Used 1997 Pontiac Grand Am Consumer Reviews
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Best car so far I have ever owned
1997 Pontiac grand am is the first brand new car I have ever owned. I loved it and really miss it just had to get rid of it couple months ago. Only minor repairs, alternator. This car was bought for me but was a company car and at one time had to be used as a service vehicle to get to service calls. My brother drove it probably about a year and believe me my brother is absolutely hell on vehicles but this car really really held up. Like I said before best car I have ever owned.
Impressed
I bought this car used from a friend who had bought it used. I have no idea how well it was taken care of before I bought it, but I assume not very well. I have owned it for three years and have yet to have a problem with it. There are interior/cosmetic issues from previous use but it has never been a problem for me. I've driven two hour trips across Michigan several times and never had a problem. This is one tough car. Perfect for a student/young driver who just drives in town and who is on a budget.
- SE SedanMSRP: $1,9951,874 mi away
I'll Miss Her
I absolutely loved this car, it was my baby, my pride and joy. Mother bought it back in '02 and gave it to me in '07 as a graduation gift. We did spend X amount of dollars fixing the water pump, alternator, and the heater coil. Other than that, the car was everything I could have asked for. It finally broke 120k miles in the beginning of Feb, but on the 14th I lost control of it, barrel rolled it, and it was totaled. She was a very good reliable car throughout her 12 years she gave to me and the elderly couple that owned it before me.
Meh
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.
Great car
I have a 1997 Pontiac grand am se 4 door sedan, it has the 2.4 litre four cylinder. I bought it used with 130.000 miles on it to use for a work car, I drive 80 miles round trip to my job at a mine in Montana, I love this little car, today after work the snow was at the bottom of the doors and it was 12 above zero and my Pontiac never once hesitated, she has 172.000 miles in her and I will drive it until it won't go anymore. Have had minor problems but nothing major. And 36 mpg on the highway.
1997 Pontiac GRAND AM SE 2 dr 2.4 ltr Automatic
We purchased the GRAND AM SE 2dr 2.4 ltr Automatic with 39k January 14th 2014. Runs, Drives, Handles, and Comfortable Vehicle!
Best car ever owned
I bought this 97 grand am in fort hood, tx back in 2005, mind you car already 8 years old. Make a long story short 13 years later and 182,000 miles the only thing I have majorly replaced was the cooling intake and flex pipe by manifold. I see a lot of complaints about this car, make a long story short reason this car is at 182,000 and still going change oil right at 3000 miles. Injector cleaner every other fill up, plugs done at every 5000 miles and etc. Once again best car I ever had
great economical car
I have 155,000 miles on this car and it still runs smooth. My family has used this car for years and now it is being passed down to my son who is off to college in July. We replaced the alternator and have had problems with the window motors. Other than that, excellent car and looks great!
GET EXTENDED WARRANTY
Motor 3.1 has intake manifold problems, rebuilt engine at 46,000. altenator 50,000 replaced all window motors. Trans went out at 68,000 and now timing chain just broke at 85,000 and the radiator leaks. Also changing the back 3 plugs is a pain in the a$$.
Great car
After 6-1/2 years and over 90,000 miles, this car is still running great and still looks great. I had to replace the fuel pump last year (approximately $700), but it had over 85,000 miles at the time. Other than that, I've had no problems with this car. Other people who have borrowed my car comment about how easy it is to drive and how well it handles.
Fun to drive! Not fun to maintain!
This car is very fun to drive and is great if you're looking for some fun, but I hope you have money to stick into it. The power windows are junk. Had to replace muffler, needed new brake pads, blinkers wig out on me. Many little things that come with age. With all that being said, very fun to drive.
not a quad 4
this is not a quad 4, it is a 2.4l twin cam, the quad 4 was in the 95 and below grand am's, it was a 2.3 and said quad 4 on it, so they didn't put a quad 4 in another car, this engine is actually pretty reliable, granted, there are "those" cars that have problems from the get go, i love my GA and would suggest future posters to study up a bit on their car before writing a review.
Looks R deceiving!
