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Less is truly more when it comes to Pontiac's allnew
2004 Grand Prix. The exterior is completely
devoid of every piece of tackcd-on cladding, molding and superfluous body-colored trim that was indigenous to its predecessors. The result is lean, clean and inviting.
The new model harkens back to the first-generation sports-luxury Grand Prix that made its debut in 1962. Although based on the full-sized Bonneville coupe, the removal of much of its bright metal trim and the addition of a gutsier V8 engine and lowered suspension gave it a racier personality that found strong acceptance among predominantly younger buyers.
Pontiac, it seems, is hoping history will repeat itself with this ninth-generation car.
Despite the absence of clutter, the Grand Prix's evolutionary styling remains unmistakably similar to that of the '03 version. Key dimensions of the two, including length, width and height, are within an inch or two, and the curb weights are also similar. Visually, the beltline seems higher, the rooflinc lower and rear window more swept back, leaving the impression that the designers were trying hard to make the four-door Grand Prix look like a coupe.
The only unfortunate stylistic remnant from the past is a set of headlight-sized fog lamps pressed into the front fascia. However, the rest of the car is so crisp and clean that Pontiac can be forgiven for this minor frontal distraction.
The Grand Prix's reshaped interior includes a trio of large, easy-to-read gauges and clearly marked controls that allow the driver to focus on the job at hand. Access to the passenger compartment is through one of four large doors that open to a near 90-degree angle from the body. Anyone who has tried to fit bulky objects (no. not your Uncle Stanley) into the rear seat of a conventional sedan will appreciate this extra slice of convenience.
However, the handiest inside feature is the 60/40 split-folding* rear seat that, when combined with the optional flip-forward front passenger seat back, can accommodate extra-long items such as bicycles (no kidding), ladders, carpets, building materials, etc, The rear dccklid is also wider and drops lower to the ground for easier loading.
More of what Grand Prix drivers also appreciate comes in the form of two available engine choices. The starting-point GT1 and GT2-designated models come with a 3.8-liter OHV V6 that delivers 200 horsepower and 230 lb.-ft. of torque (five more lb.-ft.
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