2005 Grand Prix Sedan-(Plus I sat in the Solstice, Torrent and G6 Coupe)

[IAMCANADIAN]

Interestingly enough I was invited by my pontiac dealer to a private sale for previous buyers from their dealership. They had some 05 Grand Prix's on sale and I thought I'd try it out, as they're my favourite car, even though I have driven GP's many times before, plus they were showing off the new Torrent, Solstice and G6 Coupe. So I'm going to start off with the solstice, wow, if you thought this car was good looking in pictures, wait until you see it in person. The styling is just elegant and a real eye turner. Step into the drivers seat and there's plenty of room, quite a lot more than the 2005 Mazda MX-5 I sat in at the autoshow. The interior quality is very nice, the materials feel good and you feel nicely wrapped inside. Overall it's a sweet ass roadster. The Torrent is basically the equinox, the interior is a lot nicer and feels more upscale and the exterior is more attractive, but I don't really see it as a performance SUV, not unless it was lowered, given the 3500 or 3900 V6 etc. The G6 coupe, at least from the driver's point of view is a typical G6, it doesn't feel at all different, I didn't sit in the back seat, but it seems roomy enough, but looks a bit cramped compared to my alero. The exterior styling is quite attractive, the rear is a bit odd at some angles but it generally looks quite nice. Well now it's time to talk about the Grand Prix:

Exterior:
My silver tester is just the base model so it doesn't have all the beefed up this or that. The styling itself is quite attractive and very coupe-like.

Interior:
The Grand Prix's interior is very nice looking, there's no sea of gray or dullness here, it's very performance/driver oriented. Something Pontiac is good at is seats, the front buckets are very comfortable and seem to wrap around you, I didn't sit in the backseat but it seemed adequate enough. If you want nice seats, look at a pontiac, the G6 even has some nice seats as well. The DIC is a great feature and i found it simpler than the Malibu/G6 setup. The 5 button DIC gives you a lot more stuff, but I think most will be happy with the 3 button setup, it itself has a lot of features too. The Stereo system is very good, very clear and comes with RDS, RAP, Equalizer and something I like about GM's is the tune knob, it's much easier than the stupid button that's in most cars. Headroom is quite good, the cabin, even with the coupe-like styling and black interior is quite airy. I like the big gauges, plus the calibration rotation at startup, the corvette and G6 do this as well, it's a bit gimmicky, but it's fun, the DIC also does a WIDETRACK GP Message at startup as well. I like the ignition on the dash instead of on the column, it's out of the way and not difficult to reach like a column one can be at times. I also like how the tilt steering works, similar to what my alero does, just flick the knob and it moves up and down, none of this stupid unlock, move, then lock again crap, it's just simple and easy. The parking brake pedal is a good place, it's out of the way from the center console. Now this really puzzled me, I've heard bad things about the interior materials on the Grand Prix, but frankly, they are quite good. They don't feel rough and cheap, most materials feel soft and durable and of good quality, they fit the price quite well. Overall the interior is quite roomy and comfortable and with the big trunk, fold down rear seats and avaliable front passenger seat plus the near 90 degree rear opening doors, the car is quite versatile for the occasional ski or camping trip.

Performance:
I saved the best for last. The 3800 V6 is GM's oldest V6, but GM should keep it, either give it VVT and/or 3-valves per cylinder just to modernize it because this has to be one of the smoothest V6's I've ever driven. Oddly enough Consumer Guide said the Grand Prix's V6 was "V6 gruff in full-throttle acceleration". Did they drive the same car? The V6 was extremely quiet and refined at lower RPM and still quite refined at full throttle. I've driven cars with the 3500 and it's pretty smooth but nothing compared to the 3800. Acceleration wise, it's got more than enough power and I noticed you really don't need to rev it a lot, even at low RPM's it flys up to 40 MPH without a problem. Ride quality is a strong point on this car, it's not too firm and it's not too soft, in fact it's just right. Handling is a major strong point, I've driven a 1989 Grand Prix SE and a 2001 Grand Prix GTP and the 2005 Base outhandles both easily, you can't even compare this to a previous W-Body, it's easily at the top of its class for handling and frankly so it should. The GP, perhaps because of the widetrack i don't know feels more rigid and composed than my alero, my alero has a stiff structure and has no rattles or squeaks and drives quite well but the Grand Prix is a step up, it just feels secure and confident and very agile. It really didn't feel like I was driving a 198 inch car, which by today's standards is entering large car territory but it really felt like I was driving a smaller car which frankly is a good thing. The steering felt nice and firm and brake pedal feel was good. The throttle pedal is the typical pontiac firmness, I happen to like that a lot, i find it easier to modulate than other ETC's like in the other GM's i've driven. Fuel Economy is also rated quite well, 24/40 MPIG according to Energuide and 20/30 MPG according to EPA, which is impressive especially for this size of engine.

