1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT Coupe 3.8L Series II from North America

Summary:

Great value, great power, great car...I'm a Pontiac Driver for life now!!!

Faults:

The only things that have been replaced on this car are the alternator and the battery. The alternator and battery were replaced at 85,000 miles, which is typical for a GM alternator, so it was not a surprise. I replaced the battery at the same time since that is the most logical thing to do after alternator problems.

General Comments:

This car is fantastic! I had a 97 Jeep Wrangler previously that I used for daily driving, off roading, and hauling. I really cannot compare the two because obviously the comfort level between them is like night and day. I love the Grand Prix GT Coupe. It's got plenty of room and comfort. I have every single electronic option excluding a sunroof and the Heads Up Display speedometer and information center. This car has all the bells and whistles and has held up tremendously. The car cranks out approximately 240-260 HP with the modifications I've done to it including a Cold Air Induction, Cone filter, and Stage 1 performance kit. It was money well spent. I can outrun most stock Grand Prix GTP's on the road, and it's a great feeling. The car handles beautifully with lowering springs, upgraded struts, and tower brace bars on the front and rear strut towers. I've added 17 inch wheels and tires from the previous factory 16 inch wheels and tires, and it really grips like a race car. Wet traction is fantastic, and comfort on relatively long trips is bearable, but not the best. It's very comfortable for local driving though... like a Cadillac!

The only complaint I have about the styling is that it's a little difficult to see out of the rear window when backing up due to the height and placement of the rear deck.

The praise that I can give this car above anything else is that every single piece of digital/electronic equipment on the car (i.e. power windows, power seat, digital temperature controls, steering wheel radio controls, and factory CD player) still work like new and have given me absolutely no problems. I have a great extended warranty from Accel Warranty company, and they cover everything from top to bottom, including electronics, so there's no worry even if it does decide to die on me suddenly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th November, 2002

1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.8L Supercharged from North America

Summary:

This car is high performance with some quality questions!

Faults:

The heater blower motor chirped like a cricket for a while then started shrieking. Replacement cost at an auto parts store (if they have one) is about $90. I tried a little three in one oil on the end of the blower cage shaft, and so far so good.

To pass my first Pennsylvania inspection the car needed tie rod ends. This was surprising since it was a Texas car, with mostly highway miles. That was not cheap.

I smell oil burning after the engine heats up. I removed the nice plastic heat shield and discovered what looks like a valve cover leak. Hopefully that is all it is.

The Heads Up Display (HUD) fades in and out. Sometimes it is completely gone other times it it is very intense. Once in a while it sort of pulses.

I have not seen my last two problems in any other reviews on this site or others.

General Comments:

Overall the car is a lot of fun to drive and handles well.

The seats could be more comfortable with better lumbar support.

I have never owned a car with this many bells and whistles. Hopefully they do not translate into a lot of costly repairs.

If anyone has comments on my last two problems, I would love to hear them. My email is hobbes1962@yahoo.com.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 20th October, 2002

7th Nov 2002, 10:17

The Grand Prix's are great cars. I have a 98 GT Coupe with just under 90,000 miles on it, and the only thing I've had to have replaced is the alternator and the battery. Other than the regular repairs and upkeep such as new tires, alignments, oil changes, etc... this car has been fantastic. Still has as much power as it did when it was new. If you're worried about repairs costing you in the long run, it's good to get an aftermarket extended warranty on your car. I've gotten one from a company called Accel Warranty, and it cost me about $1400 to cover the car bumper to bumper up to around 125,000 miles. They even cover things that dealers won't cover like power windows, power seats, factory radios and speakers, and other great wear and tear items that makes this warranty very well worth the price I've paid for it. I've never had to pay for a repair once, and will never have to as long as I own the car, or until it dies, but hopefully it will last until 150,000 miles, that's usually the average for a Pontiac.

When it does die, I will be returning to buy the brand new Grand Prix, you just can't lose with this car.

Dave.