Simply Elegant, Like its Namesake

Remember the original 1962 Grand Prix? While a large V8 powered rear-wheel drive car in the grand American tradition, its

The pre-2004 Grand Prix was not only elegant, but it also looked athletic, hunkered down and ready to pounce. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

'Euro' look, almost devoid of chrome, set it apart from the current crop of over-styled American iron. It incorporated a sporty elegance, especially in 1963 through '64, that makes it very collectable today.

How some things change and others stay the same. The car that received its nameplate some 35 years later was nothing like the original, at least at first glance. It wasn't RWD, was hardly large in comparison and only came equipped with V6 power. But just the same, specific similarities were immediately obvious, including its distinct lack of chrome, a sporty demeanor and elegantly simple design. This was unlike the previous 1990 to '96 Grand Prix that incorporated overzealous aerodynamic body cladding, a go-fast styling trend not missed by design purists. While aerodynamic aids still

The 1997 to 2003 Grand Prix took to the corners in a respectable manner, paying homage to the European sport sedans that inspired its design. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

adorned the 1997 to 2003 top-line GTP, each was a subtle enhancement, tastefully applied, rather than the massive plastic appliqués pasted to the old car.

The updated version, pre-2004, was not only elegant, but it also looked athletic, hunkered down and ready to pounce. This is due mostly to its "wide track" chassis, improving more than just aesthetics. The new Pontiac took to the corners in a respectable manner, paying homage to the European sport sedans that inspired its design. This was due much to a stiffer body overall, rear coils instead of composite leaf springs and recalibrated rack-and-pinion steering.

Also, firmer brakes offered a more progressive feel and improved stopping power. The GT model, that bridged the gap between the

The 3.8-litre, or 3800 Series II V6 in GM speak, once rated among the world's 10 best engines according to Ward's Auto World. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

base SE and top-line GTP, included standard traction control. While helpful in slippery conditions when applying the throttle with tender care, the traction control systems improvement on grip was hardly noticeable under hard acceleration, even in the dry.

While the SE model, since discontinued, incorporated a 160-horsepower 3.1-litre V6 from 1997 through 1999 and a 175-horsepower mill from 2000 through 2003, the 195-horsepower 3.8-litre, which was updated to 200-horsepower in 2000, proved more popular. This is good, as it virtually mirrored the smaller engine in fuel economy, making the more powerful of the two the better choice in today's used car market. Incidentally, the 3.8-litre, or 3800

In GTP trim, the 3.8-litre engine produced a substantial 240-horsepower. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

Series II V6 in GM speak, once rated among the world's 10 best engines according to Ward's Auto World. Both engines are biased toward torque, with 185 to 195 lb-ft available in the 3.1-litre, depending on model year, and 220 to 225 in the 3.8-litre.

The same displacement in GTP trim, which was available throughout the car's 1997 through 2003 lifespan, pushed output up to a substantial 240-horsepower. What's more, torque mushroomed to a gut-wrenching 280 lb-ft! Much quicker, by the way, than any previous Grand Prix, big blocks included. If this model turns collectible, the GTP will be the one to have.

But the Grand Prix isn't all about speed and handling. After all, most interested buyers needed to consider a family.

Due to the wider track and longer wheelbase, the 1997 to 2003 Grand Prix was larger inside than the previous model. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

Therefore its biggest competition came from the Ford Taurus and Chrysler Intrepid, as well as other GM brands, including the 1997 Buick Regal and Century and the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue. Fortunately, the wide track that helped its handling joined a lengthened wheelbase to improve rear legroom. Actually, the entire car was larger inside than the previous model.

The expected luxury features were available, while the Grand Prix's gauge package emitted a red backlit glow at night. A fairly decent audio system sat next to simple but effective HVAC controls in the SE, and climate

The Grand Prix was also produced as a two-door coupe, from this model's inception in 1997 right through until 2002. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

control in the top models. GM's Driver Information Center kept track of critical info, which could also be projected onto the window, via the optional HUD (head up display).