Overall: Being a Pontiac fan, you're not going to hear too much bashing coming out of my mouth, but I was very impressed with the Grand Prix, it's been awhile since i've driven one and I forgot how great these vehicles really are. If you're looking for a midsize car, you gotta check this out or even the G6 before you make your final decision. From what I've seen the 2006 is even better and the base sedan offers more available options compared to the 2005 model. The Grand Prix has a good reputation, is made at the best plant in north/south america and along with the other W-Body mates topped the premium midsize segment out beating the import and domestic competition. I've driven the G6 as well and if the Grand Prix is a little big for you, then try the G6, it has a lot of the things the Grand Prix has and offers a few more extra goodies as well.

[wpbharry]

I had an '05 base GP rental (that GM paid for) last April. So, naturally I compared it to the Maxx.

Dash construction reminded me of my '96 Monte Carlo. Looks like a jigsaw puzzle, and on mine, things didn't even line up properly. Junky. Glove box is a joke. I DID appreciate the extra legroom; something that Pontiac knows how to do and apparently, Chevy doesn't.

The rear accomodations are skimpy and totally unacceptable. The roofline cut makes it very hard to even enter, and once there, the first thing you notice are the tacked-on cupholders sitting on the driveline hump. Very cheap.

The 3800 is a dog compared to the 3500. And much rougher. I was shocked at the difference.

No thanks.

[WannabeRich]

Originally Posted by wpbharry

I had an '05 base GP rental (that GM paid for) last April. So, naturally I compared it to the Maxx.

Dash construction reminded me of my '96 Monte Carlo. Looks like a jigsaw puzzle, and on mine, things didn't even line up properly. Junky. Glove box is a joke. I DID appreciate the extra legroom; something that Pontiac knows how to do and apparently, Chevy doesn't.

The rear accomodations are skimpy and totally unacceptable. The roofline cut makes it very hard to even enter, and once there, the first thing you notice are the tacked-on cupholders sitting on the driveline hump. Very cheap.

The 3800 is a dog compared to the 3500. And much rougher. I was shocked at the difference.

No thanks.

Is there anything you do like? About anything? Ever?

[wpbharry]

Originally Posted by WannabeRich

Is there anything you do like? About anything? Ever?

A ton of things. The Maxx, HHR, Solstice, Aura....

I don't like GM wasting a gazillion $ on the new full-size trucks, only to put off badly needed redesigns of ancient W and G-body cars, which, given the current (and projected future) state of affairs, are FAR more important than the beasts. So, take away the W and G-bodies and the ridiculous new SUVs (pickups OK), and I'll turn positive. Ain't gonna happen to either GM or me. So, you're stuck with my negativity until I trade in the Maxx for something Japanese next time around, as the way things sit at this point.

GM is making awful decisions lately, and the bottom line shows it.

[IAMCANADIAN]

Originally Posted by wpbharry

A ton of things. The Maxx, HHR, Solstice, Aura....

I don't like GM wasting a gazillion $ on the new full-size trucks, only to put off badly needed redesigns of ancient W and G-body cars, which, given the current (and projected future) state of affairs, are FAR more important than the beasts. So, take away the W and G-bodies and the ridiculous new SUVs (pickups OK), and I'll turn positive. Ain't gonna happen to either GM or me. So, you're stuck with my negativity until I trade in the Maxx for something Japanese next time around, as the way things sit at this point.

GM is making awful decisions lately, and the bottom line shows it.

the Maxx and HHR interiors are ten times worse than the GP's, they're a sea of cheap gray plastic. The GP i drove had great assembly quality and the 3800 was a lot quieter than the 3400 and 3500 V6's.

[Buick61]

??? IAMCANADIAN, you know I have some differences with you sometimes. And this is one of those times. I've experienced the '05 Grand Prix interior. The only nice thing about it was the leather and the HUD. Everything else felt extremely low rent. Who cares how good the assembly quality and build tolerences are when the materials are so very sub par. Legos fit together well, and they're nicely made, but they're still hard cheap-o plastic.

[wpbharry]

Originally Posted by Buick61

??? IAMCANADIAN, you know I have some differences with you sometimes. And this is one of those times. I've experienced the '05 Grand Prix interior. The only nice thing about it was the leather and the HUD. Everything else felt extremely low rent. Who cares how good the assembly quality and build tolerences are when the materials are so very sub par. Legos fit together well, and they're nicely made, but they're still hard cheap-o plastic.

61, when did you get the G6? I'm so used to seeing the 300 in your sig. I thought something else had been on order (not a G6). I just recommended the G6 to someone over the Impala SS....Good choice (see, I CAN be positive).

