Used 2004 Pontiac Grand Am
Buying Guide for the Pontiac Grand Am:
Pontiac’s best-selling lineup
of coupes and sedans don’t mind being called every name in
the book, as long as it’s not dull. These sporty models essentially
characterize the brand as the hip, carefree division within
the massive GM family.
SE models include the SE,
SE1 and SE2 sedan trims. The GT and GT1 coupe and sedan configurations
are covered separately—Pontiac offers such a variety of models
that it is difficult to handle them all at once.
The 2004 Pontiac Grand Am
reaffirms its billing as a driver’s car. While the engineering
remains the same, there are a few new items available that
also play a big role in the overall experience. New Grand
Ams now offer a CD/MP3 player with equalizer and Radio Data
System, a newly standard four-speaker sound system and new
color choices.
Under the Hood
Even within just half of the
2004 Grand Am lineup there are two engines offered. The first,
standard on SE and SE1 models, is a 2.2-liter Ecotec inline
4-cylinder model with 140 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque.
It can be mated to either 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed
automatic.
The second engine leading
the front-wheel drive Grand Am is a 3.4-liter V6 model with
170 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. It is standard on
SE2 models and optional on SE1 models, and comes with 4-speed
automatic transmission.
All 2004 Grand Ams ride on
a hydroformed chassis, have rack-and-pinion steering and performance
tuned suspensions. By mounting Grand Am's power rack-and-pinion
steering system directly to the hydroformed chassis cradle,
manufacturers have created a vehicle that gladly provides
precise on-center feel with excellent isolation of road disturbances.
Standard Features, Options
Packages and Style
The Grand Am’s design is instantly
recognizable. At the rear, the Grand Am's taillights and rear
cornering lamps are integrated into the bumper corners for
enhanced visibility.
Grand Ams are also nice appointed,
though the SE models don’t offer as much as the upper level
GT trims. Still, all models have air conditioning, cruise
control, power door locks, a rear defogger and an AM/FM/CD
player.
In terms of options, XM Satellite
Radio is one of the more attractive ones. It picks up 100
digital channels of music, news and talk. Other options include
a power sunroof and a useful engine block heater.
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