1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8 Liter from North America

Summary:

The issues I've listed have kept this car from being all that it can be

Faults:

After having my car for a few months, I realized the passenger window leaked.

At approximately 41,000 miles the transmission needed to be rebuilt. Fortunately for me, I only had to pay about $300 because of it being so close to the warranty.

I have had at least four lights replaced. Inside the light, fog and condensation would build up on the lens. After the warranty expired, one lens fell completely off.

I've also noticed that when the blower is on, either for air conditioning or heat, it makes a "tweet, tweet" sound, almost like there's a bird in the dash.

At approximately 70,000 miles, I noticed a bubble in the paint near the gas tank. It was rusting from the inside out. This was covered by warranty.

The water pump went out at 80,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car has great acceleration and pick-up.

The car handles great.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th February, 2003

4th Apr 2003, 15:59

I have the same chirping noises coming from the dash. Did you end up having that fixed, if so please send me an email about what was wrong and how much it cost to fix it. this would be greatly appreciated. My email address is duckman3212@hotmail.com.

8th Apr 2005, 09:28

I had the same chirping in the dash when the fan/heat/ac was on... I believe the fan was replaced which stopped it.

11th Jul 2005, 14:40

I've had the same passenger window/dash/whatever leak in both my Grand Prix (1998 GTP and 1999 GT) don't know what causes it, but I end up with almost an inch of standing water on the floorboard of the front passenger side ONLY - on both cars! Anyone have a clue what's causing it?

Also am having problems with the blower in the 1999 GT. Not to mention many, many other issues that have since been repaired! Probably wouldn't buy another one, but they do look great and run well (when they are running properly).

1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT Sedan 3.8L from North America

Summary:

A fun sports car that does not sacrifice utility or comfort

Faults:

The air conditioning compressor seized at 28,000 miles and was replaced under warranty.

At 33,000 miles the headlights were filling from every rain so they were also replaced.

The battery has been replaced twice, which is almost normal considering our Miami summers.

The alternator went out at 55,000 miles, but was quick and easy to replace.

The Mass Airflow Sensor failed at 72,000 miles.

General Comments:

I was quite taken with the overall performance when new and that feeling has diminished only slightly now after nearly 80,000 miles.

The interior is quite comfortable and well laid out.

The suspension isn't very forgiving and seems to bottom out more than it should. Replacing the struts has helped only slightly.

I very much like the overall design: It looks sporty and drives well, but has 4 doors and can carry 5 people with ample trunk space.

The V-6 engine has gobs of low-end torque and offers great acceleration while still delivering 22-26 mpg overall economy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th November, 2002

1998 Pontiac Grand Prix Sport 6 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Pontiac Gran Prix is a comfortable piece of junk

Faults:

The heads up display was not calibrated with the speedometer thus two different speeds were displayed. The dealer shrugged this off for two years as unimportant.

The 1998 Gran Prix streams water in from the right front passenger side whenever it rains. The dealer was notified of this a year after purchase and ignored it like everything else. It floods every time it rains.

A low speed rear end hit ripped the drivers seat out of the floor. As usual, it took the dealership four or five tries and a year to put the seat back half correctly. It should not have ripped out in the first place with such a low speed impact.

I have used two sets of tires already and have them balanced and aligned frequently. Something is definitely wrong here.

The electronics viz. windows, seats etc are frequently in the shop for repair.

General Comments:

This is a comfortable car, but it is a piece of junk backed up by GM/Pontiac and dealership unscrupulous and disingenuous business practices.

The electronics problems, leaking and other technical problems are well known and documented by the manufacturer and Consumers Union. It is time for class action lawsuits.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th November, 2002