1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT Coupe 3.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

Good car that can take a beating

Faults:

The typical Grand Prix things have gone wrong.

The power windows went out right after the warranty was up. (Dealer wouldn't do anything.)

The headlight fogs up. (One was replaced due to accident.)

The display on the stereo broke.

The belt tensioner froze up.

I recently replaced the alternator, battery, and water pump.

General Comments:

This car is a very good size and sure can take a beating.

As a result it has had over six thousand dollars worth of body work and survived being hit by an idiot driving a semi running a red light, a drunk backing into it with a Buick Lesabre, and the latest, two stupid potheads backing into it with a Bronco.

This car is very affordable to maintain and still looks good aside from the normal dents and dings.

The car has very good performance and surprisingly enough it is pretty comfortable.

At just over $23,000, the Grand Prix was a little pricey, but then again what car isn't?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th February, 2003

1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.6 from North America

Summary:

Not worth the price

Faults:

The first thing I noticed about my car is that I have this chirping noise in the dash whenever the heat or a/c is on.

I had to replace tires and brakes after owning the car one year at 25,000 miles.

I had to replace the serpentine belt because it was wearing thin at this time also.

The driver's side headlight capsule fell off as I was going down the road. Luckily, it was still under warranty.

As I approached 35,000 miles, my alternator went out.

The battery was replaced shortly thereafter.

The passenger side corner light capsule fell off at 51,000 miles. I replaced it at cost from a body shop for $60.

Passenger side fog light went out and cost $15 to replace bulb.

Heater hose got a hole in it at 62,000 miles so I replaced all hoses for $360. This was not done right by the dealership and had to be redone 3 times.

Since this was not done right, my water pump went out. Made dealership pay for it.

Currently at 66,600 miles, I need new tires, the brakes make an awful noise, and the temp is running 210 while idling.

My oil filter gasket is leaking.

The dealership says the head gasket needs to be replaced.

Did I mention the condensation build up in the taillights and headlights?

General Comments:

The car has great get up and go and is very stylish: however, GM made it cheaply.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th February, 2003

19th Oct 2004, 07:13

My 1998 Grand Prix has 111,642 miles. I have replaced the belts, tires (2X), light bulbs, power window repair, heater/air conditioner fan, waterpump etc., and I am now scheduled for my 2nd brake replacement. I have maintained the car with tire rotations, oil changes, repair of malfunctioning parts, etc. The car sometimes hesitate when accelerating as if it is not getting gas. I will not purchase another because of replacement/repairs are expensive and the dealer cannot always diagnosis and repair the problem.

23rd Dec 2004, 20:52

I have a 1998 grand prix gt with 62,299 miles on it. I purchased this car brand new. I have taken care of it and still had problems. My air bag system light kept flashing and had to have it fixed. Luckily it was under warranty. The alternator went out at 35,000 miles. The headlight covers kept falling off. I also get condensation in the headlight covers. I have had to have the passenger door molding reattached numerous times. I have had the blower motor in the ac/heating replaced twice. I have had the power window motor replaced. The rear main seal was leaking. I had to get a new water pump at 45,000 miles. I just had to have the intake manifold gasket fixed for $800.00. I like the style of the car, but I will never purchase another GM vehicle again.