1990-1996 Pontiac Grand Prix: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
1990-1996 Pontiac Grand Prix ▼
- Price Range: $600 - $1,600
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Pontiac Grand Prix
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1996 Pontiac Grand Prix and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Handling
- Antilock brakes (optional)
Cons
- Ride (optional suspensions, tires)
- Engine noise
- Road noise
- Rear-seat comfort
Vehicle Highlights
A redesigned front-drive Grand Prix arrived in 1987 in 2-door coupe form only. By 1990, the lineup added a 4-door. Grand Prix was similar to the Chevrolet Lumina, Buick Regal, and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Initially, the new sedan came in either LE or sporty STE trim. The Grand Prix coupe came in LE, SE, and Turbo trim. A 160-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder was the standard engine on the LE, while a 140-horsepower 3.1-liter V6 powered the SE and STE models. The V6 could also be ordered for the LE. A turbocharged version of the V6 was standard on the Turbo Grand Prix Coupe, and was an optional engine for the STE sedan. Antilock brakes were standard on the Turbo Coupe, optional on all other models.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Pontiac Grand Prix SE 2-door 3.4-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 46 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1996 Pontiac Grand Prix. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1996 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Pontiac Grand Prix:
Although the limited-edition Grand Prix Turbo coupe has been retired, the GTP retains the Turbo model's flared fenders, hood louvers, and lacy alloys wheels. In place of the turbocharged 3.1-liter V6 sits a brand-new 3.4-liter, double-overhead-cam, 24-valve V6. Where the turbocharged engine provided 205 horsepower, the new engine delivers 210 horsepower with a 5-speed manual and 200 horsepower with GM's new electronically controlled 4-speed automatic. The new engine is an available option on all other Grand Prix models, except the LE sedan. Also, all coupes get new front-end styling marked by a new grille, four mini headlamps, and standard fog lamps.
1992 Pontiac Grand Prix:
For '92 all Grand Prix models adopt the front-end look of last year's STE model, while the 3.1-liter V6 becomes standard equipment and antilock brakes are more readily available.
1993 Pontiac Grand Prix:
A 4-speed automatic transmission is newly available with the base 3.1-liter V6, and automatic door locks are now standard on all versions of the Grand Prix. To get a car comparable to last year's GTP requires specifying the optional 3.4-liter V6, along with the Aero Performance Package.
1994 Pontiac Grand Prix:
Heading the list of changes to the '94 Grand Prix are dual airbags, a simplified model lineup, and a new base engine. With dual airbags standard, the seatbelt anchors have been moved to the door frame on sedans, but remain anchored to the doors of all coupe models. As part of the model-simplification plan, only the SE model returns in both 2-door and 4-door formats, as both LE and STE sedan models are dropped, along with the GT and GTP coupe. With the model change, antilock brakes become optional on all models. Taking a look at powertrains, the base engine remains a 3.1-liter V6, but this year's unit is an entirely new design, and makes 160 horsepower compared to 140 from the previous V6. The optional twin-cam 3.4-liter V6 has been upgraded to produce 210 horsepower with the 4-speed automatic.
1995 Pontiac Grand Prix:
With all the adjustments made last year, few changes were made to the 1995 Grand Prix.
1996 Pontiac Grand Prix:
A variety of detail changes to the Grand Prix took place in its last year prior to a complete makeover for 1997. This year the optional 3.4-liter 24-valve V6 engine provides 215 horsepower, five more than last year.
Our road test for the 1990-1996 Pontiac Grand Prix includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1996 Pontiac Grand Prix and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1996 Pontiac Grand Prix is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
It's best to avoid models with the noisy 4-cylinder engine. However, the 3.1-liter V6 provides ample acceleration with much less noise and vibration. Turbo engines provide outstanding acceleration, but suffer from "turbo lag" and poor fuel economy. The best engine choice is the dohc 3.4-liter V6, which provides the acceleration of the turbo engine without the lag and ruckus. Inside, the cabin of the 1990-1993 Grand Prix with its backlit red gauge cluster works hard to emulate the continental flair of the BMW. However, Pontiac is not quite able to capture the European maturity or purposefulness. Revisions to the cabin in 1994 bring long overdue improvements. The new controls are both simpler to use and easier to reach. Large, soft-touch rotary dials replace the climate system's fussy, undersized switches and sliders. Select either the coupe or sedan and you should find the cabin capable of transporting four adults in relative pleasure--but the back seat is too low and uncomfortable. Pontiac's suspension tuning gives the Grand Prix somewhat more composed road manners than the Lumina, Regal, and Cutlass Supreme, especially over bumps and dips. Cornering ability is especially impressive on cars equipped with the Y99 rally suspension package, but drivers must endure a harsher ride.
Value for the Money
We rate the Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable, and Honda Accord higher overall. But with the gradual improvements bestowed on the Grand Prix, it is a good choice as well.
