1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix: Full Review
Updated: 02/28/12
2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
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1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix ▼
- Price Range: $1,300 - $4,300
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Steering/handling
- Passenger room
- Cargo room
Cons
- Fuel economy (supercharged engine)
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 55 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix.
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.
Our road test for the 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix is right for you.
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 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.
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.
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:
Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (1997-03)
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)
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 wipers may not stop in the correct position due to a problem with the wiper motor bracket. (2002)
Wipers:
The windshield wipers may not park at the bottom of the windshield because water gets into the motor assembly and freezes. (1997-98)
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 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2003 | |||
| Grand Prix GT, GTP | $4,400-5,200 | $3,700-4,300 | $1,500-1,800 |
| Grand Prix SE | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 2002 | |||
| Grand Prix GT, GTP | $3,900-4,700 | $3,200-3,900 | $1,200-1,500 |
| Grand Prix SE | $3,200-3,900 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000* |
| 2001 | |||
| Grand Prix GT, GTP | $3,500-4,300 | $2,800-3,400 | $900-1,200* |
| Grand Prix SE | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800* |
| 2000 | |||
| Grand Prix GT, GTP | $3,100-3,800 | $2,400-3,000 | $700-900* |
| Grand Prix SE | $2,500-3,200 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700* |
| 1999 | |||
| Grand Prix GT, GTP | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800* |
| Grand Prix SE | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600* |
| 1998 | |||
| Grand Prix | $2,100-2,700 | $1,500-1,900 | $400-500* |
| 1997 | |||
| Grand Prix | $1,900-2,500 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400* |
|
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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.
*Transaction prices for this vehicle typically fall below $1,000 and vary widely based on condition
and location.
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. | 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 | cu. in |
Horsepower / Torque | Transmission: |
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. |
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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 | 1999 Grand Prix |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 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%. 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 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1997:
Windshield wipers may stop working, due to separation between drive pin and crescent in crank-arm assembly.
1997-03 Grand Prix equipped with a 3.8L V6 engine:
Some of these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold during hard braking. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame. Dealers will remove the spark plug wire retention channel at the front of engine and install two new spark plug wire retainers free of charge.
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.
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