Used 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix Consumer Reviews

It gave me it's all

I got my 2002 Grand Prix three years ago. It had about 130,000 miles on it then, 170,000 miles on it now. A handsome looking car with the most interior room of any car I've ever had. Handled great, very smooth ride. As cars age things invariably have to be replaced and I've decided to just sell the car and let someone else replace them. It never got great gas mileage due to the six cyl engine and the overall weight of the car. I never took it on any great road trips---a 650 mile round trip was the longest I ever took with it. But it's solid for in-town driving. Given it's now 2018, the 2002 Grand Prix is ageing gracefully and if you get one you have to treat it kindly. It is too bad that Pontiacs aren't made anymore. The Pontiac Grand Prix was/is a solid car. I think the last car my grandfather owned was a Grand Prix, now that I think of it.

Great car, very reliable

I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix SE that I bought in February 2003 with 24000 miles on it. Almost 12 years later with just under 110,000 miles on it, she is still going strong. The only major problem I had with it in 2008 was the known issue of the intake manifold gasket leaking and blowing coolant out. It cost me $700 to fix the damage. Other than that snafu, it hasn't given me any trouble. I love this car. Hubby wants me to trade it in for something newer with more bells and whistles, but I can't part with it. It has been a solid, reliable car for me and I hope I can get another 100,000 miles out of it.

Most bang for the buck

Pontiac Excitement is just a buzzword until one gets to own and drive a Pontiac Grand Prix. I bought a 1998 GT for its distinctive and muscular styling. I was immediately surprised with its performance, which led mo to trade in on a 2001 GTP. This car's performance is simply awesome. The horsepower is definitely under rated. I took it to the west coast and loved the smoothness, comfort, handling and power, especially in the mountains, getting an average of 28 miles per gallon. Talk about reliability, in four years of driving the Grand Prix's I never had to take either car back to the dealer. for repair or adjustment.

I might get another!

I've had 2002 GT Cpe since 2005 and at 125K it's going strong. Only larger repair has been a wheel bearing. It gets up to 30MPG-which was a 2200 mile trip at about 83 MPH in Mn and ND when it was at abt 110K. Uses no oil. Only irritating thing is the water leaking into tail lights. I'm looking to get a 2001 for my son.

Great machine for an older car

Bought this car to drive to work, at first i felt i paid too much but after putting 20k on it and having NO issues.. and no rust, it was a great deal! Good fuel economy, good power-no fears when passing. Big, heavy, solid car..the way I like em! Has 140K on it and it runs, and drives like new, rides great and with snow tires will go where my truck will! Very glad I bought a Grand Prix, would do it all over again! you cant beat the 3.8 for power and reliability. if you are considering buying an inexpendsive used car definately look at a grand prix you wont regret it!

Reliable, but has quirks

Has some electronics and electrical issues. Engine and transmission are solid. Got for about $5k several years ago. Hasn't missed a beat. Update 12-2019: Other than the plastic sport panels coming off it is 100 percent! Update 6/2020 still have it, runs good and not destroyed by routers! Edit 12/2020: Still running strong.

Very lucky to come across this car

Back when I bought it 8 yrs ago it was perfect for 3 kids. So many road trips, daily driving and at times it being our only vehicle I never had to worry about being left stranded. 190 K and no major repairs. Water pump, abs system, radiator cleaned and fuel pump. In 8 yrs that is great. Transmission and engine are still strong and the gas mileage is great. Interior has some flaws but not too bad and it has had issues with holding water after extremely wet seasons but believe that was a previous owner /mechanic issue by removing seals. Bought a new vehicle due to family growth and needs but still have this as our just in case vehicle and will be passed on to the kids.

Love This Car! 238K and Still Going Strong!

I bought this car with 137,000 miles on it six years ago. According to the previous owner the transmission was replaced at 130,000 miles. I have had very little trouble with this car, the only real repair it has needed was that the rocker panels needed to be replaced. This is a great looking vehichle with classic great looking Pontiac lines. My least favorite part of this car was the low quality of the interior, which I feel that I could easily tear apart. The performance of this car has been outstanding though. Though the 3.1L isn't as fast as the 3.8L, it is much less prone to blowing head gaskets and mine has gotten to 238K miles and I still haven't had an issue. I get great gas mileage(19 City, 32 Highway), and the wide body design makes steering feel controlled, as I once was able to evade a moose going 60 in a 55! Overall I love this car and I would recommend it to anyone.

