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Pontiac Grand Prix - 2000-2005
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Comments
Efird and has been there 6 days, they finally "looked" at it and said needs new transmission, maybe get lucky and it will be ready Friday. Pontiac product and service remind me why I never wanted a Pontiac before or again.
RR
How is the OnStar antenna system on the GTP? On other GM vehicles, there is an obnoxious circa 1990's cell phone looking thing. Anybody have this?
RR
I own a 2001 GTP; had it for a couple of months now, and VERY satisified with it. A lot of fun to drive (mine is modded quite a bit), with room for the whole family. Best bang for your $, if you need a sedan.
Tranny is the weak link. I'm doing a full synthetic swap (with Redline), and adding aftermarket tranny cooler--just to be on the safe side. With my mods, the car is making around 280 HP at the crank. My 0-60 time is around 5.8 now.
Does this void the warrenty completely? No. Dealership has to prove that your mods caused the need for repair. You'd definitely have to fight, but you can be successful. And remember that there's always more than 1 dealership around...
BOSE system sounds great, with the exception of Bass--it's lacking. I've added an aftermarket subwoofer in the trunk (yes, you can do that despite what BOSE says) to fill the void, and it sounds great. I listen mostly to Jazz, so it's not like I really want a huge bass--just a tad more to enrichen the sound.
Onstar is standard on GTP--it comes neatly integrated in the rear view mirror, and works great!
They do have the radio antenna integrated in the rear window.
If I do decide to get a GTP, I probably wont do much modification to the engine. No pulleys or anything. Maybe a Slip-in K&N.
I planned on putting a sub - or two in it, so I may just skip the BOSE upgrade....
Thanks!
RR
As far as the tranny cooler, I'm looking at using MSP (that's http://www.motorsportsperformance.com ) Desert Fox tranny cooler. Rather pricy at $200, but everything I've purchased through MSP is of very high quality, and fit and finish is excellent. They're currently testing this particular tranny cooler for '01 models, so once they complete the testing I plan on getting one.
I can understand your desire to leave the stock motor alone--it's sufficiently fast car stock. My car looks completely stock from the outside--but the looks of disbelief on the faces of Lexus GS400, BMW540i, or MBZ E430 drivers when I outgun them is absolutely priceless (I know I shouldn't be so mean )
And yes, if you're going to be adding a lot of bass to your system, save your $$ and skip the BOSE. Apparently stock unit doesn't sound so bad, and if you decide to upgrade your head unit later, there are aftermarket ones available that allows you to retain the use of the steering wheel controls.
stanigu - I don't know what state your in but my uncle the lawyer laughed at your comment about not voiding the warranty. Said that in every state hes knows it would. Gave me all kinds of reasons but basically its your forensic mechanic against theirs and since you made changes you do so at your own risk. Since you never cleared it with them (assuming you haven't). He said the minute the modification is beyond original specs your toast. He said that language is in all warranties. If the transmission fluid is ceritified within specs then that still isn't always enough. But something you need to know and I found out the hard way. Using fluid that is certified is not enough. I once used a transmission fluid that was certified but started having shifting problems. Found out that the manufacturer's fluid was formulated in a way that the computer sensor needed to operate correctly. So my uncle said good luck if you have a problem.
http://www.sema.org/warranty/
I've personally have not had to take the car back in for warrenty work, but know plenty who have (with modded cars), and got it done. Thing to remember is that it doesn't cost the dealer to do warranty work (GM pays for it), so if one shop refuses, shop around, or fight back! And know that you shouldn't take whatever the dealer tells you as the truth--many service departments tell you what's convenient, vs. the truth. Sorry to hear about your tranny fluid, but what the dealer told you definitely sounds like the former (i.e. lies). Fluid to "make computer operate correctly"? Hmmmm... Let's see some proof.
I've also heard that the dealerships out in the country (vs. urban areas) are more eager for your business, so that's another route that you can check out (if you haven't shelled out the bucks already to fix the problem).
Otherwise, the web site gets very specific about the steps you can follow to get them to cough up the cash.
Good luck to you.
Sounds like an extended warranty may be in order if I go with the GTP...
Thanks
RR
I am actually looking at the GP and the Impala. The only thing keeping me leaning towards the GTP is the engine. The Impala has a lot of nice safety features that the GP doesn't offer, i.e driver side airbag and heated mirrors. But the interior of the GP is a bit nicer, I feel.
