2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8L

Summary:

The real definition of a lemon

Faults:

Power steering pump had to be replaced at 51000km.

Transmission had to be rebuilt at 71000km due to a seal leaking fluid resulting in burning out the clutch bands.

Brakes (pads and rotors) have been replaced 4 times in total.

Upper and lower intake gaskets replaced on engine at 91000km.

Ignition module replaced at 93000km.

Driver side power window switch replaced at 94000 km.

Fuel gage showing wrong info at 98000km, still broken.

Resistor in heater had to be replaced.

Radio works periodically.

General Comments:

This car is a very powerful and smooth riding machine when it works and is not in the service station. It is a very high maintenance car and parts are on the expensive side in comparison to its competitors.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th February, 2004

20th Feb 2004, 11:24

Your brake problem is probably the result of using cheap parts. GM has updated the design of its brake pads, and are no longer a problem. Sounds like whoever was doing the work was using non-OE parts. I've never seen a lower intake manifold gasket problem on a 3.8L engine - not in 10 years or so. You may want to question why it had to be replaced. This is not a common problem.

18th Nov 2004, 08:42

I disagree with your comment completely. How is this vehicle being driven? Grand Prix's have a very solid 3800 series engine. I have never had a problem. With the brakes & rotors, DEPENDING ON DRIVING CONDITIONS you will need to change the brake pads & rotors. If your vehicle was taken to a reputable dealership, I don't think you would have had any problems.

8th Jun 2005, 10:11

How could you say this car was a lemon. If things start happening due to normal wear and tear why is it a lemon? If you still have a car that has 98,000 miles on it you're doing good. I've had my Grand Prix GT 6 years and it is a great running car. It's all in how you drive it and take care of it.

2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8 V6

Summary:

Great car getting worse

Faults:

Well...

45,000 miles... heater fan/motor died.

New front brakes around 50,000 miles.

Fog lights have both burnt out twice in 28,000 miles.

Spoiler fading and was repainted by previous owner at 35,000 miles.

Rear windows scrapped strips of professionally installed window tint from windows due to going up and down. NOT TOO HAPPY ABOUT THIS!

Fuel injectors were cleaned due to transmission hesitation. Sometimes still occurs.

Both rear door panels became extremely lose after 50,000 miles. All PLASTIC screws were stripped and were replaced.

60,000 miles Check engine light came on. Dealer stated that a charcoal canister in the emissions lines corroded out. What in the world is a charcoal canister?...was covered under extended warranty. The only thing that was ever covered!

65,000 miles steering column is starting to rattle especially when making turn to right at 40+ mph. Have no clue what is wrong.

66,000 miles car will not let me out of park and will not let me get key out of ignition. Paid $400 for new gear shift assembly. Still not fixed! Dealer replaced brake sensors. Still not fixed!

Dealer now ordering new neutral safety switch. If this doesn't fix the problem I think I'm going to request my $400 back! I still think that it is the ignition switch causing the problem, but what do I know?...Has anyone else had this problem; I would appreciate the help!

General Comments:

An absolutely great car.

Now it is just starting to really nickel and dime me!

It only has 68,000 miles and I take extremely good care of the car. Polished every other week, Plus gas, regular oil changes, and no dogging the engine. Why are so many things going wrong that can't be fixed?

I love my car, I just wish that it would stop falling apart!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th February, 2004

20th Feb 2004, 11:19

Sounds like the previous owner is to blame with some of your problems. Obviously the rear spoiler wasn't painted correctly if it is fading at all. Brakes at 50k is normal, depending on driving habits. Window tint problem is not the car's fault; tint is a usually cheap, poor aftermarket add-on. Shifter assembly should've fixed the problem; its design has been updated by GM. This sounds like a dealership problem. The fan motor problem was probably a resistor problem; again, the resistor design has been updated. The rear door panel problem sounds like someone had them off at one point, and didn't reinstall correctly. (Window tint?) These panels simply don't just fall off by themselves, on any car.

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