1996 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.1

Summary:

The best car I've ever owned! :-)

Faults:

Turn signals went out about 4 1/2 years ago.

4th and 5th gear went out in Dec. '09, but the car is still running. The RPMs go up to around 4000 when I'm driving about 60 miles per hour, but I still take the car on 4 hour road trips to visit family about once a month.

Mostly regular maintenance.

General Comments:

This car has been awesome. For the miles that I have put on this car, it has ran great!

I bought the car in 2005 and paid $3,000 for it. It has been worth every penny. It has been very reliable. I have put about 25,000 miles a year on this car and only had to paid for regular maintenance (brakes, tires, oil change, tune-up, etc.).

I am finally buying another car this year, but I am keeping my Grand Prix as a back-up. I believe that a generally a car is only as good as it has been treated. I would recommend this model of car to anyone, but always get your vehicle inspected by a mechanic before purchase.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2011

1996 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1L

Summary:

Reliable

Faults:

Needed a battery, Pretty much other than the usual oil changes. One tire was replaced.

General Comments:

The car get really great gas mileage for a V6. I average 23 in the city and over 30 on the highway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2009

1996 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 2dr 3.1

Summary:

I will own this forever

Faults:

Normal wear and tear over a lot of miles, like brakes, power steering reservoir.

General Comments:

I love this car and will own it for as long as I live. It's comfortable to drive, gets fairly good mpg, about 29 highway/22 city. Paint is still excellent, interior is good, although the lights in the steering wheel remotes have gone out. Will need new shocks and struts soon, but at 190,000 miles, that's to be expected.

I got in a front end wreck, t-boned a smaller car that pulled out in front of me, the airbags worked great. It was a massive and horrible wreck, but all I had to do to fix it was put on a new front end from a junk yard, and get the airbags re-done. (windshield too) The point I'm making is that this car is a tank; well built and safe. The engine didn't even get touched, and my passenger and I walked away from a wreck that sent 3 people in the other car to the hospital.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th July, 2009

1996 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1 V6

Summary:

Cashtrap

Faults:

The transmission had to be replaced around 20k miles, before the car was two years old, but that was a warranty repair.

The clearcoat peeled in numerous spots, resulting in body rusting before 25k.

Intake manifold gasket failure just past 36k, therefore out of warranty.

Original brakes lasted long, but after initial replacement, it required all new brake components every 8 to 12 months.

Front seat cushions deteriorated.

Alternator around 60k.

Upper interior door panels oxidized with that flaky brittle feel.

Before she made 75k, suspension at all four corners.

80k waterpump, A/C compressor and power steering rack.

At around 90k the replacement transmission started to become quirky, shortly thereafter I ended my seven year love affair with my GP.

General Comments:

Repairs were more costly and frequent than those of the '92 Cutlass SL 3.4 and Lumina z34 this car replaced for us.

When newer these are beautiful, but age quickly even if meticulously maintained. Overall body integrity was fair at best.

Interior materials were low grade and more akin to that of a base model sub-compact.

Fuel consumption was a huge plus.. amazing on the highway with four adults, luggage and A/C blasting at 75mph!

Once the initial intake manifold gasket headache is through, the 3100 is a wonderful performer.. economical, reliable and plenty of power.

Attractive design and well equipped with a reasonable price tag. Despite problems I did like the car, why else keep it seven years?

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

Review Date: 11th August, 2008