One other thing, the Grand Prix was produced as a sedan, of course, but also as a two-door coupe, from this model's inception in 1997 right through until 2002, with the 2003 Grand Prix only featuring a four-door model. While the coupe made getting into and out of the rear seats less accommodating than the sedan, room in the back is close to its more conservative sibling. Other than a slightly more raked rear window, which reduces rear headroom a touch, the two cars are virtually the same.

While generally reliable, the Grand Prix wasn't without fault. Beware of fit and finish problems, especially inside the cabin.

While generally reliable, the Grand Prix wasn't without fault. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

Also, major recalls affected most model years. Initial 1997 cars were plagued with windshield wipers that could stop working, usually after operation under heavy load conditions such as accumulated snow or ice, due to separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly. The 3.1-litre engines of 1999 cars had engine control modules that were incorrectly manufactured. Model year 2000 cars had passenger side airbag modules that may have had an undersized inflator orifice. Similar problems affected 2001 models. Passenger airbag inflator

Whichever model, SE, GT or GTP, the 1997 to 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix is a decent and practical performer. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

modules were built without the correct amount of generant, which produces the gas that fills the airbag. Some had too little and others twice the dose, which could cause the module to explode. Most recalls should have been corrected.

Prices vary considerably within each model year, with top-line GTP models holding their market value strongest. Whichever model, SE, GT or GTP, the 1997 to 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix is a decent performer with four-door practicality - unless, of course, you opt for the coupe. As well, reliability is above average, making it a fairly good used car choice.

Specifications (Sedan):

• 1997 Lowest-Highest Price*: $3,900 - $13,000 (120,000 to 160,000 km**)
• 1998 Lowest-Highest Price*: $5,900 - $14,000 (90,000 to 140,000 km**)
• 1999 Lowest-Highest Price*: $6,900 - $14,500 (75,000 to 120,000 km**)
• 2000 Lowest-Highest Price*: $7,500 - $16,500 (60,000 to 100,000 km**)
• 2001 Lowest-Highest Price*: $8,000 - $19,000 (45,000 to 80,000 km**)
• 2002 Lowest-Highest Price*: $9,000 - $20,000 (30,000 to 60,000 km**)
• 2003 Lowest-Highest Price*: $10,000 - $30,000 (15,000 to 40,000 km**)
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: Front engine, FWD
• Base Engine (1997 - 1999): 160-hp, 185 lb-ft of torque, 3.1L 12-valve OHV V6
• Base Engine (2000 - 2003): 175-hp, 195 lb-ft of torque, 3.1L 12-valve OHV V6
• Optional Engine (1997 - 1999): 195-hp, 220 lb-ft of torque, 3.8L 12-valve OHV V6
• Optional Engine (2000 - 2003): 200-hp, 225 lb-ft of torque, 3.8L 12-valve OHV V6
• Optional Engine (1998 - 2003): 240-hp, 280 lb-ft of torque, 3.8L 12-valve OHV supercharged V6
• Transmission: 4-spd auto
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum (opt rear discs, ABS)
• Curb Weight (min - max): 1,534 - 1,614 (3,381 - 3,559 lbs)
• Acceleration (1997 - 1999 SE/GT/GTP 0 - 100 km/h): 8.9 / 8.3 / 6.8 seconds
• Acceleration (2000 - 2003 SE/GT/GTP 0 - 100 km/h): 8.3 / 8.0 / 6.8 seconds
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Volume (trunk): 453 L (16.0 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 10.0 / 6.8 L/100 km
• Direct Competitors: Buick Regal/Century, Chrysler Concorde/Intrepid, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 626, Mercury Sable, Nissan Altima, Oldsmobile Intrigue, Saturn L Series, Volkswagen Passat
• Website: www.gmcanada.com

* Prices show lowest and highest of classified ads in Auto123.com, AutoTrader.ca and CanadaTrader.com across Canada. Prices in specific provinces may vary. Also, these are asking prices so discounts may be available.

** Mileage averages based on approximately 15,000 to 20,000 km travel per year (calculated in 2004/2005 model year)

Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.