Air vents don't work
air blows out of floor vent and under windshield, but not our of dashboard vents. ?
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1996 Pontiac Grand Prix Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Set for a much-needed overhaul in the coming year, the front-wheel drive 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix didn't tinker with much in terms of looks or performance. Offered as a coupe or sedan in either SE or GT trims, the Grand Prix is a popular, affordable family car that has tried to capitalize on the Pontiac Excitement branding.
The 3.4-liter 24-valve V6, which is standard in the GT and GTP and an option in the SE trims, gets a power boost to 215-horsepower. The 3.1-liter V6 remains at 160-hp. Both engines come only with a 4-speed automatic. Also new in 1996 is a special Sport Package on coupe models, which adds 5-spoke alloy wheels and dual exhaust pipes. Whether you get a sedan or coupe, the mid-size 1996 Grand Prix has plenty of room for use as family car. The GT and GTP models are more performance-oriented, with special supportive seats, ground effects, standard ABS brakes, and fog lights, though even the base SE sedan comes well loaded. Dual front airbags are standard across the line.
Acceleration performance and V6 engine power stand out for owners of the 1996 Grand Prix. They like the overall interior and exterior style and layout, and the comfortable legroom. The weight of the car hampers taking full advantage of the engine, however, and numerous repairs accompany Grand Prix ownership. Drivers mention rattling, paint chipping, and a check engine light that is perpetually on.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
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by Luke B
Mar 18, 2023
Not a horrible car for the money. Was a as is sale. With that being said indont feel that when making any kind of purchase on a car, it should have to go in the shop right away for mechanical issues. Unless of course its being restored. Mar 18, 2023
by Anonymous
Feb 22, 2012
I just replaced the battery, finally died after 4 years and I had to remove more than I expected just to get to it. For now it will do but will get rid of it when i can afford to.Feb 22, 2012
by Bill K
Jan 14, 2012
This is a fun car with all the extras, the sunroof is developing a leak so I try not to drive it when it rains. It is slow at acceleration but picks up nicely on the top end. I like the way it handles and would buy another one.Jan 14, 2012
User rating:
by Luke B
Mar 18, 2023
Not a horrible car for the money. Was a as is sale. With that being said indont feel that when making any kind of purchase on a car, it should have to go in the shop right away for mechanical issues. Unless of course its being restored. Mar 18, 2023
by Anonymous
Feb 22, 2012
I just replaced the battery, finally died after 4 years and I had to remove more than I expected just to get to it. For now it will do but will get rid of it when i can afford to.Feb 22, 2012
by Bill K
Jan 14, 2012
This is a fun car with all the extras, the sunroof is developing a leak so I try not to drive it when it rains. It is slow at acceleration but picks up nicely on the top end. I like the way it handles and would buy another one.Jan 14, 2012
by Coady G
Jan 13, 2012
it was my first car that was legal to drive, and i loved driving it except for the fact it had no heat and i had to wire the stereo and put in rear speakers.. after all that i couldnt get enough of this car :)Jan 13, 2012
by Douglas S
Jan 31, 2011
Over all a nice vehicle, though some things could be better, like performance, and front bumper. The best aspect is MPG. My peronal vehicle get's 25 MPG. in general it could end up being a top car for average comuters.Jan 31, 2011
by Elliott B
Oct 06, 2010
Its great on gas the acceleration and braking are great it has four wheel disc brakes and the 3100 v6 is outstanding.It is clean on the inside and outside dual exhaust and power everything. Its a very low maintenance carOct 06, 2010
by Charles L
Aug 08, 2010
Great car, great mpg and cost me only $1500 with 190k miles. Does not burn gas, takes corners well and great torque. Maintenance is cheap for this vehicle as you can pick up the parts from any auto shop and i do all the work.Aug 08, 2010
by Adam L
Apr 04, 2010
This car has great acceleration and handles really well. It is also loaded with leather seats, sunroof, steering wheel audio controls, alloy wheels, and dual exhaust, and a few other good features. I do not like the front end of the car. The coupe version of this car is much more attractive.Apr 04, 2010
by Anonymous
Dec 30, 2009
I bought one of these in 1999, it was three years old, had 25k miles on it. I had it for a week started overheating, took it to a mechanic, he said manufacterer defect, pontiac built fan to close to radiator, rub when engaged. Also said he fixed 5 more same year same problem. About 3 months later, wouldn't go into gear, shift pin broke (--------) actual size, took it to dealership, talking to salesman, he said they had to send car truck back because the first two pontiacs wouldn't come off, had same problem. about 6 months later, lower ball joint popped out, that cost me about $350. then about 2 months after that the accelerator locked down, the car burst into flames (side note: fire wall in pontiac useless) before I could reach switch to turn it off, flames shot out the vents (see above parenthesis) back seat caught on fire car was total loss. I bought car for $6100, in a year and a half spent over $2000 in repairs, DO NOT PURCHASE ONE OF THESE, I feel for the workers, but thank god pontiac is out of business for good. The company got what it deserved. GM should be ashamed for putting their name on such a crappy product. Everyone that I know who had one of these cars (about 3-4 people) hated it, and had as many or more problems, I repeat don't buy one of these death traps. PS I had the car serviced regularly, oil every 3k trans once, I only put 18k on it before it died, car also belonged to well respected mechanic before I bought it, I was second owner.Dec 30, 2009
by John L
Aug 29, 2009
the paint is coming off, it takes off really good, got a nice mpg, it has some damage to it, it was free from my aunt the most money i put in it was twenty when i got it, its white Aug 29, 2009
by Patrick D
Aug 28, 2009
ITS AWESOME GET ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it is a great first car so get get get one now....they ride smooth they are fast they are very appealing they seat six people they has four doors that is all i have now. Aug 28, 2009
by Curtis M
Apr 13, 2009
THIS IS MY BABY! Her name is Samnantha. I have had her since 2001. I got her when I was a jr in high school. I have put over 100,000 miles on her myself. She now has almost 236,000 on her. I have never done anything to her except have the intake gasket replaced (which is known to be a common problem with GMs 3.1L V6). I still drive her every day to work and where ever else I want to go. The gas mileage is still 25+! I plan on drivin her till the wheels fall off!! Apr 13, 2009
by Rob D
Apr 03, 2009
I would like to sell this car Its a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. Fully loaded, leather, Stereo system 2- 12" subs. Power everything,dark green...Only driven in summer, has 165, ooo km. Call for more info or message.Apr 03, 2009
by Danyel B
Feb 06, 2009
Unfortantly right now it sits covered in snow due to the fact the engine blew...thanks dear...Hopefully soon it will be back on the road. And hopefully I can find a engine for it, i miss my car in the worst way. But now I might get a mini van.Feb 06, 2009
by Matthew H
Oct 05, 2008
I love how hardly anyone else owns a car like mine. I am the only one in town that owns one. It is so cool. One of the only bad things about it is that I get horrible gas mileage. I have changed some parts on it, but its all worth it in the endOct 05, 2008
by Dillon C
Jul 23, 2008
when it comes to performance, its not too bad. i thought it would be slow when i got it, but it has good accel. brakes are starting to wear down, handling is good for my taste. alot of problems with mechanics though, the drivers side windown fell down into the door, the passenger side door panel is missing, the truck lock is busted out, upholstery has worn down. appeance outside is very good. interior is the problem because of the door panel mainly and the window. the only thing wrong outside is the trunk lock is missing. gas isnt too bad, although i rarely drive it. maintence is a whole nother story. the car could be fun to drive if it was presentable and if the engine was looked at. oh yea, and the gas gauge is broken. it moves up and down every time i stop and move.Jul 23, 2008
by Colleen F
Jul 20, 2008
Its a freakin mechanical nightmare, but 9 grand later its slowly starting to purrr once again. Its body is goin to hell, exhaust is falling off, but it does have sum get up and go after rebuilding most of the engine. I would sell this car if someone offered a me a million bucks, been thru way to much to give up on it now.Jul 20, 2008
by Dan K
Jun 29, 2008
I think 96 prix are sexy. I wish that I could get a little more performance stuff and aftermarket body parts. all mine really needs is a new fender and my a fresh paint job.Jun 29, 2008
by Justin H
Jun 24, 2008
built 3.1L v6 rebuilt tranny with shift kitJun 24, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 20, 2008
This car runs great and gets great gas. Jun 20, 2008
by Chelsea C
Jun 19, 2008
I loved my Burger mobile!! Had great highway mileage, needed a few things (Oil pan, tires). After 300,000 some kms on it, it was time for an upgrade! Jun 19, 2008
by David P
Jun 18, 2008
It was originally an undercover cop car, so it has low miles. GM engine, so it has a slight leak around the intake gasket, but not bad... They all have that. The mileage hovers between 28-32 ish give or take. Jun 18, 2008
by Nathan G
Jun 09, 2008
Green interior w/ vertical lines
Good Handling
Great Performance
Made good impression on meJun 09, 2008
by Seth R
May 20, 2008
Neat, fun carMay 20, 2008
by Jeffrey-and B
Apr 28, 2008
dont have one Apr 28, 2008
by Borf N
Apr 09, 2008
2nd gen (modded) GTP swap, 88 manual trans swap. neither of which offered in this model year. Ran 14.4 @ 95 with the GTP swap and auto trans.Apr 09, 2008
by Borf N
Apr 09, 2008
2nd gen (modded) GTP swap, 88 manual trans swap - both of which never offered in this model year.Apr 09, 2008
by Jacob P
Mar 22, 2008
bought the car in 2007 with 114000 miles on it. had to replace the engine in
august because of blown head gasket. had to replace back strut assembly.
i have cut off the muffler and welded on a straight pipe to replace it and it
sounds good and loud.Mar 22, 2008
by Kevin G
Mar 19, 2008
very comfortable seat, alot of power, good on gas for engine sizeMar 19, 2008
by Jim J
Jan 14, 2008
pretty fast fwd 3.1 liter good breaks just kind of standardJan 14, 2008
by Kevin S
Jan 11, 2008
Not gerat. Not powerfull by any comparison, and not a good looking car for the time. A grocery getter I suppose.Jan 11, 2008
by Chris C
Dec 20, 2007
decent enough car for the price i paidDec 20, 2007
by Anonymous
Nov 26, 2007
bought it off of an estate sale which only had 26k miles on it. It has been a great carNov 26, 2007
What users have asked
The best Motor swap ?
Would anyone recommend a motor swap on 1996 era Pontiac Grand Prix. It has the 3.1 but I’m looking for more performance if possible. I know they have ls4 but idk if that would be a good route. Could anyone tell me if the ls4 would work or what the best motor and maybe trans swap would be best for the car. Thanks for the read !
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Causes of Warning chimes intermittent
Warning chimes sounds on gran prix. chimes sounds 9 times, then 9 double notes then 8 triple notes and then solid sounds for 15 seconds and shuts off?????
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how do I replace the starter
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix?Compare this car
1996 Pontiac Grand Prix Pricing
Original MSRP
$17,629 to $20,534Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · 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
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · 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
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · 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
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · 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
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent