- sedan
- Omaha, NE
-
- autoshopper.com
- sedan gasoline red automatic
2002 pontiac grand prix review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Turning 40 with style. introductionpontiac grand prix is the extrovert in gm's mid-size family, a sinewy body in a sleeveless t-shirt, flaunting a style inspired by nascar. The grand prix name may refer to european road racing, but the pontiac grand prix is as american as a hot dog at the speedway on saturday night. fortunately, the grand prix can back its styling braggadocio with plenty of driving excitement, thanks to a thoroughly modern platform, powerful engines, great brakes and excellent handling. The gtp version, in particular, puts enough horsepower through the front wheels to keep drivers interested and alert. The package includes a unique rear spoiler, hood heat extractors, dual exhausts, nascar-style roof fences, unique wheels, and special dark cherry metallic paint. Three different v6 engines are available, along with two automatic transmissions. se comes standard with gm's trusty 3. 1-liter aluminum-head v6. It's good for 175 horsepower and 195 foot-pounds of torque. gt models are equipped with an iron-head, 3. 8-liter v6 that produces 200 horsepower and 225 foot-pounds of torque. The gtp adds a civilized supercharger that boosts horsepower to 240 and torque to 280. for 2002, gt models boast more standard equipment including a six-way power driver's seat, steering-wheel audio controls, a cargo net, and a security system. Also for 2002, se models offer more value, with cruise control and a remote trunk release. walkaroundgrand prix's styling is bold and stunning. In an era when asian, european and american shapes flow toward neutrality, the grand prix is the most american of cars. Striking and classy, this paint does much for the car's lines. But nothing does as much as the low, sleek coupe-like roofline. Other eye-catching elements include the twin-post aerodynamic sideview mirrors, the mini-megaphone twin exhaust tips, and low-profile tires mounted on chromed wheels that reveal beefy disc brakes and calipers. the grand prix's wide track accentuates its overall shape, which really is impossible to fault. Its wide, sculptured hood flows down toward pontiac's trademark split grille, smooth fender flares bulge just the right amount, reflector optic headlamps form sharp clear eyes, and big muscular hips make it look ready to pounce. The mounting track of the driver's seat is wide, to allow more foot room in the back. (unfortunately, the passenger side has none of this.) the console is comfortable when nudged by the driver's right leg, and there are perfect padded armrests for driving with both elbows parked. The self-dimming rearview mirror, standard on gtp, is nice. Over-the-shoulder visibility is restricted, however. there's less head room in the back seat than in front, but it feels like more because rear-seat passengers' heads ride aft of the headliner. Two cupholders are contained in a wide shared armrest, which folds down and steals the space for a third passenger, while allowing limited access to the trunk. There's a pocket on the back of the front seats, but no storage in the rear doors, which have a reflector but no light to warn traffic of an open door at night. (the front doors have lights). As for the orange-red instrument lighting, opinions have long been strongly subjective. There's even a combination compass/outside air temperature display on the optional electrochromic mirror. the information center indicated a 22. 4-mpg average after an 820-mile trip; one that included quite a few floorboard shots just to feel that supercharger rush. That's good mileage for 240 horsepower, and one virtue of supercharging. The bad news is that 92-octane fuel is required. driving impressionthis car has muscle. Its whiz is restrained, its boost linear. The engine and transmission don't lunge, they surge. The transmission, in performance mode, downshifts under acceleration remarkably smoothly, although it probably should have been programmed to downshift earlier when accelerating hard at lower rpm. Except it's the front wheels laying down the black strips. powerful engines and front-wheel drive mean torque steer. Most front-wheel-drive cars will abruptly yank on the steering wheel when the throttle is floored, and then it's over; but the gtp's supercharger puts out smooth, linear torque, holding its impressive 280 foot-pounds over a flat curve from about 2500 rpm to nearly 5000. The gtp employs variable-effort electromagnetic power steering, which, frankly, we didn't feel. This is good, because it means the tuning is spot-on. Steering at speed is tight. handling is responsive with quick, solid turn-in. The chassis, thanks to the wide track and rigid body construction, is wonderfully flat and steady when pushed through smooth curves. The p225/60r16 goodyear eagle tires squeal under aggressive cornering, but the gtp handles rapid changes of direction with confident, road-hugging equanimity. the suspension dampens quick little chatter-inducing bumps well, although it clearly announces its softness when the twisties get uneven. Sometimes it feels as if the suspension wants to keep on working, after the bumps are crossed. But overall, the grand prix is well sprung. the grand prix's strong brakes are one of its best features, with a very solid pedal feel. The brakes inspire confidence when slowing dramatically from high speeds, and the abs is noisy but dead true under panic stops from 65 mph. summarypontiac has taken a lot of unfair raps for limited engineering refinement. But the grand prix doesn't pretend to be a bmw. The gtp, especially, is a very good effort: fast but not too fast, sporty but not too sporty, with excellent handling within limits, and great brakes. Despite some body gimmicks it's wonderfully sculpted and sleek, yet roomy inside. model lineupse sedan $20,965; gt sedan $23,085; gt coupe $22,935; gtp coupe $25,625; gtp sedan $25,805. assembled inkansas city, kansas. options as testedleather seating surfaces 520), power glass sunroof 795). model testedgtp sedan 25,805). Cruise Control✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Leather Seats
Omaha, NEOmaha, NE at autoshopper.com