1998 Pontiac Grand Prix Midsize Car Reviews & Ratings

The Grand Prix's interior shows a happy blending of modern design and common sense. The car is notably roomy, both

front and rear. It feels much more spacious than a Ford Taurus. Rear-seat passengers should find plenty of room for

elbows, knees and feet. And since the coupe and sedan share the same roof, the rear seat in the coupe is as spacious

as the one in the sedan.

One of the best instrument panels available is in the Grand Prix. Directly in front of the driver are nice big

analog gauges. Computerized "driver information systems" are sometimes little more than electronic trinkets, but the

one in the Grand Prix relays useful information, such as service intervals, low tire pressure and fuel usage. True

technology addicts may also opt for the well-executed Head Up Display, which shows speed on the windshield, immediately

below the driver's line of sight.

In the center console are a couple of nifty cupholders, and a truly deep storage compartment with coin holder and

spots for either tapes or CDs. In the rear, a large center armrest folds down, revealing dual cupholders and a tray.

Just be certain the soft drinks are out before it's folded back up.

Equally spacious is the trunk and, just as important, it's of a good shape with a reasonably low lift-over height.

Available as part of some option groups is a handy, and fairly large, rear-seat pass-through, for people who carry skis, tent poles, or masts and booms for small sailboats.

Pontiac has long been known for cars that handle well and the Grand Prix maintains that high expectation level. A

rigid body structure is less noisy, increases long-term structural integrity and helps reduce the chance of future

rattles. An extensively revised suspension does a very good job of isolating road noise and vibration from the

passengers while delivering precise, responsive handling, a difficult compromise. The steering offers an exceptionally

good feel. The Grand Prix stable was stable at high speeds on freeways and handled well when winding through mountains

and plunging down narrow canyons.

We were pleased to find the freeway ride to have a feel more commonly associated with better European sedans.

Instead of being soft and cushy and wallowing down the road, the Grand Prix rolls down the highway level, even,

well-controlled. It inspires confidence. The feeling of being in control is, in the end, ultimately more relaxing

and comfortable than the too-soft, flabby sensations we used to get from all the mobile sofas that were standard fare

for American sedans for far too long.

While we really like the supercharged GTP version with its rampaging performance, we think the GT is the better

all-around choice for most people. Its 3800 Series II V6 is a key factor here. It produces good power, making the Grand Prix GT respond quickly when accelerating away from intersections or freeway ramps. At the same time, it's smooth and unobtrusive, with just a hint of an assertive growl as the throttle is opened. All-in-all, a really nice sedan engine.

For those who have spent most of their motoring lives in traditional sedans, the Grand Prix might be the best-handling, best-performing, best-behaved car they've ever driven.