Pontiac Grand Prix - 2000-2005

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Comments

  • garywgaryw Member Posts: 116
    Had the same problem in my Volvo 850. It turned out to be that there were clogged drain tubes below the windshield and above the firewall. They get clogged over time from road debris/leaves/pine needles etc. Every car has them. Easy fix but I have never gotten rid of the musty smell. I recommend using a dehumdifier to get the water out.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Toyotas sells quality in the Camry and nothing more. The car has never been anything special. I think people are realizing this as Camry sales are falling off even with incentives.
  • midlifecrisismidlifecrisis Member Posts: 391
    Camry used to be one of only very few reliable cars. Now there are so many choices that people are getting more picky about design. That is why Nissan is doing so well. They have several newer cars that are spurring sales. The Camry is just a rehash of the last 10 years. The commercial with the guy doing 180's in his Camry on the empty city street just cracks me up.
  • carguy58carguy58 Member Posts: 2,303
    I think Toyota has incentives in place because of the what the market is dictating. I don't think has to do anything with the Camry coming down in popularity. The incentives I could care less about I just wasn't impressed with the car. A 1998 626 that I had on a lease purchase I felt better in than a 2003 Camry! Thats not a good thing. Toyota is the car your supposed to feel good in and the Mazda is supposed your supposed to think of as cheap. Instead its the other way around.

    That Toyota commercial with the guy doing 180's is kinda cool. Why couldn't Toyota done a Celica commercial like that? Instead they decided to use the Camry.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Have to say that Camry commercial is just silly. Camry is no sport sedan, it looks more like a Japanese Buick. Toyota isn't fooling anyone and you can bet there wouldn't be incentives on the Camry if sales were going as well as the with the Accord that has virtually none.
  • wpbharrywpbharry Member Posts: 399
    Will be buying new wheels around next summer. New Malibu or Maxx is currently choice #1, with new GP a close second. Have been in the Malibu and Maxx forums for months. The Uglycloth(tm) is what got me going in here and I transferred it over there.

    At least the GP has real leather seats. The Malibu is stuck with perforated UltraLux(ultrasuede). The cloth seat pattern is almost as bad as what you all had to deal with initially. Choices are along the lines of "slim pickins".

    I need to hear more about this gasket bit with the '04 3800. I have a 3100 in my '98 Malibu LS, and recently replaced the intake manifold gaskets under extended warranty and know that the 3400 has a similar glitch (we're hoping the new 3500 in the Malibu is finally absolved of this demon). Is the 3800 affected by this too? If so, I might reconsider. Not that it cost me anything, the car was in the shop for 3 1/2 days (had other stuff done too).

    Thanks, Harry
  • wpbharrywpbharry Member Posts: 399
    in mine, I think you guys had it far easier than what we have to deal with. Granted the 60's pattern evokes memories from my early childhood, but the pattern in the Malibu covers a lot more acreage (headrests included!!!). Here's what it looks like (DON'T view with a hangover!!).

    http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/amulay2003/vwp?.dir=/2004+Malibu- &.dnm=111-1125_IMG.jpg&.view=t
  • midlifecrisismidlifecrisis Member Posts: 391
    As someone pointed out to me, the leather in my 04 GP is not ALL leather. Parts such as the section between the two back bucket seats, and all the headrests are vinyl - made to match the leather. From the surface you can't really tell, but if you pinch the material, the leather shows creases and the vinyl does not. I don't think this is a big deal. The leather seats are very comfy for me. And they weren't as hot in the sun as I thought they would be. Seat warmers rule on cold mornings!
  • evandroevandro Member Posts: 1,108
    Except for some high-end luxury cars, no car uses leather on all surfaces, only those a person is most likely to come in contact with. That's because vinyl is tougher and can withstand wear and tear better than leather.
  • wpbharrywpbharry Member Posts: 399
    The leather seats in my '98 Malibu LS are mostly leather, in the same way. Same thing with my previous '96 Monte Carlo (which became a lemon). I've never in my life kept a car as long as this one. I'm overdue.

    P.S. GM had a TSB on premature wear on the side bolsters of my leather seats. They've been replaced twice.
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    no sit! really?
  • wpbharrywpbharry Member Posts: 399
    I DO want to hear more about the 3800 in the '04. GT2 is where I'm headed, more than likely. The Malibu forum is abuzz with pix and this and that about the G6. Can't wait that long.

    Give me feedback guys, please!!
  • dan165dan165 Member Posts: 653
    Driving around this weekend, I realized my 04 is not that rare any more. I saw at least 7 or 8 other 04 GPs driving around. I parked right next to a GTP at the Starbucks on Saturday morning. Like the rims on the GTP more than anything, just beautiful.

    Anyway, sales must be going ok. I'm sure they are not selling like Accords or anything, but they are moving!
  • midlifecrisismidlifecrisis Member Posts: 391
    What does this expression mean? I'm confused.
  • bobbyz34bobbyz34 Member Posts: 10
    I'm with mlc, what is 'no sit, really'?