Bought based on VERY clean looks and quick test ride. Turns out passenger window motor is shot, brakes and struts needed immed replacement, drivers seat support fell through and radio display doesn't work! Not a great deal...
Good inexpensive car
I only paid $13,000 for this car. The only problem was the alternator at 50,000 miles. otherwise problem free. Good on gas and plenty of power with only a 4 cylinder!? Nearly 7 years old and it looks and drives as good as new
Danger!!!!! walk away from the looks!
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....
Grand Am's a great car!
I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a fun, reliable car. With 102,000 miles on it, and it still runs as good as new. I have never had any repairs done other than routine maintenance. Seem to go thru brakes pretty often, however. Very smooth, peppy V-6 and good ride for a small car. Everything within easy reach of driver's seat. Great versatility for a small car with rear-folding seats. 6 years old, and I get comments on what a great looking car I have... is it new?
easy on the eyes hard on the wallet
While it was still under warranty it was fine a few minor problems but nothing major. At about 40,000 we had to replace the intake manifold, then the driver side widow motor went out (riveted in not screwed like most other electric motors), water pump went out at about 50,000 alternator went out at 37,000, 60000 and 850000. We were unable to remove the key from the ignition; we found a solenoid under steering column was sticking (the dealership told us this model didnt have this solenoid). The car is fun to drive and comfortable Im just tired of having to fix it more then my 1987 Ford Bronco.
231k, I made the car work!
Car was bought new (1997 Grand-Am SE, 4-door, loaded) and I end up donating it in 2014 since it was having too many problems after so many miles and year. The car did have a lot of problems at the beginning and I should have maybe returned it under the lemon laws. Either the dealership knew about the problems for that car and they didn't want to replace it or they were incompetent (all troubleshooting and part replacements was cover under warranty up to 60k). Engine and transmission: The car had lots of problems with the timing chain and had to go in several times to have a sensor and controller for the timing chain fixed. It was funny right after the warranty ran out and I had the 60k service and I picked up the car from dealership, the transmission blew on it (at 67k). Needless to say I never went back to the dealership. I found a mechanic who was very knowledgeable and managed to fix the timing issue. The car was notorious for blowing up the coil cover! This was/is a plastic piece and it would dry up and crack which would cause mis-fires and no-starts (from what I was told). Had to replace the catalytic converter convertor on it twice over its lifetime. Another problem with the car was the water-pump that would need to be replaces every 3 to 4 years. The water pump I got for the car had a life-time warranty, but the labor to replace it was huge. The water pump is located behind one of the front wheels (side mounted engine, I believe the pump was behind passenger side front wheel). The wheel had to be removed to get to the water pump (I think it was listed as 12 hours of labor in the mechanics book, PAIN TO GET TO) and timing had to be checked after replacement. I blew the head gasket on the car once also (I guess this goes down to wear and tear) Performance: I do have a heavy foot and I did a lot of mixed driving, the car would give 22 to 24 mpg on mixed driving (city and highway). Highway only, I would get 30 to 33 mpg (depending on traffic and terrain). I would go through tires every 15 to 25k miles, lots of wear on the front tires due to heavy foot. The driver seat became uncomfortable over the years as I gained weight and the seat sagged!! Cost: I paid 20k total for the car (loaded with all the options and lo-jack, included 2.99 interest rate and registration fees in 1997), over the life of the car I put in another 10k on major maintenance issues (tires, breaks, batteries oil changes and regular maintenance not included, guess that's another 10-15k over the life of the car), I guess I got my money's worth for the 17 years that I kept the car. If you want to buy this used car, beware you have to pay for maintenance.
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Very Dependable Car!
I bought this car brand new in September 1997. It now (Feb. 2005) has 95000 miles. I am very impressed with it's dependability. The only problem that frustrated me was that the brakes needed to be replaced more often than most other cars. I love the radio and overall design. I am looking forward to driving it many, many more miles!
Great car for 7 years
My 1997 SE V6 still runs strong and smooth. It has required extremely little attention besides synthetic oil changes every 6 months. Overall red paint still looks great. No gosh-awful chrome/aluminum/titanium interior trim that seems every nicer vehicle has to have these days!!
