1997 - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Pre-Owned

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.