1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8 V6 from North America
Summary:
Not the most reliable--A brake eater!!
Faults:
Car seems to eat brakes. I have had the pads replaced at 12,500 - 27,000 -41,000-52,000 you get the picture. Most of my driving is on the highway so there isn't much braking.
Both headlight lenses and 1 turn signal lens have fallen off. I was told that this is due to a poor adhesive sealant prior to the 2000 models. None were covered by warranty! Also, no recall even though the dealer says it is VERY common.
Belt tensioner pulley (flimsy plastic) broke causing the serpentine belt to come off (while on the highway I might add) at 50,000.
Water pump went at 55,000.
ABS and Trac light are now on for some unknown reason. Believe it may be a speed sensor on the fritz.
Blower motor was replaced at 45,000 and needs it again at 88,000 (chirping at low fan speed).
General Comments:
Overall a decent car with good acceleration and handling. Comfortable with average wind noise for a car in this price range.
Even though the 1998 is far superior in "bells and whistles" for reliability I would take my old 1989 Grand Prix (if you could get a new one) over the 1998.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th August, 2003
13th Apr 2009, 16:02
Blower motors’ going bad is a common fault with Pontiacs. I bought a new 2000GP/GT and had four blower motors replaced BEFORE it had 50,000 miles. GM paid for the first failure but refused to cover the next three. They flat out denied my claim of faulty parts. Transmission problems at 38,000 miles. And a new steering rack at 40,000 miles. Are you kidding me? Customer loyalty? This is the first and last Pontiac I'll buy.
25th Mar 2004, 07:12
I have a 2000 Grand Prix and I had the same problems with my blower motor... it made a chirping sound between speeds 1 and 3. the dealership couldn't find a problem with it until it just quit working one morning. My motor was replaced around 50,000 miles... so you're not alone!