We rate the Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable, and Honda Accord higher overall. But with the gradual improvements bestowed on the Grand Prix, it is a good choice as well.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Pontiac Grand Prix SE 2-door 3.4-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 46 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Pontiac Grand Prix includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Pontiac Grand Prix .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
TH-125 or 440-T4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-94)
Automatic transmission:
4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising; shift erratically; or have no second, third, or fourth gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1991-94)
Engine noise:
A tick or rattle when the engine is started cold may be due to too much wrist-pin-to-piston clearance. (1994-95)
Engine noise:
A rattling noise from the engine when the car is started after sitting is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1991-95)
Steering noise:
The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994-96)
Transaxle leak:
The right front-axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak. GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)
Valve cover leaks:
The plastic valve covers on the 3.1-liter engine were prone to leaks and should be replaced with redesigned aluminum valve covers. (1994-95)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $555 |
| Alternator | $215 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,070 |
| Brakes | $200 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $385 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $470 |
| Exhaust System | $470 |
| Radiator | $340 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,855 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $170 |
Our price chart for this generation Pontiac Grand Prix details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1996 | |||
| Grand Prix | $1,800-2,400 | $1,200-1,600 | $300-400 |
| 1995 | |||
| Grand Prix | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1994 | |||
| Grand Prix | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Grand Prix | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Grand Prix GT, STE | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Grand Prix | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Grand Prix GT, STE | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Grand Prix | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Grand Prix GT, STE | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Grand Prix | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Grand Prix STE | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Pontiac Grand Prix include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.5 | 107.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 194.8 | 194.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.9 | 71.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.8 | 52.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3243 | 3318 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.9 | 15.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.5 | 16.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 38.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.6 | 37.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.8 | 36.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Powering the base Grand Prix LE model in 1990 is a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder Quad 4, while a 3.1-liter V6 comes standard on SE and STE models. The V6 can also be ordered for the LE. The Quad 4 provides 160 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 155 pound-feet of torque at 5200 rpm. The normally aspirated V6 delivers 140 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 180 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm. A turbocharged version of the V6 is standard on the Turbo Grand Prix Coupe, optional for the STE sedan. The turbo engine cranks out 205 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 220 pound-feet of torque at 3200 rpm. The turbocharged V6 is replaced in '91 with a brand-new 3.4-liter, double-overhead-cam, 24-valve V6, and comes standard on the new GTP model. This engine delivers 210 horsepower at 5000 rpm with a 5-speed manual, 200 horsepower with GM's new electronically controlled 4-speed automatic. Torque is rated at 215 pound-feet at 4000 rpm. The new engine is an available option on all other Grand Prixs, except the LE sedan. Beginning in '92, the 3.1-liter V6 becomes the standard engine, replacing the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder Quad 4. For '93, a new 4-speed automatic transmission is available for the base 3.1-liter V6 as well. For '94, the base engine remains a 3.1-liter V6, but the entirely new design produces 20 more horsepower than the previous engine, with 160 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 185 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. Also the optional twin-cam 3.4-liter V6 is upgraded in '94 to produce 210 horsepower with the 4-speed automatic, the same as when equipped with the 5-speed manual--dropped for '94--making the 4-speed automatic the only available gearbox, as the aging 3-speed automatic is also eliminated as member of the powertrain team.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.3 / 138 | 160 | 155 | 3-speed automatic: 21/29 | 3-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged ohv V6 | 3.1 / 191 | 205 | 220 | 4-speed automatic: 16/25 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V6 | 3.4 / 207 | 210-215 | 200-215 | 5-speed manual: 17/27 4-speed automatic: 17/26 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 18.7 |
| ohv V6 | 3.1 / 191 | 140-160 | 180-185 | 5-speed manual: 19/28 3-speed automatic: 19/27 4-speed automatic: 19/30 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 20.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Pontiac Grand Prix include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1996 Grand Prix |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 2 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | -- |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1996 Pontiac Grand Prix directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990 w/Kelsey-Hayes steel wheels:
Cracks may develop in wheel mounting surface.
1990:
Stoplamps may not illuminate.
1990-91 in 15 states:
Due to corrosion of front engine cradle bolts, where road-salt usage is heavy, steering shaft could separate from steering gear.
1991 coupe:
Fog lamps and low- and high-beam headlamps can be operated simultaneously on some cars, causing circuit breaker to overload and trip.
1991:
Front-door shoulder-belt guide loops may be cracked.
1992:
Reverse servo pin of 4-speed automatic transmission may bind.
1993:
Manual recliner mechanisms on some front seats will not latch under certain conditions, causing seatback to recline without prior warning.
1994-95:
Wiper/washer may operate intermittently, or not at all.
1995:
Center rear-seatbelt anchor plate could fracture in a crash.
1995:
Seatbelt anchor can fracture in crash.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