Ans since the modding is not a factor for me, reliablility takes precedence. I know the Impala is basically the same drivetrain as the GP GT, but the Chevy seems to be a bit more reliable from what I've read.
A test drive should help me seal the deal.
Any words to back up the GTP??
Thanks
RR
My dad has a 93 GA with 107k on it. Here are some tips: regular oil changes every 3k. If you didn't have the trans checked at 90k (as scheduled) do it now. Put a mid to high grade fuel (89 or 93 octane) in it so the injectors don't get clogged. Wax the car body about 2-3 times a year when weather permits. Not the automat spray garbage either. Professional car washes can do it on a Saturday. It shouldn't be that much $$. With the mileage on the car like it is, don't press the engine. Watch for seal leaks. Rotate tires regularly. My dad's 93 had tires that lasted 75k with regular maintenance. Follow the owners manual and you should be fine. About you looking for a Huyndai Shark: they're junk. That's way they have such a long term warrantee package standard. Look into a domestic Cougar or Avenger. They're similar to the Tib, and have way better performance.
RR
but do yourself a favor and DO test drive the GP-GTP. Remember not to floor the gas from standstill, because the torque will easily cause the stock Eagle GS-A's to smoke!
But then my 300M does not rattle either after 2.5 years. Well, it does have a rattle behind the center air vents, but I have to drive on a rough road to produce it.
98 GTP no-mods / 28,000 miles - cheap squeaking starting to occur on the dash, gear shifter, and center console. Everything else is great though. Guess I could have spent another 5 K to get the non-squeaking Maxima.
4 door is a tad heavier than 2 door, but only about 50 lbs difference, I believe. Otherwise, they are mostly identical.
I am looking at purchasing a gtp. I need to be able to tow a small trailer and jet ski. Does anyone have experience with this. I would like to put a small receiver hitch. should I just stick with the gt.
Thanks for the great forum, I have gained a lot of info from it.
Several of us over in the Bonneville forum are planning a get together in Central NJ - Rockaway Mall off exit 35 from Rt 80 - on Sunday April 22 - anytime after noon. We would love to invite any of you who are interested to stop by and show and compare cars.
Please stop over to the Bonneville forum and speak up - or email me (see profile). I live in Maine and am planning to stop by en route to PA that day - so it's certainly not limited to Jersey residents.
Hope to see some Grand Prix representation there.
Thanks - have a great day.
Ken
I'm also taking this opportunity to "more generalize" some topic titles to broaden their scope. For example, when the trim level, powerplant or transmission/transaxle option isn't pertinent to the comparison, I'm removing it for the purposes of making the topic applicable to the situations in which more buyers find themselves.
Thanks,
L8_Apex
Host
Sedans Message Board
I like the interior just fine, don't have a problem with the controls the way they are, and I like the seats much better than the Bonneville I've test driven, much firmer. I hadn't considered a 2 door, but I am now. It's the dark green color with the grey interior, I can live with it just fine. Such a far cry from what I actually had them looking for for me, a white 97 Buick Regal LS with about 52k on it. It's much sportier looking than what I'm used to by light years (my beloved 1984 Subaru GL 4D 2WD wagon.)
Has lots of bells and whistles on it that I could care less about, like the overhead console, would rather have the quality moonroof my Subaru has, and something called traction control, which the tame way I drive probably will never turn on! I can actually see out the windows in this car, when in the Bonnie it was an issue, I'm pretty short, 5'3". My Subaru has better 360 degree viewing area tho.
Car is in excellent condition cosmetically, not a scratch or ding, absolutely clean and they haven't even detailed it yet, interior appears brand new!!! with the exception of a worn spot on the carpet on the driver's side. So what's not to like? The 75K mi on it. I am worried about of course transmission issues, etc. (they haven't looked at the engine yet either, what my bro and I can see so far is it is clean clean clean, but we'll see) The seats moving seems to give me pause also. Seems to drive just fine so far. I also wonder what the funny rattling noise that seems to come from the steering wheel is. That at the very least MUST go.
I just need a decent commute car with more metal around me than my Sub., and can do a road trip or two a year. Willing to sacrifice the excellent mpg on my Subaru for a good reliable engine for the next 5-7-10 yrs. (My Subaru is the best car I have ever had, but would not buy another one now, they are far too overpriced and over-thought IMO, seems with all the new toys and redesigns they just put more stuff on them that can break.)
Soooo....PLEASE someone out there with one of these 97's let me know what your experience is/was. I've just spent 3 hrs reading every single post on this board and surfing Edmunds. Most of the posts were about the 2000's, didn't see much on the 97's.
