Used 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix Consumer Reviews
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Performance & Practicality
This car is serious your bang for your buck! I was either going to buy an iroc-z camaro or the grand prix gtp. I was so glad that I bought the grand prix. It is features everything that car buyers want. Pedal the metal acceleration, descent gas mileage, easy to maintain, fancy features such as leather heated seats, premium sound, supportive seats and interior, as well as good safety ratings. This car has everything. My car now has 133,000 miles on it and has never let me down. It fits five people easily and comfortably. Leg room should be no problem for anybody, nor head room. Overdrive works great on the highway with its AMAZING passing power. If you come across any grand prix, buy one!
old reliable
this was my first new car, sorta. it was a 2 year lease with 16,000 ish on it. my car now has over 148,000 on it and I have never had to do any repairs. Just oil, brakes, a few old coolant hoses, (after 11 years the rubber starts to crack and rot) and a new set of o2 sensors at 120,000. gets good mpg concerding its 3000 pound weight and its punchy 3800 II V6. Its so fun constantly blowing the doors off of other V6 cars (ford mustang, honda accord ect...) and i get about 19-23 mpg city depenging on if im driving in stop and go or not. I get between 27-32 on the highway, it depends on how fast you go, 70mph = 31-32, 90= 26-27. stock brakes rock!
- GT CoupeMSRP: $7,9951,757 mi away
best car ever
It's a great car, I love it.
excellent choice
150000 miles mostly higway no major malfunctions. only negative less than 30,000 miles window motor, window/door lock switches. 110,000 miles a.c. compressor. 149,800 transmission began to trigger service engine light. excellent car.
Stay Away!! from Pontiac.
I bought my 98 Grand Prix GT off my parents in 2004 for $8000 it only had 58,000 on in. Then I drove it cross country. It was ok untill every electric thing you can think of failed!! I haven't been able to see what time it is and the Heads up display "caught on FIRE" kind of.. there was smoke coming out of my dash! Then soon afterward I rolled down my driver side window and it didn't go up! I took it to the dealer and they rolled all 3 remaining windows and they WOULDN"T GO UP EITHER. So now I made the dealer fix the other 3 for FREE!!! Because I only came in there for the driver window. Now the MPH and Temp displays come on when they want to and flicker!
Be Careful At 100,000 Miles
I bought this car with about 90,000 miles on it expecting a few repairs. What I have replaced over the past year includes roughly $5,000 of parts and labor. Transmission, oil pan, 2 alternators, 2 batteries, power steering pump, alternator belt, and a number of other smaller things. The charging system seems to be faulty because I don't feel that it's very reliable. Pontiac needs to seriously consider increasing their factory warranty because their cars sure don't hold up after the three years are gone. I think the Grand Prix is a GREAT car but the one I bought was a lemon. Just to be forewarned though, you might want to buy the extended warranty.
White Lightening Review of GP GTP
I have put all 81000+ miles on my Grand Prix GTP, is has been the most fun in the world....next to sex.
Great fun car -little things at 6 years
I have loved owning and driving this car. Little things at 6 years like transmission sometimes stuck in Park (requiring an easy maneuver with a screwdriver, but still..), radio LCD's malfunctioning. But generally a very good, reliable vehicle, incredible sound system, very tight, responsive handling, low driving position, extremely "sticky" on the road. Some gaskets have needed work. I think the major Asian producers are indeed better for reliability, so it's time to switch, but I have really enjoyed this car. I know the GTP is noticeably peppier, but I have never felt short-changed for power in the GT.
Great Car to Drive...
Everything is perfect except the headlight cover... Great car and Fun to drive...
More reliable than mom's '00 Accord
Im the original owner and I now have 7 years and 95k on my GP. I disagree with others statements that this car has a poor build quality. My problems have been few and far between: all electronics are fully functional, havent had to replace window motors, no problems with AC, leather seats in great condition, transmission shifts seamlessly, no squeaks or squeals or other undesirable noises, no badges or moldings have ever fallen off, no engine troubles or bad oxygen sensors, sound system better than the premium system in my Dads Lexus.
just buy one
My car was given to me by my father, bought it off his friend for a hundred bucks. Guy who owned it before us drove it like a race car. got car at 150,000 miles. blew motor up at 200,000 miles, within those 50,000 miles, i had two window switches go out, a water pump, intake manifold, a tension pulley, and the tranny would just sometimes for some reason switch itself into neutral. and of course, the big bang at the end at exactly 199,987 miles, no kidding, loved the car while i had it, drove great, smashed all my friends little four bangers, and everytime it broke down it was always a block from home and i just coasted in the drive way, i just bought a gtp, everyone needs to own these cars
Ok outside, very, very bad inside.
