1998 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.8 from North America
Summary:
Good overall, do not get excited about all available options, get the 3.8 engine
Faults:
-Headlights moisture, replaced both shortly after purchase, 66K, by dealer goodwill, after warranty expired.
- Windshield washer reservoir leaking, replaced shortly after purchase, 66K, by dealer goodwill, after warranty expired
- Fan motor dying, working only on 4th and 5th speed, replaced 10K after purchase. Noisy anyway.
- Windows switch gone, replaced 15K after purchase.
- Brakes replacement (rotors and pads) every ~35K
- Back struts replaced at 135K.
- Alignment required ~40K, lots of potholes in Toronto.
- Air conditioner drain plugged, condensate filling passenger side.
- Seats can be more supportive for spirited driving. Cheap back seat, locking mechanism broken.
- Gas mileage not one of the car strength. Overall city consumption ~15l/100Km, highway “obeying” speed limit ~10.5 l/Km.
General Comments:
- Amazing style and personality. Too bad that GM’s product guru Bob Lutz decided to kill one of the best design in company’s lineup (maybe he should consider retiring).
- Great handling. With better tires (I switched to all season Goodyear Assurance Triple Tred) sensibly improvement.
- Good overall performance. Ample torque at low RPM. Put the pedal to the metal and it goes. Compete with higher priced Japanese or European cars.
- Consider the smooth and powerful 3.8 engine for the best performance.
- Decent headroom and legroom good for long trips (sitting 4).
- GM shall add outside air intake.
- Except minor annoyances, some squeaks and rattles, good value for the money.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 4th December, 2005
19th Nov 2006, 11:50
I purchased my 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix SE new in January of 1998 in Clearwater, Florida. This car has the 3.8 liter, 3800 Series II V6 engine. This car is equipped with power windows, power sun roof, power door locks, six way power drivers seat, AM/FM stereo with CD player four wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, cruise control, air conditioning, lockable back seat access to the trunk, auto trunk release, anti-theft system, anti-theft protection for the stereo system, and remote keyless entry.
The mileage on the car when purchased was approximately 65 miles. The current mileage on this car is approximately 103,000 miles. Everything about this car works just as it did when originally purchased with very little unexpected cost in repairs to me.
The car has never been crashed. The gold metal flake paint is still in very good condition and maintains a high sheen.
The wheels are cast aluminum and still maintain there brightness and shine.
The idler arm pulley was replaced in August of 2003, mileage was approximately 93,000 miles.
The headlight lenses are just now starting to show signs of age as they are beginning to develop a haze.
The ignition switch was replaced in February of 2006, mileage was approximately 100,000 miles.
This car averaged approximately 28 miles to the gallon on my relocation trip from Florida to Tennessee. Current mileage for this car is approximately 21 miles to the gallon for average driving and conditions. This car is used daily and is the primary vehicle.
This is the third Pontiac that I have owned. This car is the second consecutive Grand Prix that I have owned. The first Grand Prix that I owned was a 1988 which I traded when I purchased this 1998 model.
I am very pleased with this car. I am 6’ – 4” tall and I find that I am very comfortable in this car. The performance of this car is surprisingly quick and crisp and does not hesitate to giddy-up and go when directed to do so. This car rides smoothly and does not display any undo squeaks or rattles. With a good set of shoes this car handles turns and curves as well as my 1979 Pontiac Trans AM did. For a car that weighs some 4,500 pounds I am impressed with its handling and performance.
I will own another Pontiac Grand Prix except this time I will pull out all the stops for performance and handling. I have a 2007, 5.3 liter, 302 horse power, V8 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP in my crosshairs. I will keep my 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix SE as a second car.
24th Mar 2006, 02:49
Just so you know, he is in Canada where they use the metric system and not the American system of mesurments, so there he gets 10.1 kph which is less than mph... thought I would clarify, it comes out to about 25 mph. Thanks. Cheers.