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1998 Pontiac Grand Prix Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Pontiac arrowhead logo is meant to symbolize forward propulsion. The newly redesigned Pontiac Grand Prix is hoping to live up to that icon, and is certainly giving it its best shot with the 3.8-liter, 195-hp V6 that sits in the GT sedan and coupe. When equipped with the GTP package, it gets a supercharged version of this engine rated at 240-hp. Not bad for a mid-size family car. The only change to the 1998 Grand Prix is that traction control now comes with the supercharged GTP, making it standard across the Grand Prix lineup. Starting with the base SE sedan, which carries the old 3.1-liter, 160-hp V6, for a decent price you still get a lot of features, such as ABS brakes, dual front and side impact airbags, power windows, locks, and mirrors, remote entry, air conditioning, and tilt steering. There are plenty of options in the form of leather seats, power driver's seat, sunroof, and a heads-up display which projects dash information onto the windshield so you don't have to take your eye off the road. The GT and GTP sedans and coupes are the main attraction, though, for their engine power and loaded offerings. Though practical for families due to its large interior room and large trunk, the 1998 Grand Prix also satisfies drivers looking for a little fun on the highway. The 3800 engine is perfect for cruising at high speeds, and the wide track platform provides solid handling, less body roll, and responsive acceleration. The Grand Prix feels confident in the snow. Owners agree you get a lot for a small pricetag. The main problem with the 1998 Grand Prix seems to be unpredictable power windows, thanks to a faulty window regulator. Other complaints mention the headlamp lenses tend to fall off, the plastic interior looks cheap, and the gas mileage is not as good as reported.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
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by Anonymous
Dec 01, 2012
Bought after 1986 Grand Prix was no longer practical due to gas mileage and need for a 4 door sedan. The first friend who saw me driving the red GTP was in his older, souped up Camaro when he passed me as I was about to pull onto the highway. After seeing me peel out and quickly fly up on him, his first remarks to me was "What the heck kind of car was that? She's fast!". My friends who loved my '86 soon fell in love with the GTP. Convinced one guy to go out an buy a Grand Prix for himself. My husband who drove a 2001 Impala and bragged about it often, bought me a red '02 GTP and soon took it back for himself after admitting it was more fun to drive than his car. She hugged the corners and accelerated fast every time I hit the gas. Good braking. Most importantly, the back end held up fairly well when rear ended by a guy driving a Jeep Cherokee at about 45 mph. My young daughter was safe and sound even though a huge speaker box left very little room for the trunk to collapse without pushing it into the backseat. Was very upset when 10 years after buying the car, she needed to be parted out. Am currently looking for another GTP, preferable a 1998 to 2002 version. Will settle for a base model Grand Prix of same years. I never plan or want to buy another kind of car.Dec 01, 2012
by Anonymous
Oct 18, 2012
I think the Grand Prix is an alright car if you can get one cheap enough. I was glad I found one with the 3800 over a 3.1, but I guess they both have their own problems. The GTP is pretty fun to drive, but it feels like almost too much power for a stock front wheel drive car. It feels really heavy and sturdy, but because of that it can be a handful around corners. If you know what your doing and know what to look out for I suppose one of these would make a good car.Oct 18, 2012
by Breanne S
Oct 01, 2012
I absolutely loved this car and it was very reliable. I had very few problems with it. This is a great car for any kind of travel. The car has a very sporty look which was one of the things I loved most about it. Oct 01, 2012
User rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 01, 2012
Bought after 1986 Grand Prix was no longer practical due to gas mileage and need for a 4 door sedan. The first friend who saw me driving the red GTP was in his older, souped up Camaro when he passed me as I was about to pull onto the highway. After seeing me peel out and quickly fly up on him, his first remarks to me was "What the heck kind of car was that? She's fast!". My friends who loved my '86 soon fell in love with the GTP. Convinced one guy to go out an buy a Grand Prix for himself. My husband who drove a 2001 Impala and bragged about it often, bought me a red '02 GTP and soon took it back for himself after admitting it was more fun to drive than his car. She hugged the corners and accelerated fast every time I hit the gas. Good braking. Most importantly, the back end held up fairly well when rear ended by a guy driving a Jeep Cherokee at about 45 mph. My young daughter was safe and sound even though a huge speaker box left very little room for the trunk to collapse without pushing it into the backseat. Was very upset when 10 years after buying the car, she needed to be parted out. Am currently looking for another GTP, preferable a 1998 to 2002 version. Will settle for a base model Grand Prix of same years. I never plan or want to buy another kind of car.Dec 01, 2012
