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2000 Pontiac Grand Prix Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
2000 Pontiac Grand Prix Review
A more powerful base engine, revised wheels and nose styling, and a limited-edition Daytona 500 pace car replica package head the changes for Pontiac's 2000 midsize line.
Grand Prix offers a base SE sedan, sportier GT coupe and sedan, and high-performance GTP coupe and sedan. All have V6 engines: the SE a 175-horspower 3.1 liter, GTs a 200-hp 3.8, GTPs a 240-hp supercharged 3.8. Automatic transmission, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and traction control are standard. Rear child-seat anchors and an anti-theft system that disables the starter unless the proper key is used are newly standard for 2000. GM's OnStar assistance system is optional.
Only 2000 pace car packages are planned, all for silver GTP coupes. Included are unique wheels, functional hood vents, decklid spoiler, bright exhaust tips, and Daytona decals. Inside are distinctive trim plates, contrasting-color upholstery, and embroidered Daytona emblems. Grand Prix shares its platform and some running gear with the Buick Century and Regal, Oldsmobile Intrigue, and Chevrolet Impala, but only Pontiac offers a coupe body style.
Competition
Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both come in coupe and sedan form, offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced.
Recommended models include the smooth Buick Century, the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, the sporty Nissan Maxima, surprising Olds Intrigue, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles.
If you are looking for something a touch bigger without spending a whole lot more we suggest the Budget Buy Chevy Impala. It's the largest car in this class, has a powerful V6, and doesn't cost any more than the others.
News
Grand Prix is Pontiac's second most popular line after the Grand Am--and is somewhat more popular lately. Though sales were basically flat in the first four months of 2000, Grand Prix scored a 20.5-percent year-to-year increase in calendar '99, pretty impressive considering today's ultra-competitive market.
Industry spies say Grand Prix will be redesigned for 2003, moving to a new "mid-luxury" General Motors platform now in development. The '03 is said to be slightly wider outside and roomier inside than the current W-body car, but the same should also hold for the '03 Chevy Impala and Olds Intrigue to be built on the same foundation.
2000 Pontiac Grand Prix Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Fuel economy (supercharged engine)
Steering/handling Rear-seat entry/exit (2-door)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

GT cpe SE sdn GTP sdn Class Average
6 4 7 4.7

Adequate with the 3.1 V6, strong with the 3.8, and muscular with the supercharged engine.
Fuel Economy

GT cpe SE sdn GTP sdn Class Average
5 6 5 5.4

Our test 3.8-liter SE averaged 22.7 mpg, including 15 mpg in urban commuting. A test GTP managed 18 mpg overall on required premium fuel.
Ride Quality

GT cpe SE sdn GTP sdn Class Average
6 6 5 5

The firm SE and GT suspensions deliver a stable, comfortable ride. The tauter GTP has more tire thump and harshness.
Steering/Handling/Braking

GT cpe SE sdn GTP sdn Class Average
6 5 7 5

Capable, with firm, direct steering. The GTP has the sharpest control and responses.
Quietness

GT cpe SE sdn GTP sdn Class Average
6 6 5 5

Wind and engine noise are low, but tire thrum can intrude.
Controls

GT cpe SE sdn GTP sdn Class Average
5 5 5 6

Handy and clear, but uplevel stereos have small, poorly arranged buttons. Optional EyeCue head-up display is useful to some testers, annoying to others.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

GT cpe SE sdn GTP sdn Class Average
6 6 6 5.2

Ample head and leg room and comfortable seats.
Room/Comfort (rear)

GT cpe SE sdn GTP sdn Class Average
3 4 4 4.1

Two adults have generous room, and three fit in a pinch, but the rear seat is low to the floor and provides little support.
Cargo Room

GT cpe SE sdn GTP sdn Class Average
5 5 5 4.5

The trunk opening is narrow and liftover is high, but the wide cargo bay has a long, flat floor.
Value within Class

GT cpe SE sdn GTP sdn Class Average
6 6 6 5.3

Grand Prix is a capable, sporty midsize that challenges the class leaders in overall value. Like the related Intrigue, it earns our Recommended nod, with the Pontiac feeling more the brash American to Oldsmobile's import-flavored approach.
Total Score