    As far as the the 3800 III, I would definately go for it and the GP. I've had my '04 Sport Red GTP for over 7 weeks now and I just love it. It performs great, handles well, and gets all kinds of looks.

    I went for the leather because of the look of the cloth, if I had known they would be changing the cloth I might have waited. It's my first car with leather and I'm nervous on how it'll wear.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    It's a hint of a profanity that I probably shouldn't have allowed in the first place, so let's just move on, ok?

    :)
  • kevitrakevitra Member Posts: 20
    I have also noticed that there are a lot of '04s in my area. Just a month ago I saw maybe one every two days or so. Lately have I been seeing a couple a day.
  • evandroevandro Member Posts: 1,108
    Living in "Truckville, TX" (I mean any town in TX), I was bitter that until this past weekend I had never seen an '04 GP on the streets, months after it's been launched. Yet, a mere couple of weeks after the anti-Porsche Cayenne was launched, I passed by a Turbo on the way home!

    I even complained about that to my wife, only to get to spot one a couple of hours later when we were running errands on Saturday. And, not to be outdone, I saw another on Sunday! I guess that the GP is like the rain...

    All I can say is that it looks on the outside as beautiful as it is on pictures. Pretty sharp looking.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I've been to Texas and if you think that's bad, go to Winnipeg. Not only are they are trucks, they are all pick up trucks there.

    I see at least 1 or 2 04s a day now. Seem to be mostly GTs but I have seen a couple of GTPs.
  • fred707fred707 Member Posts: 27
    Great news.

      I just received word that Borla and SLP are working on an exhaust system to install on all 04 models of the grand prix. The date is to be some time in October and based on preliminary data should increase horsepower to 280. If you add a better pulley on the supercharger you will increase performance to 290hp. My 04 has 10k on it and I have smoked 4 audi a4 quattro's, 3 nissan maxima's, 1 mustang gt, 24 neon's, and 1 04 accord. Wow wait til I upgrade..
  • chrisjerichochrisjericho Member Posts: 13
    Do you have the comp-g on your GTP?
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    it doesn't take much to smoke an A4, especially a Quattro. Try S4.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Just remember, GM didn't install a higher HP version of the engine yet as they believe the tranny will not handle it. Mod at your own hazard...do NOT expect the GM warranty to still be valid on things that may been affected by the mod.
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    I wouldn't be afraid to mod GP a little. People have been modding it for years and it is handling it OK.

    On the other hand, I wouldn't want to mod Acura TL-S. Its tranny can barely handle stock engine's power.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Yeah, but NOW it has 260 horsepower before you get started, before it had 240. The tranny ain't changed.

    That is all.
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    GP's tranny is rated for 280 lbs*ft torque. That's how much torque '98-03 GTPs made. That's how much torque '04 GTP makes.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Yep, and mods may very well increase that torque.

    Trouble time?
  • gunitgunit Member Posts: 469
    Evandro, Leather is more durable then vinyl it breathes better. Most people don't take care of it. If you periodically condition your leather leather seats like I do every 6 months to 1 yr they will OUTLAST even the heaviest Vinyl. The only place my seat got a crack or split in it, was where it was vinyl on the side. Leather was decent looking 5 yrs later.

    Even my Infniti I30t and the newer I35 uses VINYL on the sides and back as well. Their vinyl almost looks like leather, good job.

    Then again the 1997-2003 GP leather was crappy quality, more like PLEATHER... Among the cheapest leather I have ever sat on. The 2004 seem to be a better leather quality

    Using vinyl is another way for the auto mfg to cheap out and make more profit on the leather option, though on Infiniti it's standard. You can buy a nice leather couch, with all leather, front and back for $1,200 at a store. Yet the auto mfg is charging that much for leather only where you touch and much less of it then a couch.. LOL
  • gunitgunit Member Posts: 469
    Fred707, You are better off with the Pulley swap, which definitely adds about 30hp.

    I highly doubt a new Borla exhaust is going to add 20 hp to the GTP. Maybe 10 if your lucky. I have seen this posted at several sites... If you completely rip off the exhaust and catalytic conveter on a GTP you would only gain 15-20hp So how is a new exhaust going to do that?? It won't.

    I have had my 1997 GTP and now 2002 GTP coupe modded to about 300 hp with the stock exhaust. The only thing the exhaust will do is give you a better or Different exhaust note and maybe 10hp if you lucky.

    With these modds I never ruined my tranny. My 1997 had 58k miles on it when I traded it in for the 2002 Coupe. Still shifted like new. I did add a shift kit and external tranny cooler and switch to Mobil Synthetic ATF, which strengthens the internals.. and prolongs the life of the tranny. As long as you aren't hard on it all the time should be fine.

    yes the stock tranny in the 2004 GTP is the same unit from the 1997-2003 GTP and is only rated to handle a MAX of 280 ft-lbs torque. that is why they only upped the hp from 240-260 and kept torque at 280.
  • gunitgunit Member Posts: 469
    Remember with any mods GM can void your warranty.. be carefull.. it depends on the dealer.

    One major one to do on the 1997-2003 GTP is to get rid of the crappy stock P225 60 16 tires, that squeal around turns that aren't even that fast/hard.

