1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GT Sedan review from North America
"I really like my car - Good to me so far"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
There have been many small problems with the car that are more of an annoyance than major defects - I have never been stranded on the road.
This is what was covered under warranty (should not have had so many things break on a new car - within first 36k miles) :
- Both traction control sensors and wheel hub assemblies replaced. Good thing it was covered, this is $$$.
- Window regulator replaced.
- Radio replaced.
- Heater fan replaced. Made sqealing sound and burned out.
- TCC solenoid in transmission replaced.
- EGR valve replaced.
These things happened outside the warranty, some are normal wear items which are expected:
- Had to have fuel rails (system flush) cleaned 2x. Car was missing. I have heard others with this issue - about $65-$75 per flush.
- All 4 brakes - new rotors and pads every 30k.
- Timing/serpentine belt at 55k.
- New plugs and wires at 69k.
- 2 new batteries.
- New tires at 42k.
- Oil changes regularly with Mobil 1.
- Trans fluid changes every 15k.
- Flush cooling system at 70k.
- Flush power steering system at 60k - much quieter steering now, no GM 'Morning Sickness'
- Flush/bleed brake system every 2-3 years.
- Replace all filters (air, fuel and PCV valve) once per year.
General comments?
I am a true believer in sticking to a regular maintenance schedule. If you take care of the car, it should last you a long time.
The transmission is a little 'clunky' at times. It is a weak point on this model and I think it gets lots of complaints. I just try not to drive it too hard and keep the fluid clean. Cars are too expensive, so I hope I can get 150k out of this one - at 86k now.
Though there have been some problems with the Grand Prix, I love the car. It handles well, gets good mileage and has plenty of power. It is also great on long drives. I would consider a slightly bigger Bonneville next time, if I knew it would be about the same from a reliability standpoint.
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| 1999 - Grand Prix GTP 3.8 Supercharged V6 Fun car to drive, not unreasonable to maintain |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 normally aspirated Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 10 miles |
| Most recent distance | 86000 miles |
| Previous car | Saturn SL |
| Date of Entry | 24th April, 2005 |