2001 Pontiac Grand Prix Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Grand Prix offers a sedan in base SE trim and sedans and coupes in sportier GT form and in high-performance GTP versions. All have a V6 engine: the SE a 3.1 liter, GTs a 3.8, GTPs a supercharged 3.8. Automatic transmission, antilock 4-wheel discs, traction control, and tire inflation monitor are standard. General Motors' OnStar assistance system and head-up instrument display are standard on GTP, optional on GT. Grand Prix shares its platform with the Buick Century and Regal and the Oldsmobile Intrigue, 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 forms, offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced.

Recommended models include the smooth Chevrolet Impala, 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. We've also added the Ford Taurus and clone Mercury Sable to our Recommended list.

News

After notching a 20.5 percent sales increase in calendar 1999, Pontiac's number-two seller was essentially flat in 2000 at about 148,500. Grand Prix is on track for a 2003-model redesign, but may lose its coupe body style with the change. The foundation will be General Motors' new Mid-Lux platform that's also serving the next-generation Buick Century/Regal and Chevrolet's Impala sedan and Monte Carlo coupe. All are said to be slightly wider outside and roomier inside than the current W-body cars, but specifics aren't available. Keep checking back with us for more detailed information as it comes to light.

2001 Pontiac Grand Prix Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy (supercharged engine)

Steering/handling	Rear-seat entry/exit (2-dr)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

SE sdn	GT cpe	GTP sdn	Class Average
4	6	7	4.9

The base 3.1 V6 proves adequate, but performance is much more satisfying with the 3.8--about 8 sec 0-60-mph in our tests--and downright muscular with the supercharged version, at 6.9 sec. With all, the transmission is admirably smooth and downshifts quickly for passing.

Fuel Economy

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

Test models with the naturally aspirated 3.8 averaged 15-17 mpg in urban commuting, 22.7 mpg overall. Supercharged GTP requires premium fuel and averaged 18 mpg in our tests.

Ride Quality

SE sdn	GT cpe	GTP sdn	Class Average
6	6	5	5.3

Firm SE and GT suspensions deliver stable, comfortable ride. Tauter GTP has more tire thump and harshness.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SE sdn	GT cpe	GTP sdn	Class Average
5	6	7	5.1

Capable, with firm, direct steering. GTP has the sharpest control, responses. Braking strong, though modulation mediocre.

Quietness

SE sdn	GT cpe	GTP sdn	Class Average
6	6	5	5.2

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

Controls

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

Gauges and controls easy to see and reach, but overall look of dashboard is busy and cluttered. Optional EyeCue head-up display is useful to some testers, annoying to others. High parcel shelf limits vision astern for parking.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE sdn	GT cpe	GTP sdn	Class Average
6	6	6	5.5

Ample head and leg room, comfortable seats.

Room/Comfort (rear)

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

Two adults have generous room; three fit in a pinch. But seat is low to floor, provides little support. Doors open wide, but foot clearance through them is tight.

Cargo Room

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

Trunk is wide with long, flat floor. But opening is narrow, liftover high.

Value within Class

SE sdn	GT cpe	GTP sdn	Class Average
8	7	8	5.8

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

Total Score

SE sdn	GT cpe	GTP sdn	Class Average
55	55	57	51.8

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		39
Average Score		51
High Score		65

2001 Pontiac Grand Prix Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 07/18/2000

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

SE 4-door sedan	$20,455	$18,716	$610

GT 2-door coupe	$21,960	$20,093	$610

GT 4-door sedan	$22,110	$20,231	$610

GTP 2-door coupe	$25,450	$23,287	$610

GTP 4-door sedan	$25,630	$23,451	$610

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

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, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, tire inflation monitor, visor mirrors, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, map lights, remote decklid release, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, 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, rear seat trunk pass-through.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

225/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.

GTP adds to GT:

Powertrain

3.8-liter supercharged V6 240-horsepower engine, full-function traction control.

Comfort and Convenience Features

OnStar System w/one year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), dual-zone manual climate control, 6-way power driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment, remote keyless entry, head-up instrument display, AM/FM/CD player w/equalizer, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, overhead console, trip computer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Sport suspension.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Option Group 1SB
GTP	$1,840	$1,638
Leather upholstery, heated driver seat, power sunroof.

Option Group 1SC
GT sedan	$1,602	$1,426
GT coupe	$1,572	$1,399
Group 1SB plus OnStar System w/one year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, rear reading lights (sedan).

Option Group 1SD
GT sedan	$3,392	$3,019
GT coupe	$3,262	$2,992
Group 1SC plus leather upholstery, heated driver seat, 4-way power lumbar support, head-up instrument display, power sunroof.

Premium Lighting Pkg.
GT sedan	$637	$567
GT coupe	$607	$540
OnStar System w/one year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, rear reading lights (sedan).

GTX Ram Air Pkg.
GTP	$2,499	$1,999
Ram air induction system, functional hood scoops, K&N air filter, 250-horsepower engine, badging, gold plated key fobs.

Special Edition Pkg.
GT coupe, GTP coupe	$2,490	$2,217
Leather upholstery, two-tone seats, dashboard and console trim plates, hood heat-vents, roof fences, bright exhaust tips, chrome alloy wheels.

Security Pkg.
SE	$210	$187
Remote keyless entry, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.

Comfort and Convenience Features
6-way power driver seat
GT	$270	$240


Driver seat 4-way power lumbar support
GT	$130	$116
Requires option group. Includes heated driver seat when ordered w/leather upholstery.

Heated driver seat
GT, GTP	$100	$89
Requires leather upholstery.

Leather upholstery
GT, GTP	$520	$463
GT requires option group.

AM/FM/CD player
SE, GT	$110	$98
SE requires option group.

AM/FM/CD player w/graphic equalizer
GT	$150	$134
Requires option group.

Bose sound system
GT	$395	$352
GTP	$370	$329
GT requires option group, AM/FM/CD player.

Power sunroof
GT, GTP	$795	$708
GT requires option group. Deletes overhead console.

Head-up display
GT	$325	$289
Requires Group 1SC.

Cargo net
SE	$30	$27


Rear seat trunk pass-through
SE	$60	$53


Cruise control
SE	$235	$209


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine block heater
GT, GTP, SE	$35	$31


Polished alloy wheels
GT, GTP	$325	$289
GT requires option group.

2001 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	20/30	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

Collision	3	4

Collision (HLDI)	89	77

Front Impact, Driver	NA	4

Front Impact, Passenger	NA	4

Injury	5	4

Injury (HLDI)	65	71

Side Impact, Driver	NA	2

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	NA	3

Theft	3	3

Theft (HLDI)	99	65

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

< 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix Photos

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Pontiac Grand Prix Road Test

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Pontiac Grand Prix Specs & Safety

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