2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT

I was pretty lucky when my fiancée discovered my car on Kijiji! A private dealer had gotten my ride from a dealership where it has been traded in for a new car. The last owners basically used the car to drive to the store and church when it wasn't garaged most of its life! With only 114,000 kms and mint inside and very good outside it was pretty much brand new! Anyway, on to my review! A blast to drive, fast and handles awesome! I use it mostly for the highway as I'm traveling between provinces for work and moving. Glides perfectly at high speeds and before you know it you're doing 140 without watching your speed.

Not Made to Last

Bought the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT which was the third pontiac that I purchased since 1998. The 2002 Grand Prix was a trade in. The Lower Intake Gasket went out on it at 15000. It went out again at 30000 and again at 115000. The car brakes tend to wear prematurely averaging 30K on brakes and rotors. The AC/Heat Knobs tend to break prematurely. The tires goodyear 225/60R16 last about 30K per set. I've had to replace speed sensors, the fuel line rail, the rear suspension, and wheel nut caps that crack easily upon removal.

200k and going strong

Update to a review a few years ago..my GP now was 200,000 on it, no visible rust we have owned it for the past 100,000 miles and the only work done to it has been maintenance NO issues-ever starts and runs whether its 100* or -40*. I drove this car back and forth for training 800 miles a week in -20 to -40 degree winter and the car avg 28.3mpg over the 6 week time frame..unreal! I have no plans on selling this car until it rots out and then ill buy another one. Great car! Update-214k miles engine gave up at wide open throttle..it was my fault (abuse). Replaced engine, transmission and all accessories on engine. Back on the road running great broke 225k last week. Still no major rust. Update- 230k still going.

Love it

Have had this car for almost a year now. Only problem I've had with it is the manifold gasket, other than that it is an excellent daily driver very reasonable on gas yet still has enough power to have a little fun. I love the simplicity of the interior design (I have the charcoal gray int.)

Very good car

Overall this car is just great. Car has great performance for this type of car, very good gas mileage for the hp, and has plenty of room. The cars do have some common problems like leaking intake gaskets, failing window switches, and blower motor resistor failures but it's just general repairs. The drivetrain is overall extremely reliable and it is very common for these to hit 200k+ miles. The overall performance, style, gas mileage, features, reliability, and practicality make its pros far out weigh its cons. People who post on here about reliability issues with the motors in these cars are insane. Most of what people list are general maintenance. The 3800 is a very proven motor

What was I thinking???!!!

My girlfriend bought a Red 2000 Grand Prix SE with the 3800 and loved it... I liked how it looked, but I didnt think much of it until I drove it. Man was I a goner. 15 minutes later, I was picked up for "Qualifying" (he aparently had a problem with me passing 5 semi's at once on a divided highway, oops.) I loved her car so much that I bought myself one. I'm not one to be out done, but I'm willing to be in the dog house over this car. I'm the proud owner of a Black 2000 Grand Prix GT with all the toys. Now, I have to keep her from taking mine.

Great Ride!

I love this car! I bought it as a program car, and I have loved it ever since. I have only had one problem that was covered by the warranty. I bought it at 17K miles and I now have 107K and it still has the same get-up-and-go. It has plenty of room for me and my family, and good trunk space. This is as about as good as you can get for your money.

CONSTANT HEADACHE

If you're looking to get yourself a cheaper car or you're buying this for your child, DO NOT. This car is always having something wrong with it every other month. Not reliable at all. The good reviews on here are lying to themselves. Would NOT reccomend!!

Great Car

Had the car a few months now, and I've loved every minute of it. Great engine and powertrain, I've had no problems from it (almost at 100,000 miles). Handling is good, so are the brakes. I average about 20 mpg, and can go 2 weeks on one tank! Very fast (especially for a v6) will beat any v6 and many v8 muscle cars you run into. The interior is a little cheap, but love the boost gauge, hud, and the seats. Oh, and did I say its fast! Overall a great car!

Fun, Comfortable, Great Value

Great Car! Test drive one if you have not done so. GT is pretty powerful, but GTP is amazing. No one in the streets expects so much power out of this baby, and they are always in shock when you demonstrate. I own a 99 GTP with 45K miles and had almost no problems (replaced both window lift motors). Quality has been better than expected. And the fun to drive this car is incredible. The car is so much fun that my wife hurries to leave for work so she can "steal" the keys. This is absolutely a Great Value: Fun, Comfortable, Good looking.

