1987 Buick Grand National Reviews, Pricing & Specs

One...mean...car. The "Darth Buick" is one car not to be messed with. It is a "sleeper" only to those that are not too knowledgeable concerning cars. The stance, the blackest black ever seen on a car, '80's brick styling, are just a few ways this car is special. Hit the gas...hold on - but do not expect to hear a rumble, more like a surge of air that the turbo is sucking up. If you want compliments on what you drive from all ages, this is the car for you. Once you drive one, you hate getting out of it. GNs may all be black, but each owner adds their own touches. Vader would be proud to drive this one around the Death Star.Feb 20, 2010

The 1987 Buick Grand National is hell on four wheels. It has a 3.8 SFI Turboed V6 which puts out 246 bhp, and arounf 355 ft-lbs of torque, which is great to launch hard off the line. Its one of the most renowned cars among muscle car enthusiasts. The interior is pretty basic, but the exterior is a Buick Regal on steriods, its just plain aggresive. A price of 1987 Grand National is between 19-24k. Is it fun to drive? HELL YEAH!Sep 23, 2009

This car has almost everything! Speed, acceleration, looks! Only 2 downsides.....brakes are too small and heat up fast since made for slow regular regals on monte carlos, and body roll due do better needed sway bars and suspension parts. All that aside there is nothing like whooping vettes and stangs in a little V6. Gas milage is great if you dont have a heavy foot. Gets about 26 mpg highway! 3.8 in this car is very solid. all leak oil due to high crank case pressure. All mods go a long way with this car. The car was way before its time.Apr 17, 2009

The 1987 Turbo T I purchased was made by the previous owner to look like a Grand National except for the Turbo T rims, which were actually lighter and led to less unsprung weight. It was a lot of fun, which was made better by a Kenne Bell cold air intake, 21 psi boost chip, upgraded fuel pressure regulator, and Kirban braces in the rear seat. It unfortunately did not have a posi, but once up and accelerating, it would keep knocking you back in the seat at each shift until beyond the speedometer. Braking was very good with the Powermaster replaced by a standard vacuum-based system from the Turbo Trans Am. Handling was good for the size of the car. It did not need any repairs for the short time I owned it, but I spent almost every weekend doing something to make it faster. The appearance was great and it turned heads because of its rarity and engine. It got around 24 MPG normally. The car was a blast to drive and is still something I want to have in the future.Jan 08, 2009

Pound for pound, this is one of the best 80's machines around. It looks slick, runs strong, accelerates fast and corners pretty good for its size. For basic maintenance, its fairly inexpensive if you know what you're doing. Modification can be tricky for the new modder, but a little research will point you in the right directions. To sum it all up, its a blast to drive and fun to own.Aug 30, 2008

This is my brothers car and I drove it, the first things your going to notice is that the pedal is really stiff and touchy, and the car will handle like nascar because of the hard suspension (and the had a GN series nascar). The only work we did on it is replace the turbo because the stock one was leaking oil (because its 21 years old) but we got a bigger one for it. This car is the ultimate car for showboatin and will prolby beat ANY CAR in my town. Even Nates old Montey Carlo. as we have seen ;)Aug 08, 2008

Most enjoyable car I have ever owned... all who rode in it knew she could scream (as expressed by their own screams). These cars weren't built for tight handling, but could take almost anything off the line. This was the last truly great American muscle car!! I hated to part with her! Mine was a gold T-Type, aluminum mag wheels, blackout package, etc.. Jul 30, 2008

Incredible acceleration, especially considering the platform and engine size. It was actually faster (0-60 mph) than the Corvette (of the same year.) Typical mid-1980's Buick build quality (which was so-so at best.) It was "visually-effective," & intimidating. It was not a "handling" car & lacked top speed; but, was fun just the same!. I was humbled by a big Mercedes (a 560SEL,) on Highway 55. While the Grand National could certainly out-accelerate the big Merc, it could not match it on the highway and the big Merc simply "walked-away" from me! As stated, "handling" was really a "no-issue," & I don't think the folks at Buick ever tried to sell this model as a "handling" car... All this having been said, I have only "fun" memories of the Grand National & I do not regret the purchase. I had it for a short while, then sold it, quiet easily.Jul 27, 2008

Outside of the latest line-up of new muscle cars and the great muscle cars of the 60's and early 70's, this was THE greatest muscle car ever built. It isn't the uniqueness or the stealth-like appearance or performance, it's what can be done to bring this car to true supercar status on a shoestring budget. This car epitomizes straight line exhileration--velcro cheek straps not included.Apr 20, 2008