1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP review from North America

When I ordered this car from the factory in September of 1996, I thought that I was going to get the car of my dreams. After waiting for 5 1/2 months for the car to be built and shipped to my local dealership, it turned out to be a nightmare.

Let's see, where should I start?

Within a week of owning the car, I had to have the brake light sensor replaced, as my brake lights were not going on.

The inside trunk lip had to be repainted, as it already had surface rust on it from the factory.

I have had two water pumps replaced.

I have had an alternator replaced.

My head gaskets and rear main seal blew after only 30,000 miles. Thank God for extended warranties..

My passenger air bag had to be replaced due to faulty sensors.

My heater core has been replaced.

At one point (before they "diagnosed" my blown head gaskets..) my coolant had turned to mud (as oil/antifreeze must have been leaking in), only to have the dealership tell me that "that is normal". Two weeks later, after taking the car in again, they "found" the leaking head gaskets AND rear main seal.

The oil pan was leaking.

I have constant condensation in my headlight lenses. The dealership has told me that this ALSO is "normal".

I have had to replace my fog lights several times.

I just got charged almost $100 by the dealership to fix my anti-theft shock sensor (My car alarm would just go off randomly...) after it "somehow became loose under the dash".

My glove compartment light would not go out, even when it was closed. It still goes on over big bumps (but now at least goes out on its own.)

As was said in others' comments, I also feel that the dealership does not solve the problems. They look at me like I am crazy each time my car goes back in, but yet amazingly, each time something is wrong (see above list...)

For the 25,000 + that I spent for this car, I am thoroughly disappointed and can honestly say that I do not believe that I will buy another Pontiac/GM product in the future.

The design people did a great job on this car, I love the looks, but the mechanicals are enough for me to never buy one again.

In fact, when my 6 year warranty expires, this car will be up for adoption pretty quickly. I can only imagine what costs I will have AFTER my extended VIP (haha, yeah right.) warranty runs out~!