Horrendous inside. Window regulators breaks every year! $500 to repair each. Interior side of the doors get loose. The quality of assembly and the material is very, very bad. Also, had to change air-condition once and starter twice.
Worth the money
I really enjoy my Grand Prix, but have to say that as I've neared 100,000 miles, it has more and more little things breaking down. Temp sensors, ABS sensors, an oil light sensor that won't shut off, LED windshield display fades in and out, shift knob broke off, mirror joystick slipped into the door jam, backing plates, and now some strange whirring noise that I can't figure out. Up until recently, this was my dream car. Now, it's simply a good used car with some issues. For power, comfort, style and extras, this car was a hit. Just wish it held together a bit better.
1998 4dr GTP
I bought my grand Prix almost three years ago and for the most part, have enjoyed it since then.. There have been some problems with the inside door panels coming loose, the heater went out, and the window operating unit has broken. I have put alot of money into this car in little misc. parts... It has nickle and dimed me death... I love this car, but probably will not ever buy one again..
Fun to drive!
My car has about 85,000 miles on it. The performance, comfort, and styling in general are great. However, even though I've taken excellent care of my car, I've had around 3,000 in general repairs over the past year. My headlight lenses went 1st - Apparently the glue used to hold them on the headlight assembly dry rots, and they can fall off. But, you can't buy just the lenses. The blower motor and resistor - for the interior vents needed replacement. Also, about a month ago, my brake calipers went bad in front. At present, it's in the shop getting it's transmission fixed, and the upgraded parts - which is by no means cheap. I don't want to scare anybody, the car's really been great.
A real shame
I love this car. And that's why it hurts so much. Drives great, comfortable, good power, decent mileage. Fun to drive. Would keep it if it didn't cost so much and so often to repair. Babied, always maintained and still have multiple repairs. Steering gear ($1k to replace) goes every 30k. Leaks oil, regardless of regular 3k oil changes. "Ghost" problems in the electronics that don't log into the computer and the dealer can't fix. Originally planned to keep it for many more years, but trading it in while it still is worth something. A gm guy to the core from the first car I ever owned, this car changed my mind. Love the car, but have to give it up. Will not buy a gm this time. A real shame.
Practical and Sporty
I purchased my Grand Prix two years ago, and my parents were so impressed with it that they bought one as well. As far as domestic cars go, it is a great buy.
Love my car, HATE the windows
I love my used car, it's fun to drive, and reliable. I'm never afraid to jump in and take a weekend road trip, but I do window repairs on it once every few months. It's expensive and unbelievably inconvenient. I've replaced the headlights, and I have replaced the water pump and the seal that drips antifreeze that likes to leak on these cars. The awesome huge trunk always has moisture in it and smells like a basement, and no one can figure out why. The engine and transmission still run tight and I do not regret buying this car. I'll be passing it on to my son when he gets his license.
98GP Still Going Strong
My Grand Prix came to me as a company car, but I feel in love with it and bought it when it reached 36,000 miles, the company limit. I have always felt like this car fit me like a glove, and its performance, while not a sports car, has always been more than adequate. Aside from some quirky electronic anomolies, it has been totally problem free. My best surprise is that I still get 28 mpg on a the highway at a steady 70 mph. I can't see buying a new car yet, since this baby still meets all my needs.
My favorite car to drive!
This is my most favorite car i have every driven or owned. When this one is old I will buy a new grand prix. Put goodyear aquatreds on this thing it cries out for them , the best tire made!
Grand Prix GTP Supercharged
I am the orginal owner of this car. This is a great car to drive and it looks great. Unfortunately the build quatity is poor. This car has been in the shop over 50 times for warranty work. I am very luckly that I purchased an extended warranty on this vehicle.
Love my Grand Prix
I love my GTP Grand Prix. The supercharged engine is great when having to pass. The exterior design is very sporty. Once this one dies I plan on buying another one but hopefully not for a long time.
