1997 Pontiac Grand Am Consumer Reviews

Good car for many years

Written by: Whateverusay600 on 04/22/2008

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Grand Am 4 Dr GT Sedan

Review

I drove my 97 Grand Am for 7 years and it was very reliable, I did have problems with the window motor, brakes and a few minor things. Traded it in at 186,000 miles and it was really starting to make some scary noises. Cheap stereo system had to be replaced. Front wheel drive went through tires like nobody's business.

Favorite Features

The 6 cylinder had some get up and go. Looked good. Ran great for years.

Suggested Improvements

Better brake system, stereo system upgrade and was so low to ground it hurt my knees getting in and out. Also cheap plastic handle for trunk broke off.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Danger!!!!! walk away from the looks!

Written by: Sissymlb on 03/14/2007

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Grand Am 2 Dr GT Coupe

Review

I bought this car because it looked so good on the lot.(big mistake) 1 week after i bought it the window motor went out then the alternator went i have replace it 4 times about once a year average the ignition switch has broke 3 times ? (over 400.00 a time ) the water pump, the power steering pump, i have replaced the brakes 3 times i have to replace tires twice the whole front end, the straps on the muffler have broke 5 times my cd player quit 6 months after i bought it if you have seen the movie the money pit. i'm living it with my car like i said when i seen it i had to have it because the looks ....for your own sake keep looking....

Favorite Features

the sporty look outside

Suggested Improvements

build the whole thing better!!!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good reliable car

Written by: D'Arcy on 08/22/2006

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Grand Am 4 Dr GT Sedan

Review

Almost 10 years old and going strong. Two engine gasket replacements, one on warranty were the only items out of ordinary wear and tear. Good reliable car.

Favorite Features

The body looks trim and stylish.

Suggested Improvements

A little more room in the passenger compartment would make it more comfortable on road trips.

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My l997 Pontiac Grand AM SE V6 IS A 10

Written by: Pamela Brandt on 07/14/2006

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Grand Am 2 Dr SE Coupe

Review

I bought my 1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE brand new from the dealer. It has been a wonderful and reliable vehicle. This V6 3.1 liter engine vehicle never breaks down, body style is sharp, made very well. It drives as smooth today as the day that I drove it out of the showroom.

Favorite Features

Steering wheel, V6 engine pick-up, smooth ride, color burgundy, spoiler, sporty look, tires and rims, overall general appearance good.

Suggested Improvements

The seats could be a little wider or more room in between seats and middle because if something falls on floor, very hard to find and maneuver yourself to find object.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Meh

Written by: Mattbag on 06/27/2006

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Grand Am 4 Dr SE Sedan

Review

Great looking car, however, my 4 Cyl manual engine seems to have no power at all. Acceleration is the worst I've seen. I don't know if it's because of some problem, but it's discouraging. Engine can sputter shortly after starting leaving you trapped in an intersection without any power. Good looking car though. No rust, however, Fog lights appear to be burned out and seem next to impossible to get to. Some underbody flaps near the engine are hanging down. I like the car, but I hate having to rev over 3.5 rpm to get any decent horsepower.

Favorite Features

Neat interior and interior lights.

Suggested Improvements

Easier access to fog lights. More power on lower end models.

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n/a

Written by: jose on 04/23/2006

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Grand Am 4 Dr SE Sedan

Review

I drove between N.C and Wash DC for two years the car never broke and it has 115,000 miles still driving like new. I did not drive it for a year because i was serving overseas the only hing i had to replace was the battery and one rod. it is a great car.

Favorite Features

Is a four cylinder but it is fast

Suggested Improvements

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Fun...at a cost!

Written by: jhawkes on 01/11/2006

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Grand Am 2 Dr GT Coupe

Review

I love driving this car--it performs very well for the cost ($5,000 in early 2004) and handles like a dream for its age. However, there are some issues. I had to replace the brakes and need new pads literally every six months (and I don't drive it very hard). The audio display and climate settings displays sometimes show goofy non- numerical junk and/or no display at all. I've also had some issues with a grinding noise when turning (which is probably the result of hitting a deer - the mechanic's error, not Pontiacs). Finally, the driver's side window has given me all sorts of trouble (two window-engine replacements and still an issue). BUT, fun to drive!

Favorite Features

Great torque (in all gears), fantastic transmission and handling. The handling could be considered too loose, but that's how I like it. I also like the looks for a '97 and again...performance is great.

Suggested Improvements

Electronics (display, windows, etc.) are a major hassle. Also, the whole brakes issue has been a real pain. Maintenence costs have been a bit steep, but it is a '97.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Grand Am

Written by: dtott on 12/11/2005

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Grand Am 2 Dr SE Coupe

Review

Bought this car for our daughter. Don't make the same mistake. Replaced water pump 4 times ($400+ each), alternator ($200), power steering pump (150), and engine ($1300). We kept thinking that would be the end, it never is. Panels inside falling apart. passenger window quit working ($350) (shop told us the arms inside are too weak and bend), moon roof quit working ($??? not fixing any more!).We will never buy a Grand am again, as we have heard from others about their repairs. Too bad it was after we bought the car that we heard all of this. This car was built for the mechanics to stay busy.

Favorite Features

Looks great on the outside.

Suggested Improvements

Build a car that does not need repairs all of the time. One that a parent can rest easy and won't strand the daughter when away from home.

5 out 7 people found this review helpful

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I won't buy same model & mfg as gm

Written by: Nizar on 12/03/2005

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Grand Am 4 Dr SE Sedan

Review

The dealer said the muffler would never rust. But the truth I had changed both muffler & tail pipe after 6 years. The car was accelerating without even put my foot on the gas puddle (this means unreliable).

Favorite Features

None. For example the air inlet always open to outside either fresh air or toxins so I can't close it or open it.

Suggested Improvements

All what I mentioned above: I had changed both muffler & tail pipe after 6 years. The car was accelerating without even put my foot on the gas puddle (this means unreliable). the air inlet always open to outside either fresh air or toxins so I can't close it or open it.

2 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Unreliable garbage

Written by: cetdas760 on 10/19/2005

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Grand Am 4 Dr GT Sedan

Review

I replaced the electric motors in all four windows, the transmission, alternator several times, chews up front brakes and disks every 20,000 miles, fuel injectors clog, no seat supports, noisy, chews up tires, no turning radius, arrghhhhh!!!!

Favorite Features

it was a gift from someone who could no longer afford to pump cash into it

Suggested Improvements

do not go near this car

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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