by Anonymous
Oct 18, 2012
I think the Grand Prix is an alright car if you can get one cheap enough. I was glad I found one with the 3800 over a 3.1, but I guess they both have their own problems. The GTP is pretty fun to drive, but it feels like almost too much power for a stock front wheel drive car. It feels really heavy and sturdy, but because of that it can be a handful around corners. If you know what your doing and know what to look out for I suppose one of these would make a good car.Oct 18, 2012
by Breanne S
Oct 01, 2012
I absolutely loved this car and it was very reliable. I had very few problems with it. This is a great car for any kind of travel. The car has a very sporty look which was one of the things I loved most about it. Oct 01, 2012
by Dominic H
Apr 01, 2012
This is a very reliable car with plenty of power. Very comfortable for long trips. Very good on gas on the highway (29-30mpg). Has very user friendly instrumentation. Displayed mileage readout is very accurate to actual. All around fun car to drive.Apr 01, 2012
by Anonymous
Jan 24, 2012
Iam 6 foot 3 and these cars have so much room when the seat is all the way back I can barely reach the pedals.I drive a 95 mustang right now and would love to get this grand prix back on the road.and then fix the mustangJan 24, 2012
by Benjamin R
Jan 20, 2012
great car for the price that i can be picked up for. really quick out of the gate,
beats most street cars at least off the line. so far parts are easy to find and
cheap. its a good looking car that sits on the monte carlo frame.Jan 20, 2012
by Anonymous
Jan 19, 2012
Car is maintained and a real choice ride. Very low ride. Handles better than my Cuda. Very heavy and straight. Every option except sunroof. Fun to drive if you can afford the gas. Only runs on premium gas. Always runs excellent. Disc brakes all the way around. Very fast.Jan 19, 2012
by Ozzie C
Jan 28, 2011
Performance- Definitely the fastest V6 car I've ever owned. accelerated like
crazy, I could break the highway speed limit before getting onto the highway
on the on ramp. It cornered alright and stopped alright.
Build Quality- The drivetrain was solid, but the body was iffy, interior parts
didn't fit well or stay in place well. The car felt cheap on the inside.
Appearance- The main reason I didn't want to keep the car, It looks like
something a 16 year old girl would drive not a big hairy redneck like myself.
Made me feel like a jerk driving it, because the only way you can drive it is
fast. It promotes road rage.
Cost of ownership- Mid 20's if I keep my foot out of it, mid teens if I drove it
hard.
Jan 28, 2011
by Anonymous
Aug 09, 2010
What a dream. The Grand Prix was a white
4-door torpedo that drew as many stares as
compliments. The naturally-aspirated 3.8L
V6 was smooth and powerful, delivering
exciting performance and mid-20s economy
in mixed driving, and made nice noises
under hard acceleration. Knifing through
traffic was a cinch and the console-
mounted shifter gave complete control of
the gears. The leather seats were
comfortable if a bit thin on padding,
interior quiet, a/c very strong. The
stereo and interior trim were excellent.
The factory Goodyear Eagle LS rubber was
whisper quiet with good grip. Best all-
around domestic luxo-coupe ever!Aug 09, 2010
by Babar M
Apr 08, 2010
A true performer where the engine and transmission is concerned.
Rides firm and handles corners nicely.
The interior is a typical GM cheap plastic materials.
Tweak the aspiration system and exhaust and you'll end up with a sports car
but only FWDApr 08, 2010
by Lucas R
Dec 21, 2009
I love the pop up display on it where it shows how fast you
are going it looks really sweet. I get about 22 to 24 mpgs. It
has awesome acceleration I really havent maxed it out but it
should go 120 or so pretty easily. Dec 21, 2009
by Nathan H
Dec 04, 2009
Four door car with a supercharger.
Not a sports car but it will easily take you across a state at
100mph plus or launch you onto the interstate pinning your
back against the seat.
Lots of fun decent gas mileage if you can stay off the throttleDec 04, 2009
by Justin J
Nov 09, 2009
I owned the Grand Prix for about 3 months. It was apretty quick car being supercharged an all. The only thing I had trouble with on the car was the rims. They started to get corrosion between the rim and tires and made my tires go flat often.Nov 09, 2009
by Eric J
Nov 04, 2009
Performance: Great acceleration, braking. Poor Handling. Absolutely requires GMPP handling upgrade.
Great build, holds up to rear end collisions with minimal damage.
