1996 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1 from North America

Summary:

Very costly car

Faults:

Intake gasket at 96,000 battery at 98,000 alternator at 98,000 fuel filter or fuel pump, not sure yet car is spitting and stuttering, water pump at 97,000 one thing after the other goes wrong with this car.

The interior is in excellent condition.

General Comments:

The car is fast, I can pull out in front of anyone and jump on it and the car goes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st July, 2002

1996 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1 EFI from North America

Summary:

Still my favorite car I've ever owned (I've had 7), fast, sleek, solid, and quiet

Faults:

Wiper washer fluid hose comes loose all of the time and I can't seem to clamp it so that it stays, it flops around when this happens.

All four disc rotors and calipers replaced at about 50,000 miles, $1200 and that was a good price.

Struts replaced at 60,000 miles, along with new tires and shocks, $2,000

Both mufflers rusted through at about 70,000 miles, $300

Alternator went at about 80,000, $300

Power antenna went at about 85,000, I replaced this myself for $120

Heater knob broke at 87,000 miles and was impossible to find replacement part for less than $20.

Fuel pump failed at 90,000 miles, $500

Bad alignment caused me to replace the rear tires again at 92,000, $300.

General Comments:

I do love to drive this car despite how expensive it has been. If you dislike the tin can feel of most import cars, you will love the smooth acceleration and the solid feel. For a car that accelerates this nicely it still rides very smooth with the right tires on it.

It doesn't corner the best, but you can catch them in the straightaway!

One big problem is the factory moon-roof lowers the ceiling an inch or two and the power drive seat raises it, so I bump my head when I try to sit straight up - if you are 6'0" tall keep that in mind!

The leather seats seem like a dealer option, they feel cheap and the seams are all fuzzy and worn.

This is the quietest engine you will ever drive, most people ask if me if it still running while we are sitting at a stop light!

This car still looks GREAT despite being 7 years old, the body styling is as close to timeless as any car made in the 90's comes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th July, 2002

1996 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

Sweet

Faults:

My clock and radio lights are going out.

General Comments:

This has to be my favorite car of all time, it's a sweet ride it has a lot of get up and go. Can anyone tell me what the ASC is for on the sun roof. email me back at WildGoose33@AOL.com.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th May, 2002

15th Apr 2004, 12:41

All I want to know is were the vin number is on the body (not the dash) under the floor board for inspection.

1st Nov 2005, 18:11

I had a V10 Engine Put In My Grand Prix and its really fast.

1996 Pontiac Grand Prix Special Edition 3.1 SFI from North America

Summary:

A sweet ride for the money

Faults:

Had to replace the brakes, water pump, power steering pump, front and rear struts, and a AC hose.

General Comments:

Great gas mileage for a 6 cylinder.

Very comfortable car in the front and the back.

Power is OK for this type of motor.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th October, 2001

1996 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1 SEFI Code M from North America

Summary:

As good an investment as an automobile can be

Faults:

The spring on the gas filler door broke at 80,000 miles.

The strut cartridges needed to be replaced before the car hit 100,000 miles.

The coolant sensor shorted out at 70,000 miles.

I've experienced a few minor computer problems in addition to the above.

General Comments:

The car rides very nicely for an American fleet car.

The vehicle exhibits horrible brake fade after being driven for more than 20 minutes.

The bucket seats are comfortable, yet they seem to be deteriorating rapidly.

The original paint job seems very durable and high quality.

The car accelerates nicely on a linear curve.

The car has been maintained according to manufacturer specs, however it needs to be warmed up before driven in the winter or it lacks power.

The fuel injectors rattle on cold starts, this problem is specific to the model.

The car handled/accelerated (160 horsepower) aptly when it was new, but newer cars leave it longing for power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th October, 2001

1996 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.4 L supercharged from North America

Summary:

Like it better than my Diablo

Faults:

Super charger hesitates when cold.

The police officers see me and automatically turn on their lights.

In the rain it handles really well, the wipers are set up weird. Also in the rain it spins the tires too easily.

It's not very fun racing a Mustang or Camaro cause I always win.

General Comments:

If you are looking for a fast, comfortable car this is it. I have money and I chose this after numerous test drives. I still have a Diablo and normally would rather drive the GTP, unless it's in the shop.

If you don't have a lot of extra money, don't buy this car.

Get ready to pay some hefty tickets.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 2001

5th Jul 2001, 08:35

1996 Pontiac Grand Prix's did not have a supercharger. We all wish they did but the only supercharged Grand Prix's are the next generation 1997 to present with a supercharged 3.8 Liter, not 3.4 Liter.

24th Aug 2001, 17:03

That last comment is wrong. The 96 and even the 95 models have a supercharger. They are great cars.

Two main problems are the starter motor which is too small for the engine, and the brakes on all GM W cars are not that great. Don't get me wrong though, I'd certainly recommend one.

1996 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.4 DOHC from North America

Summary:

High performance chick magnet

Faults:

Transmission blew.

A/C hoses blew.

Brakes went.

General Comments:

The fastest car I've been in so far.

Even though it broke a lot, its been covered under warranty and I love it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd March, 2001