1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
Great car to drive. Average in snow, good in rain. Have had some mech. problems after 60000 miles. Supercharger bearings need replacement;appox. $500 to do myself, close to $2000 for a shop to fix. Power window switch replaced;$80. Automatic dimming rearview mirror stopped working;haven't replaced. Comfortable for 4 adults. Decent gas mileage if not driving too hard.
Grand Prix GT Coupe
I purchased my Grand Prix GT Coupe a few months before I got my lisence. The first time I drove this car I knew I had to have it. Not only is it unbelieveably fun to drive, but extremely reliable. I am so happy that my parents chose Pontiac as my first car.
Well
A month after I bought the car, the both power windows went out. GM wants $315 per motor. You can find them online for $50 - $80. I bought a power motor online, and it wasn't an exact fit. Sent it back, and requested another one. Hopefully it will work. The car hesitates when pushing on the gas when it isn't warmed up. I'm sure guy I bought it from warmed it up before I came since it didn't do that when I test drove it. Long story short, I wished I hadn't bought it.
Too much maintenence
Bought the car with 62k miles, have only driven it for 20k and have spent close to $2,000 in repairs already. New wheel bearing, intake manifold, electronic repair to ignition because it wouldn't release the key out the the hole, fixed wipers twice! When the car is running, I like the smooth ride, decent power and the roomy comfortable interior. The sound system is good, but the interior is made up of cheap plastic parts, much like the rest of the car. I would like the car a lot more had it not broken down so much. I'll never buy a pontiac again.
98 GTP
Fun car to fix up for performance and handling or to leave stock.
My Pontiac Experience
This is the 3rd Pontiac I've owned. I had a 1974 Grand Am, a 1989 Grand Prix and the 1998 Grand Prix which I am currently driving. The only complaint I have about this car is with the headlight lens. So far I've replace one headlight and now the other lens cap has fallen off. As for the driving experience, the car has a lot great pickup and is nice to drive in either traffic or highway conditions.
Still great to drive!
I have owned this car for 6 years and a month. I has been much more reliable and gets about the same gas mileage that my slower and smaller Grand Am owned before. At 65000 miles it is still running great. I intend on keeping this car for a few more years based on its behavior (knock on wood), so far so good. Still get confused as a new rental car with my friends.I haven't noticed much improving on the '04 model to make me jump over to the dealership at this point.
pontiac is a good car
I have had abosolutly a wonderful time owning this car. I have driven it cross counrty and taken it back and forth to work everday. After 135 thousand miles on the car not one major problem. If there are any flaws its minor electrical problems
Just wish it was faster
I don't have a lot of complaints about the car. I got a really good deal on it, the car only had 50,000 miles on it when I bought it. For the most part it handles well for a front wheel drive. I really think it would have given out a lot more if they would have made the car a rear wheel drive. I also think the car lacks performance but a few adjustments can't fix. The car seems to be pretty reliable. So far all I've had to do is get a new battery but I'm pretty sure the old one had about ten years on it.
Love it
500 miles after buying it the belt broke. Didn't have any problems until the lights started going out ( ignition harness ) and most recently a thermostat which is minor. I think the washer fluid motor is shot now also but it is another nickel. I also have to recharge the A/C every year but at only 30 bucks or less its cheaper than fixing it. I have done all these fixes myself with the help from auto forums.
nice gtp
Bought this car new in feb of 98. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. It gets about 22 MPG. It corners well and has great acceleration. Also, there is plenty of low end torque with the push rod 3.8 fed by the blower.
Piece of junk
I'm not sure how Pontiac designs cars but they completely failed here. Even the repairs were not done very well by the dealerships (as evidenced by the repeated failure of the same part). I will never purchase another Pontiac and have moved to a more reliable car, a VW. Years 1-4 - three bad oxygen sensors - plastic molding on both doors fell off (replaced 6 times!!!) Year 5 - bad oxygen sensor - rusted through brake rotors ($500) - cracked power steering rack ($1200) - completely fogged headlights ($400)
Good-Bad and the Buggy
Okay car, HOWEVER, there's Too many window problems! Pontiac customer service problems. I recommend staying away from GM cars based on the window electric problems. ALL three automatic window motors-BROKE, fourth is going downhill! BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH GOING out and only 2 speeds left! Pontiac does not take responsibility for its defects. Don't drive long distances, seats are hard and it makes a sore butt. . L0L. . I will NEVER buy a Pontiac again. Shame on this company! I AM BUYING A HONDA!
