The passenger side has none of this. The steering wheel seems skinny for a performance car, while the gear selector is shaped like a big leather pear. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended. Sometimes it feels as if the suspension wants to keep on working, after the bumps are crossed. Handling is responsive with quick, solid turn-in. The latest Grand Am, new as a 1999 model in early 1998, and 2000's all-new Bonneville both owe much of their style to the Grand Prix.
And with real-world gas mileage around 16mpg in town and well over 25 mpg on the open road, it'll keep moving for a while. 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. 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 five-spoke wheels with broad holes that reveal beefy disc brakes and calipers. The cabin is very friendly for long drives. With the closing of the Oshawa plant that produces the car in 2008, the Grand Prix will likely end production, and for 2009 it may be replaced by the Zeta-based G8. Powerful engines and front-wheel drive mean torque steer.
The curvaceous styling is the same on both except for the rear doors and rear side panels. It's difficult, as they share the same wheelbase, length, and roofline. Negatives include a faulty window regulator, frequent squeaks and rattles, cheap plastic parts, the tendency for interior door panels to fall off, and problems with the electrics and transmission. To mark the occasion, Pontiac is offering 2,000 replicas of the pace car with silver paint, checkered flag and Daytona 500 graphics on the rear flanks, a rear spoiler and hood air intakes. Remedy The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Manufacturer Info Sources: 1-800-762-2737 -.
Handling is the number one compliment, as it is both sporty, sure-footed, and feels like a smaller car. We were aware of how tightly the car steered at speed, not how much more effort the steering wheel required. Three different V6 engines are available, along with two automatic transmissions. Grand Prix is unique in this class for being available as both a two-door coupe and foor-door sedan. Interior The Grand Prix is shorter than the Bonneville in both wheelbase and length, yet still plenty roomy. It has been massaged for 2000, resulting in more power and better fuel economy.
The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold. Headroom is plentiful for all seats, and there is adequate leg space in back even when the front seats are as far back as they go. They have their own identities, thank you. The recall began on February 19, 2016. The optional perforated leather upholstery is comfortable even in hot weather, and a heater in the driver's seat takes care of cold. The B-pillar is more forward in the sedan to make room for two shorter doors on each side compared to the coupe's one. It also corners and stops very well, and will transport four people in comfort.
Under the hood will be a 240-horsepower supercharged V-6 engine. But nothing does as much as the low, sleek coupe-like roofline; remember how, just a couple of years ago, four doors meant a squared roofline? All come with a 4-speed automatic transmission. It's comfortable and roomy enough for family duty, and is one of the most entertaining choices in the midsized sedan category. It's a driver's car, with a good environment for passengers as well. The self-dimming rearview mirror, part of the option package, is nice.
An information center offers useful data and some gimmicky stuff. Drivers like the interior space and all the optional touches, like the heads-up display and heated seats, and overall they think the Grand Prix packs in a lot of power and luxury at a much cheaper price and insurance costs than comparable cars. A sportier suspension tuning is also included. The four-wheel independent suspension uses MacPherson struts and anti-roll bars 30 mm front, 18 mm rear ; the suspension tuning allows a significant amount of jounce at the corners, which you feel in your shoulders. Despite the engine's healthy torque output, torque steer is not a major problem. But be careful; when passing quickly with a stretched-out swerve on a two-lane, for example, almost all of your steering is done under the influence of supercharged torque steer.
The front bucket seats are comfortable and supportive. Four- wheel antilock brakes ensure quick, repeatable stops. Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle. The deep trunk holds 16 cubic feet of cargo. The rear seat has plenty of room for two people, and will hold a third when necessary. Two basic models are offered. The first 1997 Grand Prix was built on August 12, 1996.
Fresh-air lovers will appreciate the big sunroof and rear windows that open all the way. Other changes include a slightly restyled front end and a now standard anti-theft system. 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. That engine has a number of improvements for the 2000 model year, with an extra 15 horsepower now 175 and 10 lb-ft of torque to 195. Both cars have low, wide ovoid headlamps flanking medium-sized Pontiac nostrils located above the main bumper and large wraparound taillights. The power- assisted steering is weighted just right.
Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. In normal operation, where the extra power is not required, the supercharger is disengaged and the fuel injection is calibrated accordingly. Put the pedal to the metal, and the blower kicks in, extra fuel is added, and off you go -- quickly. To mark the occasion, Pontiac is offering 2,000 replicas of the pace car with silver paint, checkered flag and Daytona 500 graphics on the rear flanks, a rear spoiler and hood air intakes. Driving Impressions This car has muscle. Unfortunately, it lacks a compass. The engine has 303 bhp and 323 ft·lbf of Torque.