2004 Pontiac Grand Prix: Road Test
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2004 Pontiac Grand Prix ▼
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- MSRP: $22,415 -$26,435
- Invoice: $20,510 -$24,188
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Our road test for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix help you decide if a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GT2 | GTP w/Competition Group | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 5.2 |
Base V6 provides plenty of power for everyday use. Supercharged version is muscular: Pontiac claims 6.5 sec 0-60 mph. Smooth transmission downshifts quickly for passing. TAPshift--a first for GM--provides prompt upshifts and downshifts, affords more manual control than most such systems.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GT2 | GTP w/Competition Group | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5.3 |
Test GTP averaged 17.1 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. Expect about 2 mpg better in nonsupercharged versions. Pontiac recommends premium fuel for GTP models.
RIDE QUALITY
| GT2 | GTP w/Competition Group | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6.2 |
Comfortable on uneven pavement, but can be floaty at highway speeds. GTP with Comp G more stable, being firm but not harsh over bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GT2 | GTP w/Competition Group | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
All models composed, balanced. Steering is firm, responsive, but wide turning circle frustrates close-quarters maneuverability. Comp G package provides crisper turns, less body lean. Brakes on test cars felt numb, spongy, but stopped well.
QUIETNESS
| GT2 | GTP w/Competition Group | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5.8 |
Wind noise muted. Seventeen-inch tires slap on sharp pavement joints, but road rumble otherwise unobtrusive. V6 gruff in rapid acceleration.
CONTROLS
| GT2 | GTP w/Competition Group | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.4 |
Large gauges. Easy-to-use controls. Nice touches: Wipers get own stalk instead of sharing turn-signal lever, air conditioning operates in all vent modes, all door-panel power switches are lit. Interior pieced together from panels of various shapes and mix of soft-touch surfaces and budget-grade plastic.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GT2 | GTP w/Competition Group | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Ample leg room, but no excess of head room, particularly with sunroof. Good side-bolster support in turns. Some testers say long-trip comfort compromised by too-firm seatbacks. Thick windshield-pillar bases hamper outward vision.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GT2 | GTP w/Competition Group | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.5 |
Fair leg room but limited toe space. Seatback is uncomfortably hard, and low cushion provides very little thigh support. Rear doors open unusually wide, which eases entry/exit, but low coupe-style roofline means passengers must duck getting in or out.
CARGO ROOM
| GT2 | GTP w/Competition Group | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Trunk volume average for class. But available fold-flat front passenger seat coupled with standard 60/40 split folding rear seatback expands load volume and accommodates long objects up to 9.5 ft. Wide-opening rear doors allow loading bulky items.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GT2 | GTP w/Competition Group | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 |
It trails our top-rated Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in quality of interior materials, and rear-seat comfort is substandard. But Grand Prix delivers good performance, a comfortable ride, cargo versatility, and plenty of features.
Total Score
| GT2 | GTP w/Competition Group | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 57 | 54 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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