1987 Pontiac Grand Prix Reliability ReportKeepScore 78/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix
- Outscores the 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix by 16 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
- The system most likely to surface first: body & frame rust (major severity).
- Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the fuel system, gasoline.
1987 Pontiac Grand Prix: Buy or Avoid?
The 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix, a classic G-body, offers a fundamentally robust and simple platform that can be a highly rewarding ownership experience. While its age naturally introduces some common wear-and-tear issues, particularly with rust and aging electricals, its straightforward design means most repairs are manageable and parts are readily available. This is a car you can confidently consider, provided you prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection and are prepared for typical vintage vehicle maintenance.
While fundamentally sound, a 1987 Grand Prix is an old car and requires a cautious approach. Its simple design and readily available parts make repairs manageable, but the critical factor is diligent inspection for rust and age-related electrical woes. Find a well-maintained example from a dry climate, and you'll ha…
Best Model Years
1986-1987 (final years of the G-body Grand Prix for the classic RWD platform)
Years to Avoid
None stand out particularly for the G-body generation; condition is more critical than specific year.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust, simple mechanicals (engine, transmission)
- Excellent parts availability (shared GM platform)
- Relatively easy for DIY repairs
1987 Pontiac Grand Prix — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that tend to fail first on the 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
Corrosion is a pervasive issue, attacking floor pans, rocker panels, rear wheel wells, trunk floors, and critical frame sections, particularly the rear crossmember. This compromises structural integrity and can lead to costly bodywork or…
Aging wiring, brittle connectors, and tired components lead to common failures such as power window motors, gauge cluster malfunctions, intermittent lighting issues (headlights, dash lights), and failing HVAC controls. Grounding issues a…
Years of driving degrade common wear items like ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, and sway bar links, leading to loose steering, excessive road noise, and poor handling. Power steering pump leaks and steering box play are…
1987 Pontiac Grand Prix Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the car is barely broken in. Focus on verifying basic maintenance has been performed, like oil changes and tire rotations. You might encounter early signs of electrical gremlins or minor leaks, but major issues are rare.
Maintenance Zone
This mileage signifies the need for more significant preventative maintenance. Expect to refresh fluids (transmission, coolant, brake), inspect belts/hoses, and potentially replace spark plugs and wires. Suspension components may start s…
Elevated Risk Zone
Here you'll begin encountering components nearing the end of their service life. Plan for potential transmission servicing (if not already done), a more thorough suspension overhaul (ball joints, tie rods), and continued vigilance on ele…
High Risk Zone
Cars at this mileage will require ongoing attention. While the core engine and transmission are robust, expect to address major components like a transmission rebuild, significant suspension work, or rust remediation. Pre-purchase inspec…
1987 Pontiac Grand Prix Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$450-700
Moderate Repairs
$300-1,000 occasionally for items like an alternator, water pump, or a set of suspension components. Parts are cheap, labor can be reasonable.
How Long Does the 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix Last?
For a 1987 model, absolute mileage is less critical than documented maintenance history and the car's physical condition. A 150,000-mile car with meticulous records and no rust is far superior to a 60,000-mile garage queen with dry rot and unknown history.
What 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Classic, distinctive styling that stands out today.
- Comfortable, floaty ride quality ideal for cruising.
- Simple, robust drivetrain that's easy to maintain.
- V8 engine option delivers satisfying, effortless power.
Common Frustrations
- Poor fuel economy, especially with the V8.
- Vague steering and soft suspension limit spirited driving.
- Interior plastics and fabrics show age and can be brittle.
- Significant potential for rust and corrosion in susceptible areas.
Who Should Buy the 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix?
Best For
- Classic car enthusiasts on a budget
- DIY mechanics looking for a straightforward project
- Drivers who appreciate comfortable, old-school American cruisers
Not Ideal For
- Drivers seeking modern fuel efficiency or sharp handling
- Anyone unwilling to perform basic maintenance or address age-related issues
How the 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix Compares to Rivals
The Grand Prix stands as a testament to the simplicity and durability of GM's G-body platform, making it a far more approachable and repairable classic than many of its more technologically ambitious or exotic contemporaries. Its direct competitors are its platform siblings, a…
More Reliable Than
- Many more complex European luxury cars of the era (for simplicity and repair costs)
- Some early-production front-wheel drive platforms (for durability)
- Cars with highly specialized, hard-to-find parts
Comparable To
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo (G-body)
- Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (G-body)
- Buick Regal (G-body)
Safety Recalls on the 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
EQUIPMENT
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
What breaks on the 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Pontiac Grand Prix — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Pontiac Grand Prix. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 1987s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix
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Frequently Asked Questions
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