- sedan 121,184
- Bryan, TX
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- autoshopper.com
- sedan 121,184 red automatic
2001 pontiac grand prix review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. A styling and performance statement. introductionpontiac's grand prix doesn't lack for wild styling. But it also promises 'driving excitement,' which includes a thoroughly modern platform with 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. Yet its price is impressively low when compared against imported sports sedans. major changes for 2001 include a redesigned front-end appearance for the se model, and the availability of onstar in-car gps communications and security system for gt and gtp versions. Also new is the 'widetrack smart package' for the se sedan, which bundles a number of features into one package including a rear spoiler, special aluminum wheels, unique seat fabrics, and other interior convenience items. Three different v6 engines are available, along with two automatic transmissions. se comes standard with the trusty 3. 1-liter v6 with an aluminum cylinder head. It's good for 175 horsepower and 195 foot-pounds of torque. gt models are equipped with an iron-head 3. 8-liter that produces 200 horsepower and 225 foot-pounds of torque. 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. Other eye-catching elements include the twin-post aerodynamic sideview mirrors, the oval-shaped 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 of 61. 7 inches is the platform for the overall shape, which is impossible to fault. Its sculptured wide 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. Lumbar support and heat were part of the electrically operated driver's seat, whose track is wide to allow more foot room in the back. (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, part of the option package, is nice. Over-the-shoulder visibility is restricted, however. there's less head room in the back seat than front, but it feels like more because a passenger's head is aft of the headliner. Two cupholders are contained in a wide shared armrest, which folds down and steals the third seat in the rear, 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). The steering wheel seems skinny for a performance car, while the gear selector is shaped like a big leather pear; a new steering wheel with redesigned wheel-mounted controls debuts for 2001. As for the orange-red instrument lighting, opinions have long been strongly subjective. A combination compass/outside air temperature display on the optional electrochromic mirror is new for 2001 (a feature that was previously unavailable). The information center indicated a 22. 4-mpg average after 820 miles 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 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 torque-steer abruptly with a 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 — unlike an earlier gm attempt with the oldsmobile aurora. We were aware of how tightly the car steered at speed, not how much more effort the steering wheel required. the grand prix's strong brakes are one of its best features, with a very solid pedal feel. The brakes can be used confidently when slowing dramatically from high speeds, and the abs is noisy but dead true under panic stops from 65 mph. handling is responsive with quick, solid turn-in. The chassis, thanks to the wide track and rigid body construction using transverse beams, is wonderfully flat and steady when pushed through the 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 gobbles 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 car is well suspended. summarypontiac has taken a lot of unfair raps for limited refinement regarding its engineering. But this car doesn't pretend to be a bmw. The gtp is a very good effort: fast but not too fast, sporty but not too sporty, excellent handling within limits, great brakes. Despite some body gimmicks it's wonderfully sculpted and sleek yet it's roomy inside. model lineupse sedan $20,360; gt sedan $22,015; gt coupe $21,865; gtp coupe $25,355; gtp sedan $25,535. assembled inkansas city, kansas. options as testedoption group gtp 1140) includes leather seating surfaces, power glass sunroof. model testedgtp sedan 25,535). Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Leather Seats✔ Aluminum Wheels
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