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2003 Buyer's Guide: Pontiac
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| New car changes for 2003 |
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| Updated |
Mar 17, 2005 19:41:50 |
| Rating |
 16 ( -2 -12.5% ) | | Author | Tara Baukus Mello |
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Description:
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This is the beginning of a new era for Pontiac---at least it will be if product development chief Bob Lutz has anything to say about it. While the 2003 model year is a little too soon to see any dramatic changes, its clear with this year's new Vibe, redesigned Sunfire and new packages on other models, that General Motors is aiming for Pontiac to be the youthful, performance-oriented brand in the GM family. Here's a look at what to expect for 2003, and check out our "What's Next for Pontiac" for a sneak peek at what's on the horizon.
  Pontiac Aztek
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MSRP Range: $20,295 - $23,295
No significant changes are planned for 2003.
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  Pontiac Bonneville
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MSRP Range: $25,865 - $33,285
No significant changes are planned for 2003.
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  Pontiac Firebird
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MSRP Range: $20,050 - $32,095
Pontiac has stopped production of the Firebird.
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  Pontiac Grand Am
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MSRP Range: $17,030 - $22,325
For 2003, the Grand Am SE loses a bit of its heft with the removal of its lower body cladding and smoothed front fascias. Body-colored side molding has been added, giving it a more contemporary look. SE models now have even more features with the new SE2 package. The SE2 comes with a 170 horsepower, 3.4-liter V-6 engine with a four-speed automatic transmission and 15-inch twin five-spoke aluminum wheels shod with touring tires. Standard features in the well-equipped Grand Am SE2 include air conditioning, cruise control, power door locks and remote keyless entry, while options include leather interior, power sunroof, Monsoon sound system and XM Satellite Radio.
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  Pontiac Grand Prix
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MSRP Range: $21,230 - $26,070
No significant changes are planned for 2003.
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  Pontiac Montana
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MSRP Range: $24,164 - $33,605
Recognizing that large families don't always have large budgets, Pontiac now offers its Special Value model in an extended wheelbase version. Seating seven, the Montana has a new 60/40 split-folding second row bench seat with an integrated child seat as well as a split bench in the third row. The 121-inch wheelbase Special Value Montana also features air conditioning, power door locks and AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player as standard equipment. All options are now available as stand-alone additions, giving buyers the ability to add only the features that they need.
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  Pontiac Sunfire
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MSRP Range: $14,615 - $17,155
Sleek and almost sexy, designers have given the Sunfire a more aerodynamic look. The revised exterior includes the classic cat-eye headlamps and a dual-port grille as well as integrated turn signals and fog lamps. The rear has been streamlined and now features a spoiler for a more youthful look. To complement the new look, all Sunfire models are powered by the 140 horsepower 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed Getrag manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. New interior fabric with a bold graphic design is featured on all seating surfaces, including the new 60/40 split rear seat.
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  Pontiac Vibe
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MSRP Range: $16,340 - $19,540
Built on the same platform as the Toyota Matrix at the GM/Toyota-owned factory in Fremont, California, the 2003 Pontiac Vibe shares its underpinnings and the majority of its interior styling with its Japanese cousin. Where the two cousins differ is in their styling. The Vibe features a muscular design with sharp edges, while the front fascia is highlighted by a twin-port grille, cat-eye headlamps and recessed fog lamps.
Powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, the base model Vibe produces 130 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The GT version features a 1.8-liter, double overhead cam, all-aluminum four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 130 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, Pontiac reports that the Vibe GT achieves a 0-60 mph time in the low eight-second range.
Inside, the Vibe has several unique features, including a 115-volt power outlet with a wall-type plug in the center console as standard equipment. The front passenger seat folds flat, allowing storage for longer objects, while the back of the seat is sculptured plastic resin which, when folded flat, turns into a worktable for the driver when the Vibe is parked. Despite its compact size, rear seat passengers will find themselves with much better legroom than in most vehicles of this size and in this price range. Other features include power mirrors, adjustable roof rack, fog lamps, air conditioning with filtration and AM/FM stereo with CD.
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