When I get back from my more extended test drive, I'll let you know how it went. Hope to see some posts to help me decide if I want to pursue or not. Even with the mileage on it, if the engine/tranny is ok, 10k is a deal, based on the options it has. Whatever is wrong on it will be fixed before I buy it also, something to consider.
Look fwd to hearing from some of you guys...THANK YOU.
Well, it looks like I will be buying a Grand Prix at the begining of next month. Is this a good idea? Are there any problems that I need to know about? It can't be any worse than the 98 Taurus I have now. Nothing bu problems with that car. The transmission has not worked properly since the day I bought it. Had it serviced 13 times in 2.5 years, for the same problem. I finally got a straight answer out of the sewrvice manager of the second opinion dealership I brought it too. He told me that the transmission has an engineering flaw, but since this was designed in, it wouldn't hurt the tranny. Needless to say the part about it not hurting the tranny was bull!I had the 2 FWD clutch pistons replaced twice, the lock up torque convrt clutch bands replaced 3 times, the pump replaced, the valve bodies in the tranny replaced twice, and neumerous other irritances looked at. Every bloody time I have taken that car in for an oil change, I end up having the shop take a look at a few other things that are still wrong. It has probably been one of the worst cars I have ever owned. My 1990 wagon never did these things. The thing had 168,000 miles on it when I had it, and it looked great (not one bit of rust or fading) and ran better. The air went out, so I traded her in. The last time I took my 98 to the shop, the gave my a Grand Prix GT to use. I loved it. As soon as I got the car back, I went to the local Pontiac dealer and priced them. So, next month I am gonna buy one up. I am hoping that I have better luck with this car.
Happy motoring,
Aaron
Most people don't have major issues - it seems the most common problems are squeaks, rattles and the automatic windows. Although none of these have beeen a problem for me.
bidness - avoid 97/98 model years. There were a number of issues which were resolved with 99 onward.
I'm going to try to test drive a Grand Prix SE tomorrow. I've had to eliminate a number of cars because the headrests seem to hit a bit above my head giving me a blind spot when looking over my shoulder to check traffic (if changing lanes). I sat in a Grand Prix and it may work out but will have to drive in traffic to make sure.
I've been bouncing around from one car forum to the next while making up my mind. If I like the test drive and can see okay, I hope to buy SOON!
I got the car loaded for only $24,000. Well worth the money. Anyone who's had major problems, either got a lemon or just doesn't know how to take care of a new car (i.e. bad driving habits, poor matenence, lack of mechanical knowledge...).
I think it's a damn good car, you get a lot for your money. The car is no BMW or Mercedes. You want a car like that, fork out 40 grand.
There are little things like the headlight seals going, 97 doesn't have ABS standard, and some other things. 97 + 98 have a lot more TSB's.
This is reflected by consumer reports, which took the grand prix off the recommended list, only to put it back on after the reliability improved.
Thats probably why the 99 is much more than the 98, because the demand for the 99+ models will be higher.
Also, it's a general rule of thumb to wait 2 years whenever a new GM product comes out to work out any bugs.
I guess I'll be reading my owner's manual today. I don't even know how to adjust the clock yet. I'll have the clock and radio settings figured out before I leave the house today.
The car still looks new on the exterior and he says that it runs OK. His faith in Pontiac has been shattered. But I believe that the '97 model year was the first one with the "Widetrac" stance...
For what it's worth, I guess.
RR
Glad that you decided to stay with GM and most importantly that you got exactly what you wanted it. The GP is a very nice looking automobile.
Pls share you experiences!
Congrats again!
TEO
I can see in the Grand Prix because it has a hole in the headrest and I can see through that hole. I love the car too!
Stacy
P.S. I looked into the Impala again but had the same problem. Hope you're enjoying your car!
I have the Bonneville, not Grand Prix, but share your enthusiasm for that new ride! Best wishes to you for many years and miles of enjoyable driving experiences with that brand new sparkling car.
By the way - what color did you choose?
Ken
I saw a Light Bronzemist in the Bonneville and it was really pretty--more of a gold color. Then Chevy has the Medium Bronzemist.
I don't think you have a problem with this up North but we have lovebug season twice a year. They do a number on your car. I imagine those black covers they put on the front of a car can be bought at Pepboys or someplace like that. I can wash the bugs off of the front, but the grill will be a problem.
Stacy
Ken