Great Car

This is a fun car to drive. Great power, speed and handling. It's a very good value as well. I think the car surprises people with its power.

Great Experience

Bought my car new. It has 147K and I have maintained the oil and usual check up points. The major repair to gasket to oil and then coolant gasket - but only at approx 90K. The rest were all maintain, brakes. Once paid off annual repair bills are around $500. My husband drives a 2001 BMW with 80K - repairs and up keep to his car cost us $7400 last year. Plus he had to replace his AC at 50K for $1500. I have not put anything near that into my GMC. I will keep this car until it doesn't go or significant repair cost hits me.

Did it AGAIN

Ibought my 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix 4 years ago with 89000 miles on it. It was clear that it had some adventures before I bought it but I needed a car quick. Was pleasantly surprised when I did a road trip and got 31 miles per gallon - not bad for the 3.1 V6 Living in the North Country where winter can last 6 months and commuting 95 miles a day hasd put this car to the test. The biggesdt problem has been the wheel bearings. Luckily I am able to replace them myself- have done all 4 of them. Had a LITTLE trouble the first winter withthe security system shutting off the car after 10 seconds. On the internet I found a module that allowed me to bypass the security system and it has been starting great ever since. Now with 189000+ miles on it I am replaceing the car with another Pontiac Grand Prix. I just bought a 2007 withthe 3.8 V6. Am looking forward to another great Pontiac.

It has been good to me

I purchased my grand prix in 2002. The previous owner only had it for a 6 months and couldn't keep up with the payments so she turned it back in to the dealer. I bought it with close to 15,000 miles on it (I have no idea where this woman drove it to). Anyways, I'm now at 194,000 miles. It was great up until two years ago when the transmission died on it. I was very meticulous with repairs on my vehicle, which were all normal wear and tear. Since the transmission, it's had other major problems that have been costly. Great car, but I am trading it now for a more reliable vehicle for my family. Overall it's been good to me.

GREAT CAR

HAVE NEVER HAD BACK TO DEALER FOR ANYTHING. DO MY OWN MAINT. (OIL, TIRE ROTATION, ETC). CAR RUNS PERFECT & DRIVES LIKE NEW. RIDE IS A LITTLE STIFF AFTER YOU'VE BEEN IN IT FOR AWHILE BUT IT'S A SPORT SEDAN, NOT A HIGHWAY CRUISER.

Awsome Car

I got this car for my 18th birthday. It has the looks of a speedster and the engine of one too. Never had anything wrong with it at 150,000 miles. If your a tuner this is the car for you I put flowmaster pipes and two turbochargers on it along with racing tires and 93 gas. it had way enough power before (205 hp)but now it will roll with any mustang or challenger on the road I had it dynoed at 481 hp All in all GREAT CAR good work GM. I hope the Pontiac name plate returns in the future.

Awesome Car!

The GTP is just simply an awesome car. It gives a thrill every time I take a drive. I have no complaints. If thinking of buying a Grand Prix I would only recommend buying the GTP - well worth the extra bucks!

excellent car to drive

The grand prix is a very fun car to drive , it has a nice sporty feel but not too hard over bumps.The supercharger realy makes a big difference - it provides great tire smoking performance.

Great Car! (PS - Wade B. is a retard)

Chevy doesn't sell a supercharged Camaro. That would be custom work. And cost around 8 grand. Did you know doing custom work on your car like that voids your warranty? What about a Mustang Saleen S351? A nice supercharged V8 muscle car! All for the low price of 56,000 dollars. Over 2 times the price of a GTP. For what? 2 cylinders and a bigger supercharger? Big whoop. 56 grand is a 2 year old Viper. Or a Z06. You need to learn about cars before you rate them.

Grand Prix

Overall, I am happy with this vehicle. I have experienced a rattle in the power windows. Recently the air conditioning settings of 1 and 2 have gone bad. Worse yet, 125.00 to fix! The car handles well and gets good milage on the highway versus the city.

Comfort and style

This is a wonderful car. Coming up on our two year anniversary with this car without a problem. Can't believe all we've needed to do is change the oil and rotate the tires. We usually trade every three years or so, but have no plans to sell this one - don't like the looks of the new model anyway.