Excellent Car
If you buy a SE model, make sure it comes with the 3.8 liter V-6 engine. The engine makes the car, it is a very smooth and fast machine. This car has lots of power and it is very comfortable with a great sound system.
Hard to Follow
American cars have come a long way. My Pontiac Grand Prix has been such a pleasant surprise! It's has such wonderful features, like the heads-up display, that would normally come in a much more expensive car. In the four and a half years that I've owned it, I have not had one thing go wrong. I just love it. Unfortunately, the new Nissan Altima I just purchased just doesn't measure up. It's a nice car, but I'm going through withdrawals from the Grand Prix. It's just a hard act to follow.
Great car
I really like this car very nice inside and out, very strong motor, it looks so agressive for being stock, im going to do a couple of mods to it and its going to look amazing, very well build car GREAT JOB PONTIAC
GTP Lover!
I have owned my GTP for a while now. It is bright red with every option except sunroof. I love it! I would definitaly recommend this car to anybody. I have never had ONE problem with it. The only thing I wanted to replace before it got worse was the tire rod which could happen on any car. The performance is outstanding! Passing power is effortless and cornering is amazing! This car could honestly beat anything out there except for an LT1 or LS1 Camaro or Trans AM. Watch out FORD MUSTANG GT! All in all, if you can find a grand prix gtp, you should HIGHLY CONSIDER buying one! A++++++ PONTIAC!
Great car
i have one of these cars and they are fun to drive. i would recommend them to anyone
Fun to drive!!!!
The Grand Prix GTP is a great all around vehicle it combines all the qualities of luxury,sports,family and flat out Muscle car's. The 3800 series 2 supercharged V6 is a proven performer with plenty of torque and horsepower all the way up to it's 6,000 rpm redline.
Awesome Car
I bought my Grand Prix in January of this year and i love it. The car has a lot of power and it handles really well. On the street, it is more than a match for other coupes in its class. The interior is comfortable and the controls are easy to use.
Great Car
Been a great car. Only had one malfunction and that was an alternator had to be replaced. Over all mechanics have been great.
Not to Bad
Head lamps stink, replaced both. Radio display goes in and out for about 3 years now. Drivers window froze, fixed myself. Heater fan has been rubbing and clicking for about 3 years but still works. Rear window leaks somewhere into back floorboards, Dealer can`t find it either. replaced frozen belt tentioner a couple months ago.
Good vehicle with minor repairs
Overall this has been a very good car. It's very comfortable and fun to drive. At about 100,000 miles I had to replace the alternator and water pump. I have also put two driver power window switches in it already. Other than that I've had no major problems and will buy another Pontiac when I get rid of this one.
Excellent performace, cheap construction
After 90000 miles, reliability is excellent; performance is off a bit, but still good. Economical to run as it provides good mpg on regular gas. Door panels and control knobs are loose due to cheap materials and construction fit.
Sad BUT true :-/
Good gas mileage, handling, acceleration, and sharp looking black. HOWEVER, AFTER 60k miles "GM" has poor quality parts!!....GM customer service WILL NOT help or assist in repairs!!... 3 window motors broke, 2 out of 4 select switches broke for AC fan , transmission slips on cornering! Paint on hood and roof wore off!! Seats are hard. IF enough people complain about this the NEWS will get out over the networks and then our US CAR builders WILL WAKE UP.
Grand Prix High on Performance & Quality
Plenty of great standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. Standard features included Stainless steel exhaust system, 4 wheel ABS disk brakes, dual driver / front passenger climate controls, excellent Delco sound package and computerized functions for automatic exterior lights on / off, automatic door lock/unlock & remote key lock
BRAKES!
It's a exelent car, I´m 18 years old, I´m Mexican, and I own a grand prix gt, u can go at 100 miles and u dont feel a thing, the sound system is great, the only thing that i would change is the brakes.
Great vehicle, much recommended.
My Grand Prix is now approaching 120000 miles, and I've enjoyed every minute I've driven it. This car is great to drive: it handles well, is comfortable, and runs great. The only problems I've had up to this point have been with the power windows (see below) and losing headlight covers, which as I understand, is a common problem with this vehicle. Other than that, I highly recommend looking into this car.