GT cpe SE sdn GTP sdn Class Average
54 53 55 50.2
Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
38
Average Score
50
High Score
65
2000 Pontiac Grand Prix Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/05/2000
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
SE 4-door sedan $19,985 $18,286 $600
GT 2-door coupe $21,665 $19,823 $600
GT 4-door sedan $21,815 $19,961 $600
GTP 2-door coupe $24,460 $22,381 $600
GTP 4-door sedan $24,610 $22,518 $600
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SE
Powertrain
3.1-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, enhanced traction control.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, dual front airbags, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth front bucket seats, front console, cupholders, AM/FM/cassette, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, tachometer, visor mirrors, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, 205/70R15 tires, wheel covers.
GT adds to SE:
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Variable-assist power steering, cruise control, remote decklid release.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, 225/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.
GTP adds to GT:
Powertrain
3.8-liter supercharged V6 engine, full-function traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate control, 6-way power driver seat, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player w/equalizer, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, rear seat trunk pass-through, overhead console, trip computer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Option Group 1SB
GTP sedan
$555
$494
GTP coupe
$525
$467
Head-up instrument display, 4-power driver seat lumbar support, illuminated visor mirrors, front-door courtesy lamps, rear reading lights (sedan), assist grip, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Option Group 1SC
GTP sedan
$1,650
$1,469
GTP coupe
$1,620
$1,442
Group 1SB plus leather upholstery, heated driver seat, power sunroof.
Option Group 1SD
GT sedan
$2,860
$2,545
GT coupe
$2,830
$2,519
Group 1SC plus leather upholstery, heated driver seat, 4-way power lumbar support, Head-up instrument display, power sunroof.
Daytona 500 Pace Car Replica Pkg.
GTP coupe
$2,345
$
Special seats, dashboard and console trim plates, hood heat-vents, special rear spoiler, roof fences, bright exhaust tips, bodyside decals, unique polished alloy wheels.
Gold Pkg.
GT, GTP
$595
$530
Gold striping and badges, gold-tinted wheels. Requires option group.
Security Pkg.
SE
$210
$187
Remote keyless entry, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System
GT, GTP, SE
$695
$
Includes Global Positioning System, roadside assistance, emergency services. Requires annual service charge. Price may vary.
6-way power driver seat
GT
$270
$240
Driver seat 4-way power lumbar support
GT, GTP
$100
$89
GT requires option group. Includes heat when ordered w/leather upholstery.
Leather upholstery
GT, GTP
$475
$423
Requires option group.
AM/FM/CD player
SE, GT
$140
$125
SE requires option group.
AM/FM/CD player w/graphic equalizer
GT
$165
$147
Requires option group.
Bose AM/FM/cassette
GT
$435
$387
GTP
$270
$240
GT requires option group.
Bose AM/FM/CD player
GT
$535
$476
GTP
$370
$330
GT requires option pkg.
Power sunroof
GT, GTP
$570
$507
Requires option group. Deletes overhead console.
EyeCue head-up display
GT
$275
$245
Requires Group 1SC.
Cargo net
SE
$30
$27
Rear seat trunk pass-through
SE
$50
$45
Remote trunk release
SE
$60
$53
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Front license plate depression cover
SE
$10
$9
Engine block heater
GT, GTP, SE
$20
$18
Painted alloy wheels
SE
$295
$263
Requires option group.
5-spoke high-polished alloy wheels
GT, GTP
$325
$289
Requires option group.
2000 Pontiac Grand Prix Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Pontiac Grand Prix 2-door coupe Pontiac Grand Prix 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 110.5 110.5
Overall Length, in. 196.5 196.5
Overall Width, in. 72.7 72.7
Overall Height, in. 54.7 54.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 3396 3414
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 16.0 16.0
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 17.0 17.0
Seating Capacity 5 6
Front Head Room, in. 38.3 38.3
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.4 42.4
Rear Head Room, in. 36.5 36.7
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.1 35.8
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V6 ohv V6 Supercharged ohv V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.1 /191 3.8 /231 3.8 /231
Horsepower @ rpm. 175 @ 5200 200 @ 5200 240 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 195 @ 4000 225 @ 4000 280 @ 3200
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
4-speed automatic 20/29 19/30 18/28
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Pontiac Grand Prix 2-door coupe Pontiac Grand Prix 4-door sedan
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive
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