Fun Ride

The first year I owned this car it was used as a daily driver. Now I have a company take-home so my GTP sits in the garage. The few times that I do drive this car are a blast. Car has good pick-up and is able to merge with no problems at all. The trouble I have had from ths car is both head gaskets had to be replaced, seems to be a common thing with 3.8's and the passenger side window does not want to work sometimes. Other than that, car has been a real pleasure to own and drive.

Great car, lacks options.

As a 26 year old male, this car is a perfect fit. I bought a 2002 GT for the great looks, great power, Great space, and fantastic cornering. However, even at the high end options there are options missing that I would like to see (see below) I will definately buy another Grand Prix in the future, the new body looks interesting...

Fun vehicle

Have enjoyed this car from day one. As a automotive mechanics instructor I know cars and this is a good one. This thing has give me one problem wheel bearings the left bearing got loose at 45000 well out of warranty but Franks Pontiac in Lyndhurst,NJ repaired it at no charge even though I could have fixed it myself. The handling is great for a decent sized car as are the brakes. The engine is GM's bulletproof 3.8 Normally aspirated V-6. I replaced the tires with BF Goodrich Traction T/a's at 39K the thing handles like a sports car great in rain/snow and NJ's horrendous roads. Still looks good and runs great after 75000 miles. I plan to buy another in a short time.

2002 Grand Prix

Wonderful car to drive. Wider is better. Needed something that holds 2 sets of golf clubs - they fit in the trunk very comfortably with space to spare. Also wanted something sporty that handles well - not ready for a Grandma car. But I have a problem with the reliability of the car. Transmission went out after 2 years resulting in major repair (under warranty). And driver's side window quit working consistently after nearly 3 years (barely under warranty).

02 Grand Prix

This has been the best car I have ever owned. Only problem has been with the front wheel bearings. Both have gone out and it isn't a cheap repair. Engine is exceptional for the performance you get and the fuel economy you achieve. It has also run flawlessly for over 60,000 miles.

A Big Mistake

My husband and I shopped and shopped before deciding to buy this car and despite our careful planning, we made a poor decision. At 20k, I had to have it towed due to a malfunctioning anti- theft device that cut the fuel after 10 seconds. That, at least was under warranty. At 25k, I had to replace my front wheel bearings; a $500 repair. At 56k, both my intake manifold gaskets blew out - $700. Six months later, my head gaskets are blown and the heads possibly damaged from the heat. I commute 25 miles one way to work in it every day, and have had only dealer repairs on it. I've taken care of this car by the book, but it is a horrible car and I can't wait to trade it in.

40th Anniversary GP

I traded in a 1997 Grand Prix that had some basic faults which I feared might still exist with the 2002 model but it appears Pontiac got all the bugs out for it's 40th year of production. I went with $2695 40th Anniversary Special Edition Package Option. In that 2002 is the last production year for a two door along with the Special Edition package my hope is that my coupe's resale value will be better than the standard GT model. Being performance minded, I do wish I had gone with GTP with supercharger although that would bump the sticker price to $30,000 which is too much. To date, with 8000 miles, my customer satisfaction level is nearly 100%.

Mixed Emotions

This car is very fun the drive, very responsize handling. I've had horrible problems with premature tire wear. I've had to get is aligned 3 times since my purchase. I've gone through 2 sets of tires, and only have 13K miles in it. The dealer told me I am beating the car, but I drive like I'm the grand marshall of a parade. Most of the car is built really well. But in the truck, they placed this little flimsy plug for the light right in the way of the trunk space. Whenever placing large items in the trunk, I crack it off. It sticks out like a sort thumb. The engineer who designed that needs to be fired, and gives quality engineers a bad name.

Car named after me

BEST OF THE GM LOT !! 2001 GP GT

HAD TO BUY GM BECAUSE OF CREDIT CARD REBATE. I FELT THE PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT WAS THE BEST GM HAD TO OFFER. I HAD A MAXIMA BEFORE THIS CAR , IT WAS LIKE NIGHT & DAY. THE MAXIMA WAS SUPERIOR IN EVERY WAY. BUT COMPARED TO OLDS, CHEVY,BUICK (WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN DROPPED) & CADILAC (WAY OVERPRICED) THIS CAR KEPT ME HAPPY FOR 18 MONTHS. I JUST PURCHASED A 03 TOYOTA AVALON XLS. GOOD BUY TO GM FOREVER.

2002 grand prix with many issues

Car has been in the shop more than any car I have owned since purchased new. Window problems, loose dash, intake gaskets replaced several times, wheel bearing bad at 34,000 miles, catalytic converter replaced, heater has never worked and Gay Pontiac service center never fixed when reported 10+ times in there service shop for all other listed issues, leather seats coming apart, loose door panels (possibly from all the window repairs). This is my second grand prix and 8th and LAST GM vehicle as I will be getting a Toyota on my next purchase and don't even want to start on the customer service or lack of when calling what was GMACFS now India handles and Pontiac division customer service.

the truth about this care

do not get this car take it from me I have one it is terrible

Best new car I've owned in over 50 years

I get over 30 mpg on highway 24 in city. Hot foot wife does much worse. Outside of battery, brakes tires, and oil changes, have had NO repairs in first 140,000 miles. Needed to replace oil pan gasket but delayed it until now. Oil is still cheaper than the repair. Suddenly the motor mount went bad. (Supercharged models use one less mount) which caused front axle boot to go. While it was apart replaced water pump which was still OK. Wife loves the car, I'm a van person so I feel cramped in it but it is fun to drive and the boost is great when needed. Tried using premium fuel but saw no gain in hp or mpg so have used regular since then with no problem.

40th Anniversary GT

About 1800 miles and no complaints. We love this car. The 40th anniversary package really turns heads. I added a gold pinstipe and tinted the windows. It is sweet. Handles and rides great. Pleanty of room I am 6'4" and have no problem with the interior. Back seats are a little low head room wise. FUN FUN FUN FUN. Buy one if you can find it.

GOOD JOB GM

I have owned this car for 2 1/2 years now and has been trouble free other than the intake gaskets. Great looks for an old car and the acceleration for a 6 cylinder is great. Fun to drive. For a inexpensive GM product I give it a very good overall rating.

Looks Better Than It Runs

I've had my 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT Sedan for three and a half years. My Dad handed it down to me after he lost use of his right leg to cancer and I hit a deer with my '93 S-10. For the first three years I've had it, it gave me no problems and I like the way it looks, especially in black, sleek and sinister, the fog lamps, spoilers, and dual exhausts don't hurt either. It was pretty fast and fuel efficient, but it turned into a piece of crap once it had 115,000 miles on it. The windshield wipers stick up when they're turned off, the tail-break lights don't work, you could time it's acceleration to highway speed with a calendar, the windows don't work, and it guzzles gas like a V8.

Good for me!

I have owned my car now for 5 years and I bought it with 60,000 miles on it. This is a very good running car and is great for the family. My car now has 196,000 miles on it and runs better than the day I bought it! For those who care the gas mileage is great as well as comfort and performance! I use castrol GTX high mileage and have since purchase. I think this may help with how well it still runs.But other than that the only thing that i have had a problem with is my back speakers, they only work when the car sits in the sun at about 80 degrees outside!!

Bad car

Bought car for daughter, worst mistake ever. Only 92,000 miles on it and I have replaced the air cond. Unit, alternator and right side head gasket. This car will nickel and dime you to death.

Reliable Car

We have had this vehicle for a few years now and have been very happy with it. Only problem we had was the brakes and rotors needed to be replaced (covered under warranty) however, for a car with low mileage and only a two years old, this should not have happened.

WORST CAR!!!

I bought the car in 2009. It only had 63000 miles on it. I thought it would be good for a 2002 model vehicle. The interior has cheap plastic. I only got to put 8000 miles on it when there were too many problems to list in order to fix this chunk of metal GM called a car. It did run fairly well. But I was unsure how reliable it would have been on longer trips other than around town. I will NEVER buy another pontiac vehicle.

A Great Car For The Young People

I brought this car this past February with it having just 70,000 miles on it, did wanted a G6 GT Sedan(Plans fell through) but found this car for a steal, I was worried at first because I was giving up room because it was a mid-size car(car before this one was a 1993 Bonneville SE), but it was still pretty roomy, seats 5, 4 comfortably, and even dough the car is 8 and the design is 13 years old(1997), I still prefer it over the 2004-2008 model, gets good gas mileage for a big 3.8 V6, great for the highway and town, nice interior, just an overall nice ride, the only maintenance I have done so far is new brakes, oil change, support lifts for trunk, and cleaner for catalytic converter.