1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Pontiac Grand Prix. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Pontiac Grand Prix.

1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Review

Redesigned for 1997, bigger in size and racier in appearance, Grand Prix shared its front-drive, midsize platform with Buick's Century. It was also related to the latest Buick Regal and Oldsmobile Intrigue, both of which would debut for 1998. Coupes and sedans had the same styling, except for rear doors and quarter panels. A wider stance was touted as a revival of Pontiac's "Wide Track" look of the 1960s. In fact, track width (distance between wheels on the same axle) grew by more 2 inches in front and 3 inches in the rear, compared to '96 models. Grand Prix came as a base SE sedan or a sportier GT coupe and sedan, as well as with a high-performance GTP package--available for GT models in either body style. Neither Buick nor Oldsmobile offered coupe versions of their midsize models.All Grand Prix models used V6 engines and a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 3.1-liter V6 went into the SE, but those models were delayed for a few months after the car's introduction in summer 1996. A 3.8-liter V6, available right off the bat, was optional in the SE and standard in GT models. Topping the line, the GTP edition (actually an option package) got a supercharged version of the 3.8-liter unit. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes were standard, as was traction control (but not with the supercharged engine). Also standard was a tire-pressure monitor. A built-in child seat was a new option. Rivals included the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Camry.

Year to Year Changes

1998 Pontiac Grand Prix: Few changes came this year, except that traction control now was available with the supercharged engine. Airbags were "depowered" to deploy with reduced force.

1999 Pontiac Grand Prix: Detail changes marked the '99 editions of Pontiac's midsize coupe and sedan. The nonsupercharged V6 engine gained five horsepower. GT models got a standard rear spoiler this year. Available 16-inch alloy wheels came in a new 5-spoke design. New options included a Bose 8-speaker audio system and a heated driver's seat.

2000 Pontiac Grand Prix: Wheels were revised and the nose restyled on Pontiac's midsize coupe and sedan. The standard 3.1-liter V6, installed in SE models, gained 15 horsepower (now 175). New standard equipment included rear child-seat anchors and an antitheft system that disabled the starter unless the proper ignition key was used. Pontiac also launched a Daytona 500 pace-car replica, with silver paint, unique 16-inch aluminum wheels, functional hood vents, a decklid spoiler, bright exhaust tips, and Daytona decals. Only 2000 were planned. By now, the list of Grand Prix competitors included the Toyota Solara coupe and Chevrolet Impala sedan.

2001 Pontiac Grand Prix: OnStar, formerly available on all Grand Prixs, was made standard on GTP, optional only on GT for 2001. SE got revised frontal styling, standard rear spoiler, and in-trunk emergency release; dual-zone manual climate-control was standard on GTP.

2002 Pontiac Grand Prix: New for 2002 was a 40th Anniversary Package which included a rear spoiler, hood ducts, chrome wheels, Dark Cherry paint, and unique red-and-gray interior trim. The SE gained standard cruise control and dual-zone climate control, and GTs got a standard power driver's seat and CD player.

2003 Pontiac Grand Prix: Pontiac dropped the 2-dr coupe version of its midsize car for 2003 and makes antilock brakes and traction control optional instead of standard on most of the remaining sedans. Grand Prix was redesigned for 2004.

1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy (supercharged engine)

Steering/handling

Passenger room

Cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Acceleration from a standing start is adequate with the 3.1-liter V6, strong with the 3.8-liter, and almost ferocious with the supercharged engine--with no loss of refinement. The transmission changes gears with world-class smoothness, and downshifts quickly for passing. Our test 3.8-liter SE averaged 22.7 mpg in mostly highway driving--including a high of 27 on the highway and a low of 15 mpg in urban commuting. The GTP returned only 17-18 mpg--on the required premium gasoline--so its supercharged performance does not come cheap. Road noise is prominent on all models at highway speeds. Wind and engine noise are low, but tire thrum frequently intrudes. Braking is strong, but pedal modulation mediocre. Grand Prix feels agile and sure-footed on winding roads. Steering is more precise than before. The SE and GT have a stable, comfortable ride with little bouncing over wavy surfaces. Their firm suspension absorbs most bumps well and provides capable handling with little body lean. The GTP's tauter suspension gives slightly sharper handling and it reacts more abruptly to potholes, yielding more tire thump, but the ride still does not rate as harsh. Head room is plentiful all around. There's ample room for four adults, and a fifth can squeeze into the rear seat. With front seats pushed all the way back, leg room is still adequate out back. The rear bench is low to the floor and provides little support. Doors open wide to allow easy entry/exit, though the rakish roofline provides a slight impediment. Overall, the dashboard looks busy and cluttered. Gauges and controls are well-illuminated by Pontiac's traditional red lighting, and most switchgear is clearly labeled, easy to find and use. Uplevel stereos have small buttons that are haphazardly arranged, making it hard to pick out any particular one in a hurry. Visibility is good to the front and sides, but the high parcel shelf blocks the driver's view of the trunk when backing up. You get ample luggage space in a fairly deep trunk.

Value for the Money
Pontiac's reworked midsize was a big hit from the start. Sales of the '97 model ran more than 50 percent of 1996 levels, though naturally its popularity tapered off later. Brashly styled with a confident stance, Grand Prix is a highly capable, sporty midsize car that challenges the class leaders in overall value.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Pontiac Grand Prix GTP sedan	Rating

Performance	7

Fuel Economy	5

Ride Quality	5

Steering/Handling/Braking	7

Quietness	5

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	5

Value within Class	6

Total:	55

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.