    Go with P245 50 16 and throw strut tower braces on... makes a dif. Handles and brakes better. Those tires will fit with no problems at all on the GTP. Only negatives are slightly stiffer ride, and your speedo will be off by 2mph at 60.
  • fantascpfantascp Member Posts: 175
    98 Bonneville SSE-Posting over here on the GP board also as its probably similar.
    Has anyone replaced the Seatbelt Switch (Drivers Front) how difficult is it? any help is appreciated.
  • wpbharrywpbharry Member Posts: 399
    All right, have narrowed down my final 3 choices for new wheels next spring/summer. In no specific order, GP, Malibu & Malibu Maxx.

    My '98 Malibu had mediocre driver-side crash test results, and the '97-'03 GP was worse.

    Now NHTSA declares the '04 GP (without side curtains which I'd for sure get on my GT2) three stars front and back (my Malibu is three front, four back; '97-'03 GP was two front, three back), which is pretty pathetic in these times (5 stars max).

    Can anyone shed any light on this fiasco? NHTSA only measures chest injury, which the side curtains wouldn't affect, since they only protect against head injury.

    Living in West Palm Beach, with a ton of old drivers (I'm 40-something) and a ton of side impact collisions, I need to worry about this stuff. Did GM really foul this one up again? Guess, in fairness, I should wait for IIHS to do its thing.
  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    I am pretty sure that the NHTSA has changed the side impact test for 2004 models. It now includes the Head Injury measurements in giving out stars. This will make it very hard to compare any previous star counts for past cars with the stars for future tests, if they include the HIC in their ratings. The IIHS tests are an offset front collision, which will not be effected by any side air bags. And if you are using that long of a time frame for your purchase, the new Grand Am replacement, the G6, will be shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January. It should have a late summer '04 introduction and should also do well in the crash tests.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    The Head Injury figures (HIC) have always been available...
  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    I only looked at the NHTSA's web site, where the HIC wasn't posted for side impact tests before for any models I have looked at. Perhaps they have updated the site with this infomation since I was last there the beginning of the month.
  • wpbharrywpbharry Member Posts: 399
    Was disappointed on Dateline last night that the GP wasn't included in the offset crash tests. Guess next time. Also, was interesting to see that side curtains DO affect those results.

    IIHS also tests for bumper strength and, I think, also does their own side-impact testing. I could be wrong about the latter.

    Thanks for the suggestion, but no interest in the '05 G6. I'm gunning for fat rebates next summer, which for sure, the GP will have, and possibly the Malibu & Maxx ($1,000 rebate on the new Malibu sedan already, and official intro is still a week away). Can't wait long enough for a decent rebate on the G6. I've seen spy pix of it though.
  • trannygonetrannygone Member Posts: 1
    Recently had to invest $2200 into a rebuilt tranny for my 2000 GT Grand Prix. Transmission seal was cracked, causing the fluid to leak out and burn out the transmission. I loved these cars until this happened, I now question the quality as I have been problem free, and have always done my scheduled maintenance. First scheduled tune up may not be until 100K, but apparently the tranny does not count. I strongly suggest you keep an eye on this so you can possibly avoid this major expense.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    GM transmissions are pretty bullet proof for the most part. Even people who hate GM cars will admit to that. Sounds like bad luck and a manufacturing defect.
  • fred707fred707 Member Posts: 27
    The GP I have is a GTP-Comp-G... I allready am aware of what motifications I can take on the car without the risk of voiding the warranty. I also know that GM can not void the warranty with a cat-back exhaust.
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    bad luck no doubt.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Fred707: GM can void the warranty for any reason or no reason. It is a decision IT makes. It has the perfect legal right to make an initial decision to void the warranty. If you decide to contest that decision, the burden of proof that the modification did not cause any subsequent problem is on you.
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    wow, 72K is good in my book. My Acura TL-S tranny only lasted 6K miles.
  • midlifecrisismidlifecrisis Member Posts: 391
    What - a suspect Honda product? My goodness, what will all the Honda owner drones think about this? ;)
  • evandroevandro Member Posts: 1,108
    What they think about that? Bad luck or a manufacturing defect, no doubt. :-D
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    yeah, each one of them. Manufacturing defect. Actually most Honda devotees believe that it was a bad part supplier. That's what Honda allegedely whispered in some of their ears.
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,353
    That post was obviously false. After all, everyone knows that anything made by Honda cannot possibly break or fail - their cars are indestructible. At least, that's what I read on the internet. :)

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • midlifecrisismidlifecrisis Member Posts: 391
    Apparently everyone reads that on the internet and immediately lines up at the Honda dealership door with MSRP in their hand, just for the privelage of driving the perfect vehicle....
  • jbbw20jbbw20 Member Posts: 38
    Perhaps if GM would start whispering their market share would increase, another area where Honda excels over GM.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Okay folks, lets get back to the Grand Prix.

    :)
  • evandroevandro Member Posts: 1,108
    And Pat probably drives a Honda too... :-D
This discussion has been closed.

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