With a light foot, it gets great mileage.
It is an utter blast to drive, especially near redline and full boost.Nov 04, 2009
by Timothy C
Oct 21, 2009
Great first car! However a freak accident took it away
from me. Check the oil pump at all costs before you
buy it! It siezed on me and blew a 5 inch hole in my
engine block. Loved the car and mourned over my
loss. but hey theres always number 2!Oct 21, 2009
by Clinton B
Sep 04, 2009
God it was the best car ever. Had the 3800 V6 in it which lasted 212000 miles without a problem and would've kept going forever. I would like to still be driving the Grand Prix but unfortunately that wasn't gonna happen.Sep 04, 2009
by Cassie R
Jul 31, 2009
Not a bad car all in all. Could have better gas mileage. But do-able. Take what you got, right? Takes awhile to start in the summers. Had the car 3 years and has 232,500 miles on it so I hope it runs for a little while longer until I can afford something else.Jul 31, 2009
by David L
Feb 27, 2009
Its quick not fast I wish it wasn't front wheel peel
0 - 60 in 6.5sec around 270 horse cheap upgrades such as
a K+N drop in air filter only 20$ plus it has all the standard option leather power locks windows glass break sensor MPG calculator Feb 27, 2009
by James S
Feb 06, 2009
This is an excellent all around veichle. It is a nice mixture of luxury and speed. It handles like a slot car, and is very responsive in any given situation. The excelleration with the supercharger is second to none; the only difference I can tell between this and a eight cylinder veichle, is that the exaust doesn't have the aggressiveness in tone of a V8. Other than that, it is exceptionally quick; handles well, and is an excellent car overall.
There was some issues at the beginning when I purchased this veichle, however, warranty has taken care of it.
Since the car has clicked over 100K miles, I have had issues with leaking headlight and taillight assemblies on the exterior; mechanical issues have been standard on a car used as a daily driver. Had replaced original rotors with drilled and slotted along with ceramic brake pads; definate upgrade for this car.
Literally have driven this car hard for extended periods of time. Have driven it across the country, and back and forth everywhere. It has been pretty much bulletproof, and I would recommend it to anyone. Would like to retire it in the future and replace it with a new Pontiac G8.Feb 06, 2009
by Jason K
Jan 07, 2009
I really can't complain. This was an average looking car, with slightly better than average performance, and good ride and handling. 240 HP/ 280 ft lb torque coupled with 19/30 MPG isn't too shabby. This was near the end of the mid-size coupes from GM. Too bad. The car was build well and had very few repairs. The HUD was a nice feature which seems to be dissappearing from GM's new vehicles. As usual, a good features falls victim to piss poor promotion and advertising by GM. Most people don't even know what it is, but when they see it for the first time they like it.Jan 07, 2009
by Matthew W
Dec 06, 2008
Hands down, one of the best all around cars for the money. These cars have great handling and performance stock, but with just a few bolt ons, they can be made into sleepers. For under 6 grand I have a car that is a great daily driver, faster then most cars on the road, and is very cheap to maintain.Dec 06, 2008
by Caleb C
Sep 16, 2008
Love the supercharger, slotted rotors, HUD, leather, moonroof, valve body booster, and polished aluminum wheels.
Fun to drive, improvements for hopefully by next spring would be underdrive pulley, smaller supercharger pulley, cold air intake, and shift kit.