1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Reliability

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.

Brake noise: During moderate application, the rear brakes make a moaning sound. New pads are available to correct the problem. (1998-99)

Check-engine light: Chafed wiring harness near the A/C accumulator can cause check-engine light, no-start, ABS warning light, stalling, or poor drivability. (1999-2001)

Coolant leak: The 3.8-liter V6 may leak coolant into the engine from the intake manifold. A new gasket kit, revised throttle body nuts, and sealing compound is available. Redesigned manifolds are also available in the aftermarket. (1997-2004)

Coolant leak: Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (1997-03)

Cruise control: If the cruise control cancels when the wipers are running, the cruise control module and ground wires must be replaced. (1997-98)

Door handles: On white cars, the door handles turn yellow from the lock-cylinder grease. The company will replace the cylinders under warranty and there is a colorless grease available. (1997-99)

Doors: The power door locks fail due to a rubber part breaking on the actuator arm inside the door. (1997)

Engine misfire: The 3800 engine develops an ignition miss because the grease in the spark-plug boots causes them to crack. (1997-98)

Engine noise: Ticking on cold startup may be due to excessive piston pin to bore clearance. (1997-98)

Engine temperature: Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)

Poor transmission shift: The transmission may not shift out of third gear because the wires from the torque-converter switch rub and short out on the air-cleaner housing. (1998)

Tail/brake lights: If water leaks into the left taillight housing, it must be replaced with a countermeasure housing. (1997)

Wipers: The windshield wipers may not park at the bottom of the windshield because water gets into the motor assembly and freezes. (1997-98)

Wipers: The wipers may not stop in the correct position due to a problem with the wiper motor bracket. (2002)

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	$460

Alternator	$220

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$855

Brakes	$390

Constant Velocity Joints	$795

Exhaust System	$425

Radiator	$215

Shocks and/or Struts	$910

Timing Chain or Belt	$220

NHTSA Recall History

1997: Windshield wipers may stop working, due to separation between drive pin and crescent in crank-arm assembly.

1997-98: Faulty power-steering bearings may have been installed on certain vehicles, resulting in difficulty turning the steering wheel. Dealers will inspect and replace all affected parts.

1997-99: When the hazard-flasher switch is used to turn the hazard flashers on or off, the retained accessory power feature can be activated without a key in the ignition.

1999: Driver's airbag-inflator modules could produce excessive internal pressure. In the event of a crash, the increased internal pressure can cause the inflator module to explode.

2000: Front passenger-airbag modules in a few cars have undersized inflator orifice; in a crash, this can cause inflator module to explode.

2000: Some seatbelt assemblies were not properly heat treated and do not pass the load-bearing requirement.

2001: Passenger airbag-inflator modules may have been built without the correct amount of explosive. Airbag explosion or failure could occur.

2003: Right rear brake hose may be too loose, resulting in loss of brake fluid. Dealer will inspect vehicle and tighten affected brake hoses.

1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1997
Grand Prix	$2,500-3,300	$1,800-2,400	$500-700

1998
Grand Prix	$2,800-3,800	$2,100-2,900	$600-800

1999
Grand Prix GT, GTP	$3,900-4,600	$3,200-3,800	$1,200-1,400
Grand Prix SE	$3,200-4,000	$2,500-3,100	$800-1,000

2000
Grand Prix GT, GTP	$4,800-5,600	$4,000-4,700	$1,800-2,100
Grand Prix SE	$3,700-4,500	$3,000-3,600	$1,100-1,300

2001
Grand Prix GT, GTP	$5,800-6,700	$5,000-5,800	$2,400-2,800
Grand Prix SE	$4,500-5,300	$3,700-4,400	$1,600-1,900

2002
Grand Prix GT, GTP	$7,300-8,200	$6,600-7,400	$3,600-4,000
Grand Prix SE	$5,600-6,400	$4,800-5,500	$2,300-2,600

2003
Grand Prix GT, GTP	$9,000-10,500	$8,100-9,500	$4,700-5,500
Grand Prix SE	$6,800-7,700	$6,100-6,900	$3,200-3,600

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.

1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door coupe	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	110.5	110.5

Overall Length, in.	196.5	196.5

Overall Width, in.	72.7	72.7

Overall Height, in.	54.7	54.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3396	3414

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	16.0	16.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.0	18.0

Seating Capacity	5	6

Front Head Room, in.	38.3	38.3

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	36.5	36.7

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.1	35.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Three engines were available under Grand Prix hoods. A 3.1-liter V6, rated 160 horsepower, went in the base SE sedan. Optional in the SE and standard on Grand Prix GT coupes and sedans was a 195-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6, which later grew to 200 horsepower. Topping the performance chart was a supercharged variant of the 3.8-liter, whipping up 240 horses. All Grand Prix models had a 4-speed automatic transmission. For 2000, the base engine gained 15 horsepower.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V6	3.1 / 191	160-175	185-195	4-speed automatic: 20/29	4-speed automatic: --

ohv V6	3.8 / 231	195-200	220-225	4-speed automatic: 19/30	4-speed automatic: 17.1

Supercharged ohv V6	3.8 / 231	240	280	4-speed automatic: 18/27	4-speed automatic: 18.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Grand Prix	1999 Grand Prix

Front Impact, Driver	4	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4	4

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Review:

Pontiac Grand Prix

Pontiac Grand Prix Road Test

Pontiac Grand Prix Reliability

Pontiac Grand Prix Prices

Pontiac Grand Prix Specs & Safety

Pontiac Grand Prix Photos

Pontiac Grand Prix Full Review