2003 Pontiac Grand Am in Athens, AL - $7,450

Consistently ranked as one of the top 10 selling automobiles, Grand Am's combination of bold athletic design, spirited driving performance, confident stance, aero-sleek roof line and solid execution radiates well-built excitement to the American driving public.

As the most lethal version of the long-time favorite, the GT1 two-door coupe comes standard with a Ram Air version of the 3400 V-6 engine featuring cold air induction and a lower-restriction exhaust. A robust Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission communicates power to the pavement.

Built at General Motors in Lansing, Mich., the Grand Am GT1 coupe features unique front and rear exterior treatments. The GT1's interior provides a full array of instrumentation and bucket seats that provide strong lateral support during hard cornering maneuvers.

A Monsoon speaker system is standard, along with a sunroof and steering wheel mounted audio controls. Speed-rated P225/50R16 blackwall tires and aluminum wheels designed for maximum grip complete the equipment roster.

On the road, the Grand Am is nimble and responsive. The unitized body structure is designed to optimize chassis stiffness while minimizing weight, while the Grand Am's power rack-and-pinion steering system is mounted directly to the hydroformed chassis cradle to provide precise on-center feel and excellent isolation of road disturbances.

The four-wheel independent suspension is built on this rigid foundation which features front-type MacPherson struts with lower control arms, coil springs and a 24-mm hollow stabilizer bar in front and a tri-link suspension, coil springs, MacPherson struts and a 15.3-mm solid stabilizer bar in the rear.

Interior design is focused on the driver with features like large, circular instruments backlit with warm, red illumination. The instrument panel is a seamless design of low gloss and soft touch. Large, round knobs make the climate control system easy to use.

The center console accommodates large beverage cups -- up to three in the front and two in the rear -- while providing storage, a coin holder and armrest. Rear seat occupants are not neglected, with a comfortable environment for two adults. A split folding rear seat back is standard adding versatility to the cargo capacity of the trunk.



Quick vehicle stats

Wheelbase: 107.2; overall length: 186.3; width: 70.4; height: 55.1 -- measurements in inches

Engine: 3400 Ram Air Induction 3.4L V-6 -- 175 hp at 4,800 rpm and 205 lbs/ft of torque at 4,000 rpm

Transmission: Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed electronically controlled automatic

EPA fuel economy: 20 city/29 hwy., using regular unleaded gasoline.

Cargo volume: 14.6 cubic feet

Safety features

Daytime running lights with automatic light control, dual front airbags, automatic power door locks, fog lamps, battery rundown protection, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, enhanced traction control system, PASSLock II theft-deterrent system, remote keyless entry, tire inflation monitor and four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock



Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper

Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile

Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile, 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am GT1 coupe starts at $23,220, with destination charges adding $625.

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