1998 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Looks good, but doesn't stand the test of time

Faults:

Oil is leaking into the coolant (but there's no coolant in the oil at this point) ---110,000 miles (maybe earlier).

My heat/defrost don't work continuously (105,000 miles).

My battery/alternator went out (while driving down the highway) @ 95,000 miles.

The car burns oil (since before I owned it).

New transmission added to car (before I purchased it).

Automatic starter died (est. 100,000 miles).

General Comments:

This car is aesthetically pleasing.

I enjoy the Cd player and steering wheel radio/volume controls.

Handles well in the rain and snow compared to a smaller vehicle, especially thanks to its wider track.

At the end of the day, I would not recommend this vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th November, 2005

1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.8 from North America

Summary:

A desirable image of the Pontiac GTO.

Faults:

I had to replace the switch in the driver's side window.

A new transmission was installed after 70,678 miles.

Water leaks into the headlights, causing moisture when the car is washed or when it rains.

The rear window brake lights have gone out.

The starter and several batteries have been replaced.

There is a shortage in the steering wheel control panel, when I attempt to turn up the radio with the volume control, it goes to mute.

The heater in the driver seat does not work.

General Comments:

I love the way the car handles.

The gas mileage is decent considering the car has a powerful supercharged engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th August, 2004

15th Dec 2004, 09:54

Wow, are we sharing the same car? I have the "same" problems, but now my supercharger is going.

In addition, the headlight covers fell off at 40,000 miles for no apparent reason.

The stereo has been replaced twice, possibly due to what you stated, "faulty wiring". you'd think the dealer would have known that! guess it's easier for them to pop in a new stereo; problems still exist.

Transmission, stereo, engine valves and window motor went after 45,000; in addition to paint bubbling.

Since, speakers have gone, the poor quality battery has been replaced 2x after leaking; caused some damage.

All in all a very discouraging purchase; my husband never lets me live it down. this is my second grand prix. first one, (1990 LE model) had 171,000 miles, looked beautiful and ran strong when I traded it in for the 1998 model. unfortunately, I'll never buy another grand prix.

1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8 from North America

Summary:

A very solid car

Faults:

I have only one major problem with this car. I was lucky it was still under warranty at 34000 miles. The seal between the engine and transmission blew.

The other problem I have had, is that both headlight covers fell off within 6 months of each other after my warranty. With a little persistence with my dealer, they only charged me for labor to put them on - 35 bucks a piece, not bad for a 100 dollar part.

General Comments:

With the problems I have had, I would consider buying another Pontiac. The dealer really came through when I needed them to, and that meant a lot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th September, 2001

1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP V6 from North America

Summary:

OK. Love the way it drives, not dependable through the years

Faults:

Window motors went out, radiator problems, keys wouldn't come out of ignition, bearing in super charger went out, leak in A/C, had SEVERAL alternators, problems with transmission shifting into over drive.

General Comments:

I absolutely love the way this car handles. I've driven many cars over the years and nothing seems to drive quite like the Grand Prix.

BUT, I have had CRAZY problems with this car. I was a college student when I bought it, now that I'm out, I have student loans and other bills and just cannot afford to buy something else. So, I'm stuck with the Possessed Demon as my mechanic calls it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th April, 2009

1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Fun to drive, very fast, very reliable, has always worked right

Faults:

The display on the radio has never worked, although the rest of the radio works fine.

The key has gotten stuck in the ignition and won't come out. This is the first time this has happened since we have owned this car.

General Comments:

Bought in April 2006. Mint condition at 102000 miles. Has always worked flawless.

Very fast, just always works well. No bad comments. Presently has 126000 miles on it and still works as well as when bought in 2006.

Just recently, Jan 5, 2009, the ignition key has become stuck in steering column. The rest of the vehicle still works excellent!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2009

28th Aug 2009, 09:02

I had the same problem with the key. It was a worn ignition part in the steering wheel the size of a car cigarette lighter. Item cost about $20.00. For the labor to do it total cost $100.