I do like the look of my car other than its red. would have preferred a black or silver one. interior is great, comfortable seats, 8 bose speakers. gets good mileage, low maintenance unless i put mods on it. I would recommend a GTP to anyone.Sep 16, 2008
by Melissa C
Aug 16, 2008
when you sit yourself in the leather seats and grip the wheel, all you want to do is hit the gas petal...the Grand Prix GT (with GTP options) is a fun car to drive...I love that you have the heads up display...putting your focus on the road...the interior truly is designed for the driver....so if you want a fun, sporty car...go for the Grand Prix GT or GTP!Aug 16, 2008
by Tiffany A
Jul 31, 2008
So this car handles very well and has lasted wonderfully for being 10 years old and having little checks by women who don't know about cars. When clean it looks amazing. The only downfall of this car would be the fact that under the hood it is backwards and changing anything becomes a hassle an must be done professionally.Jul 31, 2008
by Ben S
Jul 21, 2008
I have actually owned two 98 Grand Prix GT's. Both of these cars I have picked up for less than $1500 a piece, having 170k on one and 268k on my new one when I bought them. The engine is GM's infamous 3800 Series II, which run for 300k or so. The features available range hugely. The only reason I had to buy the second one was because I was stupid and crashed my first one. I am more pleased with the second one, and can't wait to buy my third.Jul 21, 2008
by Brett G
Jul 02, 2008
I love the car.. more than hate it.. repairs are high right now because its older. I drive over 1000 miles a week and that doesnt help. The wheels are the only issue I have right now.. lots of wear and tear. The brakes, the wheel bearings, the axle, etc.. all need to be fixed. Otherwise.. the car is awesome.Jul 02, 2008
by Cydni P
Jun 23, 2008
I bought my Grand Prix new. It was my first brand new car. I have had it for 10 years and still do not like any other car more. I have only had to replace the supercharger. Its downfalls are it has big tires so they are expensive to replace. It is a race car so you can feel the road. I would have prefered a little smoother ride but still after 10 years, I do not want to trade it in for anything out there now. Jun 23, 2008
by Derek E
May 27, 2008
This is my first car. It has a leather interior, two subwoofers, and plenty of conveniences. It has good handling, acceleration, and with a 3.8 L. V6 engine it not lacking needed power. I purchased this car used a couple of years ago with 80,000 miles on it; It now has 100,000 miles on it and it has never been in the shop (except for inspection). This car is a lot of fun to drive.May 27, 2008
by Muñeqa M
May 10, 2008
This is the best car I've ever owned. I love it and it suits me!May 10, 2008
by Sarah M
Apr 23, 2008
My car almost has 400,000kms and not a noise or anything from it...I love grand prixsApr 23, 2008
by Sven L
Apr 02, 2008
I have a love-hate relationship with this car. While I like the way it looks and drives, the reliability leaves a lot to desire.
I do drive my vehicles hard, however, two busted engines over 160,000 miles are a bit much (Cracked block on the first one at 88,000 miles, Second engine threw pistons/rods through the oil pan at 72,000 miles).
A nice car with good power and decent build quality (other than the engine...), but with the same shortcomings as any other front wheel drive car: Lots and lots of torque steer.
Can be a lot of fun when it works, somewhat expensive to fix when things break. Apr 02, 2008
by Robert J
Feb 12, 2008
I have had this car for 3 years and love it. the only mecanical problems i have had are a bad starter and a hole in the original exhaust. and it has 145k. with the mods it has it puts down 280 whp and 350 ftlb of torque. haven't been to the track in forever but it's fun. Feb 12, 2008
by Mary J
Jan 09, 2008
This one was owned by a technician at my old job, he put a racing chip in it which added like 30 more horse to an already supercharged V6 engine. It was crazy fast, but even though it was fast and gorgeous it was a little to old for my liking i had to trade her in :(Jan 09, 2008
by Anonymous
Nov 20, 2007
I have a 98 GTP and my wife has a 97 GTP. We love both cars and plan to have them for a long time. Good looking sporty car to start with, we're just working on improving on it's good looks and power. These cars have brought us into a family of Grand Prix owners and we've made some very good friends in sharing our love for this car.Nov 20, 2007
by Anonymous
Nov 02, 2007
I owned this car for three years and loved every minute of it. The car had great features that put it in the luxury class as far as I'm concerned: Heads Up Display, Leather Seats, Steering Wheel Audio Controls, stock 8 speaker sound system, dual zone air conditioning, to name a few. It got decent gas mileage, much better on the highway then in the city (19,28). It had good performance - the 3800 Series II V-6. A very dependable motor and drivetrain - no transmission problems. Most of all, it was comfortable, especially for large people. I am 6'5" tall, and this car was an awesome fit for me. One of my taller friends actually bought a Grand Prix after driving mine for a bit. To sum up, this car is powerful, dependable, comfortable, and it looks good too. Nov 02, 2007
by Anonymous
May 25, 2007
I fell in love with this car in late 1998. The styling, the performance and it was a sedan. It had ample horsepower and it was plenty big for my family of 4. Just after my 3 year warranty expired the water pump went bad. Then it seemed to overheat during the Arizona summers - so bad that sometimes we had to pull over and sit with the engine off (without air conditioning) in 120 degree weather. Then the doors would rattle like the technician left some extra parts inside the door. Near the end the SRS Air Bag light was coming on and nearly cost me $2,000 during the trade-in phase of my next purchase.May 25, 2007
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix?Compare this car
1998 Pontiac Grand Prix Pricing
Original MSRP
$19,345 to $22,825Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent