I know people did but but God why would someone pay that much for cheap plastic, 20yo chassis, and 4 speeds. You tons of 2004 Hondas and Toyotas but a lot less 2004 Pontiacs. GM in general
@@95blahblahhaha because some people just don't like the styling. I'd rather fix a 20 year old Pontiac, than drive a Honda or Toyota. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with them, or that in a lot of ways they're better, but my preference is with the big American chassis and big, torquey V6. I don't dig the high strung engines.
I have an '04 GT ...bought mine in Dec. '04 with 7,000 miles on it as a program car. Currently has 98,200+. My car is like my kid.💜 Wish Pontiac was still around! Only the second car I ever had.. first one was a '93 Grand Am my parents got for me when I was in college. 😃
Oh Pontiac. Where did you go? What a beautiful, inspired family sedan. Less than 20 years ago and now long gone (but NEVER forgotten, and always loved). Kinda shocking, to say the least....
I absolutely love my 2005 Grand Prix GT, but unfortunately she's had a lot of problems. She wasn't well cared for despite her low mileage. The 3800 V6 has been flawlessly reliable though, except for the intake manifold gasket leak.
Not gonna lie I’m surprised that many people still drive this car. Everyday I see at least 1 or 2 Pontiac Grand Prixs on my way to work which I will end up seeing one tomorrow on my way to work. They’re very popular in today’s generation and the looks of it, definitely says how sexy looking it is for a car.
Sexy and fast with basic mods. I drove a 2002 stage 2 wrx before this. Always got harassed. Once in a blue moon, a gti or mustang will try to get past me in my gtp comp g merging on the freeway. They quickly back off the throttle when I keep pulling to their surprise.
I had an '05 GTP. Honestly one of the most fun cars I ever owned. Very well equipped, fast, and great seats that hugged you in place. Letdowns were cheap GM plastics on the inside, but otherwise she had an awsome engine and was very reliable.
That's so cool, I love the Comp G model! I just got my 2005 GT 4 months ago, just hit 140K miles. She needs a little work, but that 3800 is running strong!
god bless gm and that sweet 3800 V6.. It’s shameful. They replaced it with the garbage 3.6. the 3800 motor is probably the best motor they ever made as far as maintenance/reliability
3800 engines may leaked but they never die! I had the fortune to work on a '92 Bonneville recently that only had 62k on the clock. Other then redoing the lower plenum seals, intake gasket, and valve cover gaskets while doing basic maintenance that engine ran smooth! Also that 3800 always seem to have a distinct exhaust tone in stock trim that's recognizable specifically to that engine. Love it!
We bought a 2007 GP last Sept. when our Kia's transmission went out. 200 hp V6, auto. Only 50K miles when we got it (now 60K). Everything works (power seat, A/C, cruise). Really like it!
I had a 2006. My first car out of college. I miss it so much. Had to get rid of it in 2013. I was so sad. I really had no problems with it until the very end and I didn’t have the money so that’s the only reason why I got rid of it. All and all it was a great car
Picked up an 04 GT1 back in August, Saved it from the crusher as it was sitting on a farm for a couple years and they just wanted it gone. Only 143k Miles on it so with the 3800 it's not even broken in yet, has some slight hail damage on the hood but other than that it is straight as an arrow and handles like new. I grew up in a 93 Grand Prix, so just being in one again feels so great.
I purchased a used 04 Grand Prix in 2016. Last year, March 2022, since apparently the previous owner didn't have regular maintenance done, the engine finally gave out, blowing 2 lifters and a worn intake manifold. But instead of buying another used car, especially since a 350 to 400 per month payment wasn't appealing, I had a remanufactured engine installed. During the course of the next year, it seemed like anything that could go wrong, did. But it did have 213,000 miles on it at that point. Everything was original. But now it's been almost a year and a half later, and I've nearly replaced everything under the hood. Nearly everything. I like the car that much. Every mechanic and RU-vid video I watched about the 3800 Series III engine was positive. The prevailing theme was that the engine was extremely reliable, some called it bullet proof. It should last 400,000 plus miles easy. That's of course, if the oil is changed, and other routine maintenance is done. I haven't replaced the transmission yet, but it's performing just fine. I just had the A/C compressor replaced at 238,000 miles. Still worth it. I feel like I won the lottery of vehicles!
Yes, the 3800 is bulletproof. I brought an 08 Grand Prix in 2019 from a friend with 120k miles. I have 218k now and the engine runs strong. AC stills blow cold air. I replaced water pump only because I bumped into something and it started leaking. Tie rods, ball joints...that is it. I live in the Midwest so fenders have some rust. I will have a buddy put some steel and fiberglass to fix fenders soon. Just flushed coolant and new plugs and wires soon. Heading towards 300k
My mom had an 04 GT. It was a car a learned how to drive in. She bought out her lease and drove it until 2013 or so, when it was totaled after someone hit her. She was devastated, as she’d just paid off the car. RIP Pontiac!
Such a good handling car. I currently own a comp g and it is not only surprisingly fast on the highway but also quick in the corners. Nothing like embarrassing mustangs on the straights and embarrassing civic si's in the turns 😊
It absolutely is. The steering feel on these 04-08 Grand Prix sedans is awesome, very heavy hydraulic power steering which I love. It hurts my soul that I have to get rid of my '05 Grand Prix GT because of a rotted subframe. Settled on an '05 Camry V6 for its replacement and I still regret it. Someday again, I'll own another Grand Prix, but it'll be a GTP or GXP.
@@RetroCarReviews man calm down Pontiac was a good brand in general, probably best GM had to offer. Could've easily kept pontiac and ditched Buick, cadillac outsells them any way.
@@RetroKingOG Buick is one of the best selling brands in China, believe it or not. They view Buick as a high luxury brand, always have since WWII. They used to think a Buick was the epitome of American wealth. They sell like crack over there, which is why GM killed Pontiac instead of Buick. Their sales in China were far more than Pontiac ever sold here, including Canada.
@@jamesp504 well compared to the rest Gm ditched Pontiacs followers were 5x more than oldsmobile, 20x saturn, 3x Saab. Man they could've kept going. Buick in North America sells basically nothing, they'll be bankrupt here soon. And cadillac does outsell Buick in North American market majorly; only cause of china probably they are still in business
Oooo and here I was about to get rid of my girl and get a truck ... 😂 love this car and she’s been awesome to me - maybe I should take more care of her. Getting close to 200,000
I've got an 06 and it's got a great turn radius, the motor is quiet, and it handles well. The lights however are a bit on the dim side. Reliable vehicle that's for sure.
My buddy had one of the old 1992 GTPs with the top option 3.4 liter dohc v6 that did have a 5 speed stick and every option including power sunroof, power seats, and heads up display. Very cool car. Someone in the Middle East ended up buying it after he traded it in. I think it was quite a rare car equipped like that
I still like this car so much!!! Its quicker than the Bonneville GXP, and has the folding seats making it a better choice. Its such a shame the xompany killed this:(
For a fun comparison, I looked up the Car and Driver the road tests of the 2004 Grand Prix GTP and the 2020 Camry TRD. The Camry with the V6 and TRD package feels like a modern interpretation of what Pontiac was going for here: a family car with some added bark and bite. Let me just say, we're living in a golden age right now! 0-60 goes from 6.6 to 5.6 1/4 mile: 15.0@93 to 14.2@101 70-0 braking: 181ft to 156ft Skidpad: 0.81g to 0.94g EPA combined: 21mpg to 25mpg
I had the CompG model GTP with paddles and it was a fun car. The 4 speed trans was terrible. I also have a 2007 Camry v6 2GR motor with 333xxx KM and theirs no way the Gtp L68 would have never made it that far without major repairs. The head gaskets and cooling issues were terrible. Right before I sold my CompG my HUD failed, second trans blew, ABS module gave out. These cars were fun while they lasted.
@@Ss31994 My HUD and ABS module are already out. What were your symptoms before the trans went? I think mine might be calling it quits soon and would like to know where I stand.
The 04 grand prix gtp has to be the rarest grand prix. Though it wasnt as fast or as fancy as the gxp way more rarer. If i had a butt load of cash id buy one as a collector item
I don't think GM made that decision so much as the folks in charge of the reorganization said they had to kill off the divisions. What is a shame is that they kept old fart and China luxury division Buick, which hasn't made anything of note since the Grand National/GNX. At least Pontiac tried to justify their existence with some interesting stuff like the Solstace, G8 and underrated GTO.
Yes, as noted. It was the bankruptcy trustee committee that said Pontiac needed to go as it wasn't profitable at the time. GM had wanted to keep it and had good plans for it but it wasn't accepted.
Wonder how well that 4T65E held up with being shifted manual. It could barely handle the engine's power, never mind being shifted at beck and call. Alas, I still see these things here and there. We'll never get neat carts like this ever again.
I have the Chevy version, the 2005 Impala SS. I really like it but Pontiac went a little further and used the lower 3.29 final drive ratio vs the 2.93 and limited slip. Plus the 04-07 had the updated Gen 5 eaton M90 supercharger which was more efficient than that old Gen 3. Pontiac really went the extra mile in 2006 with the GXP with the suspension and staggered tires for better handling/traction vs the Impala SS. Too bad that axed Pontiac and not buick instead
Your 2004-05 Impala SS is a great car, it's actually my favorite Impala ever! I absolutely love the styling, especially the blacked out headlights and body color taillight surrounds. The body lines are great too. How's your SS been?
GM really went all out on updating the old W body platform in 2004. The Gen 5 supercharged L32 V6 was absolute peak 3800 in the '04 Grand Prix GTP. I appreciate your info on this somewhat forgotten treasure of a Pontiac.
I had a GTP back in the day, I paid $500 for it in 2017 I think. Some small mods on it thing was pretty fast car for what it was, probably just under 300 wheel horsepower. For what I paid for it, thing hauled
How did you get a 500 buck car so recently. Even 20+ years ago when i was in college cheap beaters were more than that unless taking about a used k car or cavalier
Do you by chance have a review of the 2004-2005 BMW 545i? I’ve only found a couple short reviews from 2004 or 2005. Been looking for a review by MotorWeek for the 545i but haven’t had any luck. If you have a copy or can find one I’d love to see it. Thanks.👍
They ruined these by making the FWD. The better solution would have been using the Holden Commodore as the Gran Prix like they used the Monaro as the GTO. Could have even used the Caprice platform for an 11th gen Bonneville. That line up alone would have saved Pontiac from failure. Throw in some form of performance SUV and you'd have a rounded lineup
I mean, that’s pretty much what the Pontiac G8 did, and gave them a sedan version of sport sedan… The only mistake I see them using the 3.6 motor which was garbage when the 3800 motor was an excellent engine.
@@JDMHaze they used the 3600 cause that's what the Australians used. That 3800 was pretty ancient by 2006 and wasn't up to the task of all that weight. Plus it was too bad on fuel and polluted too much. The 2004 Holden's with the 3800 were slow enough and burned through so much gas. Just did a 600 mile roadtrip in my 3800 V6 Holden Ute and I used more gas than I would have in my old LS1 Holden Ute
@@JDMHaze the high feature is a bad engine in the early models but the later ones weren't bad. The 210kw model had enough power for most buyers and was reliable when serviced properly and not driven to redline all the time
@@liltamai how's that the 3800 was polluting too much and was being bad on fuel if It gained SULEV classification in mid 00's and was able to achieve up to 30mpg on the highway?
@@victoria.beilstein996 up to 30mpg isn't good fuel economy though. I get better than that in an LS1. It's problem was the motor was too gutless and was being ringed out to get anywhere. The 3800 is at best just a reliable motor, nothing special like a Ford or Toyota straight 6
GM really f'd up with pontiac. The brand if executed correctly really could have been such a contender to dodge. Pontiac had so much potential that was never tapped. The g8 and gto were too little too late and very lazy efforts as holden rebadges. I guess once pontiac was put out to pasture was what really caused chrysler to get dodge up to par.
I actually saw an '04 Grand Prix in Fusion orange metallic about 3 weeks ago! It was in very good cosmetic shape. I didn't think I'd ever see that color again on a Pontiac that wasn't an Aztek.
To me styling to a step backwards. I had the 2 previous iterations of Grand Prix and loved my 97 GTP... except for the water pump issues. The redesign looked bland in comparison.
You could say that about nearly every car from this era. Go to any junkyard and you will see acres of 90s and 00s cars. Plus where I live, I see W body Impalas and Monte Carlos every day. I had an Oldsmobile Intrigue pass me in my 2005 Grand Prix just yesterday. Great cars.
I bought a pontiac grand prix gxp band new with only thirteen miles on the clock it was fast as f I had small issues with it only issue I had was poor qualitity very cheaply bulit
Have 2 04 COMPS. any one experiencing issues with dash lights, sensors not working, not starting and or the stability, abs and traction light on and what not Try UNPLUGGING the ABS wires including rear small plug and itll fix all you issues. one of mine wouldnt start and both where cooking rear window motors and not letting the one start. thought it was ignition not crossing signals in abs sending that to bcm and then making issues all over like ghost in the system only it was crossed signals and no blown fueses. many errors in all units including havac and bcm and dash
Attempting “Style” *AND* “Sophistication” was Pontiac’s downfall. Just push the limits on factory power, LS in everything, and maybe they’d still be around.
I almost bought one in 02. Went to test drive it with a check in hand. Glad I drove it before sign anything. Radio didn’t work, passenger window wouldn’t come down, and remote wouldn’t unlock it. Too many issues for a car literally right off the truck. Salesman said they’d fix everything under warranty. I said, good, the next person to test drive it will love it. Went and got a Camry that
@@hakeemsd70m Many horses can be freed from their stable with not much work. Just a pulley swap of one size smaller nets 30 hp. 300+ is easily achieved.
@@hakeemsd70m at the same time honda was doing what? making 40hp econoboxs? no, they had you motor makuing 400hp all motor..... the 3800 was great. only because it was a large motor putting out crap hp. of course it will last forever...
amazing how outdated that car was even with the all-new model in 2004... still only a 4-speed automatic, no manual option, lots of cheap looking plastic all over, a underpowered 200 hp out of a huge 3.8 when most of the competition was getting 220-250 out of smaller 3.2 - 3.5 liter engines, .83g on the skidpad when grandma's Buick from the late 1980's could pull a .82; miniscule improvement... small wonder why they went out of business..
You must be a Millenial. The 3800 platform was a mellow experience. Smooth, effortless power at low RPMs. Unlike other platforms where the experience was high stressed, like your 3.2 and 3.5 engines. Also, 30 mpgs hwy was not unheard of, something neither of said engines could achieve. My old 1997 Honda Prelude had only 5 less hp than this 3800 but a whopping 60 less ft/lbs torque, very noticeable when carrying passengers. It also needed much higher RPMs to achieve those figures.
@@Lucille69caddy yeah, I had 3 90's GM cars with the 3800, 1 with the 3100 and so many 3.4's, 4.3's, 5.7's and such.. i do not miss any of those engines. they may have been good in the 90's, but by 2004, they were outdated and sluggish compared to modern engines at the time. Even GM was phasing them out, developing the 3.6 already available in Oldsmobiles and Cadillacs) I am not saying the 3.8 is a bad engine, just saying it was outdated choice for an all-new car in 2004
@@SmallCraftCruising The 3.6 that replaced the 3800 is absolute GARBAGE. By “outdated” you mean pushrod design, correct? I’ll take a stump pulling, smooth, economical, and most of all, DEPENDABLE 3800 over anything new. “Sluggish?” Lmao.
@@Lucille69caddy yeah, the 3.6 was terrible, GM really made some crap cars, in the mid 2000's (like the all-new 2004 GP) that is why they went out of business in 2008..did you forget? that those cars were such crap that the entire corporation faced bankruptcy less than 6 years later? oh, wait.. too big to fail.. so happy we bailed them out.. their new cars are just.. amazing.. (not)
@@SmallCraftCruising You have your opinions, I have mine. My current 2002 GTP SC Grand Prix has 219k+ and still runs like a Swiss watch. It will also still roast the front tires as long as I have my foot into it. It still achieves upper 20s mpg hwy @ +70mph, and uses no oil @ 3500 mile change intervals, using Mobil 1 or Valvoline Synthetic. A coworker had a 2005 GP GT for sale for only $500. It had 326k miles. Great running car, but needed front brakes, ball joints, struts, and tires, so I passed. I didn’t have the time to deal with all of that. Too bad because for about only $1,500 in repairs, I could have had an extra dependable driver. Those 3.2 & 3.5 Honda engines you mentioned need the timing belt and water pump changed out @ 100k, per Honda recommendations. The 3800 has a CHAIN, so no unnecessary kick in the teeth expense every 100k. Oh, did I mention that my 219+k 3800 SC still retains it’s original water pump, alternator, and starter?
I have 04 comp g with stage 5 racing kit would not want anything else for a car my other two are base models we drive primarily would drive comp g but it goes over 160 and i like to do it everytime i hear the exaust and supercharger kick in
