2001 Pontiac Grand Prix A styling and performance statement. By Sam Moses, New Car Test Drive .com

Pontiac's Grand Prix doesn't lack for wild styling. But it also promises "driving excitement," which includes a thoroughly modern platform with powerful engines, great brakes and excellent handling. The GTP version, in particular, puts enough horsepower through the front wheels to keep drivers interested and alert. Yet its price is impressively low when compared against imported sports sedans.

Major changes for 2001 include a redesigned front-end appearance for the SE model, and the availability of OnStar in-car GPS communications and security system for GT and GTP versions. Also new is the "WideTrack Smart Package" for the SE sedan, which bundles a number of features into one package including a rear spoiler, special aluminum wheels, unique seat fabrics, and other interior convenience items. Finally, the GT and GTP models are offered with a "Special Edition" package that comes with exterior add-ons + like a rear spoiler, hood bulges, and bright exhaust tips + as well as two-tone leather seats and the requisite emblems and badges that make you think that you're buying a future collector's item.

The Grand Prix line includes the SE Sedan, GT Sedan, GT Coupe, GTP Sedan and GTP Coupe. Three different V6 engines are available, along with two automatic transmissions.

SE comes standard with the trusty 3.1-liter V6 with an aluminum cylinder head. It's good for 175 horsepower and 195 foot-pounds of torque.

GT models are equipped with an iron-head 3.8-liter that produces 200 horsepower and 225 foot-pounds of torque. The GTP Performance Package takes the GT's 3800 V6, but adds a civilized supercharger that boosts horsepower to 240 and torque to 280.