If anyone thinks the ancient 3800 is smoother than the 3500, you seriously have something wrong. GP dash assembly is bordering on awful. Only the last-Gen Impala was worse among the '05s. But, then, when you're comparing to an Alero.....

Edit: I see the thread about the new G6, 61. Replied in there.

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by wpbharry

61, when did you get the G6? I'm so used to seeing the 300 in your sig. I thought something else had been on order (not a G6). I just recommended the G6 to someone over the Impala SS....Good choice (see, I CAN be positive).

I got it about five hours ago.

The 300C will be greatly missed, until of course, the monthly payment is due.

[IAMCANADIAN]

Originally Posted by Buick61

??? IAMCANADIAN, you know I have some differences with you sometimes. And this is one of those times. I've experienced the '05 Grand Prix interior. The only nice thing about it was the leather and the HUD. Everything else felt extremely low rent. Who cares how good the assembly quality and build tolerences are when the materials are so very sub par. Legos fit together well, and they're nicely made, but they're still hard cheap-o plastic.

what else is new. Trust me, I'm very picky about interior materials, that's the first thing I check out once I enter a car and while obviously the Grand Prix's materials aren't as good as say a toyota's,they are far from cheap-o plastic, I'd say most of the pieces are of good quality and there are some yes that are cheap cheap cheap but I believe for 2006, they fixed that, at least according to GM Media but I'd have to see for myself.

[IAMCANADIAN]

Originally Posted by Buick61

I got it about five hours ago.

The 300C will be greatly missed, until of course, the monthly payment is due.

you got the G6 eh, that's one sweet car, I haven't driven the GTP, but if the base V6 is quite good, then the GTP must be even better. Of couse it ain't no HEMI lol, but I'm sure with the 6-speed you'll have a blast driving down the street lol, anyway, enjoy your new car.

[IAMCANADIAN]

Originally Posted by wpbharry

If anyone thinks the ancient 3800 is smoother than the 3500, you seriously have something wrong. GP dash assembly is bordering on awful. Only the last-Gen Impala was worse among the '05s. But, then, when you're comparing to an Alero.....

I not comparing the materials to the alero, in fact I'm very picky about materials, like in our Saab 9-3 we had, I was amazed that such an expensive car could have materials you'd find in a Hyundai Accent, they were just horrid. The 3500 is a smooth engine, but I seriously never had a noise issue with the 3800. I'm surprised though how you could find it so noisy and I found it quiet and I'm usually picky on those things, maybe mine had better sound deadening materials , that just puzzles me as I hate noisy cars, that's why I don't drive 4-cylinders.

[WannabeRich]

Originally Posted by wpbharry

61, when did you get the G6? I'm so used to seeing the 300 in your sig. I thought something else had been on order (not a G6). I just recommended the G6 to someone over the Impala SS....Good choice (see, I CAN be positive).

[wpbharry]

Originally Posted by IAMCANADIAN

I not comparing the materials to the alero, in fact I'm very picky about materials, like in our Saab 9-3 we had, I was amazed that such an expensive car could have materials you'd find in a Hyundai Accent, they were just horrid. The 3500 is a smooth engine, but I seriously never had a noise issue with the 3800. I'm surprised though how you could find it so noisy and I found it quiet and I'm usually picky on those things, maybe mine had better sound deadening materials , that just puzzles me as I hate noisy cars, that's why I don't drive 4-cylinders.

Remember, mine was an Enterprise rental. I think the difference is in the noise insulation, most likely, not so much the engine itself. The GP has the Series III, after all.

I also don't care for the rear styling on the GP (at least it has some!, unlike the Imp), but that's totally subjective and I didn't think it worth mentioning before.

[IAMCANADIAN]

Originally Posted by wpbharry

Remember, mine was an Enterprise rental. I think the difference is in the noise insulation, most likely, not so much the engine itself. The GP has the Series III, after all.

I also don't care for the rear styling on the GP (at least it has some!, unlike the Imp), but that's totally subjective and I didn't think it worth mentioning before.

Yah because I was seriously like so surprised on how quiet it was, until you got up to almost 5000 RPM, you really didn't hear the engine. I like the rear of the Grand Prix, it's got some attitude, compared to the impala which is as exciting as sliced bread, at least the last gen actually looked hot with the round taillamps.

[IAMCANADIAN]

After driving one, I want one real bad, even though i've only had my car for 2 months. My mom wants to get rid of the sebring convertible we received and because it's an 04, it's been impossible with the employee discount, now that it's over we'll see what happens, but we were thinking of trading it for the GP and selling my alero. If it doesn't sell soon, that might be the case, regardless I'm buying one as my next car and after driving the Base and GTP many times, it's a great vehicle.