Maxima or a Mitsubishi Galant, coupled with the avoirdupois of a Mercedes S-Class.  At just over 3500 pounds, this isn’t an especially heavy car; it just feels like it.  The Grand Prix won’t be called nimble even on its best days.  It goes where it’s pointed, with a modicum of sportiness even, but the feeling of size is always present.  The four-wheel disc brakes are, thankfully, up to the task.  Anti-locks are standard on uplevel models.  In the spirit of “tuner” packages being offered by Toyota, Nissan and others, Pontiac will equip your Grand Prix with a “Comp G” package.  This throws Stabilitrak traction control, quicker transmission gearing and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters into the mix.

Weight means luxury, at least, and the Grand Prix is vault-quiet at speed.   200-horse 3.8 liter V6 engines are still the powerplant of choice for Pontiac’s mid-sizer.  A choice of normally-aspirated and supercharged engines is available.  Electronic throttle control improves engine response across the range.  The venerable 3800 has grown more refined over the years, and what it lacks in smoothness compared to Nissan, it makes up in economy; almost 30 mpg from a V6 isn’t bad at all.  The Grand Prix is offered in GT1, GT2 and GTP flavors, with the top-of-the-line GTP getting the 60-horsepower boost offered by supercharging.  All Grand Prix models are equipped with four-speed automatic transmissions.  The optional Touch Activated Power (TAP) shift paddles allow the driver to click through the gears manually.

Even though it’s been totally remade, the new Grand Prix is decently priced.  Our test car was a well-equipped GTP, and stickered for $28,975.  Basic, non-supercharged Grand Prix GT1s start at $22,395.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, which we tested.
Length:         198.3 in.
Width:            73.8 in.
Height:            55.9 in.
Wheelbase:        110.5 in.
Curb weight:        3583 lb.
Cargo space:        16 cu.ft. (seats up); 57 cu.ft. (seats folded)
Base price:        $25,860
Price as tested:        $28,975
Engine:         3.8 liter supercharged V6
Drivetrain:         four-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Horsepower:         260 @ 5200
Torque:         280 @ 3600
Fuel capacity:        17 gal.
Est. mileage:        18/28

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