!997 Grand Am GT
I bought this car in August of 1996. The only problem I had was last year my driver side power window let go. I brought it back to the dealer, they took care of it. I have 89,000 miles on it and I'm going to run this car till it dies. It still has the power to get up and go. I did have to replace the brakes twice, also the rotor's were replaced also. Besides that the car is sound. I highly recommend the Grand Am GT.
good car
I have had this car around for awhile. It has 240,000 miles on it,3.1v6. Had the water pump replaced at 230,000 and new intake manifold gaskets last week. Can't complain about that after this many miles.Basic maintenance items shocks struts, tune ups, fluid changes brakes etc. Still runs great and looks good.
Grand Am is TO EXPENSIVE TO OWN!!!
When I bought my car it had 16,000 miles on it by 30,000 I had to replace the ignition switch then few months later I had to replace the driver side window motor. Everything was fine for awhile then I had to replace the water pump due to leaking coolant. By 50,000 I had to replace the window motor once again. I replaced my rotors 2 times and the break pads on the front 3 times the drums in the back were replaced 1 time. My final straw was when the air compressor for the ait conditioner went out it was 360$ just for the part so I got rid of the peice of junk and I WILL NEVER BUY PONTIAC AGAIN!!!!!!!
MY GRAND AM
I bought my 97 Grand Am brand new off the lot in March of 1998. It was the only one left, manual stick shift and all. I ended up loving it. Never really a problem for 120,000 plus miles. Recently changed some plugs and coils - that is it outside of brakes once.
Mine has held up good
I bought my Grand Am SE V6 in August of '97. It now has 175,000 miles on it. In my experience the brakes last about 25,000 miles between replacement. I have had very few problems with this car and it never broke down. I had to have the intake manifold gasket replaced at about 140,000 because it was leaking coolant, but at this mileage a lot of cars aren't running anymore. Was going to buy another till I looked at the window sticker of a 3.4 liter V6 model & saw: source of engine - MEXICO. Thank you NAFTA. Now I drive a Honda with an engine that was made in U.S.A., go figure.
pontiac is poor quality
My 97 grand am as cost me over 3000 dollars in repairs alone. If you are a smart buyer you should stay away from the quad four engien. I would like to say also, that in my experience pontiacs are more trouble than they are worth. I have had three of them and every one self destructs undernieth me. Little things that cost you $100 and big things that cost you $500. In my opinion a smarter buyer will go over seas or to ford for a quality car.
A Cheap Car
I bought my Grand Am when I was strapped for cash. It was affordable.In the first 30 days of owning it the alternator and the battery went out. I have since replaced the alternator 3 times.The brakes have also been replaced 3 times. Major overhaul on them each time, costing me several hundred dollars. My transmission leaks badly, the water pump has been replaced, as has the serpentine belt. I also expeience severe vibrations when driving on the highway. I wouldn't by another grand am. I cannot afford to get it fixed every few months.
Emily Bahm
Great car have had it for four years. Drive from Philly to Pittsburgh a lot. Only had to replace heater core recently and a lower control arm.
Worst Car Ever Owned
I own this piece of junk. I bought it in 9/2000 with only 47000 miles on it. It now has 65000 two years later and I have put well over 2 grand into it. The tranny went out, the shifter cable snapped, replaced the clutch(since the tranny was out), brakes twice, alternator, and all of the basic stuff. I don't beat on my cars too badly, it just has major problems, I wouldn't recoommend this car to anyone!!
Got money? You'll need it...
Up until last week I swore I would always stick w/ Pontiac. Then my water pump went and because the Quad4 engine is so insane it would cost me $800+ to have a $44 water pump replaced. As it is my husband has to completely disassemble the engine, jack it up, remove the timing chain, etc. just to get to the water pump. My landlord owns an auto repair shop and refuses to even touch my Quad4 setup. I'm getting rid of it within a month before I end up spending $1500 for a used head plus labor...
Great buy
I bought my grand am about a year ago for 4,000 it runs good and drives like a new car. It only has 66k and am happy that it will last
LOVED this car!!
I bought my 1997 Grand Am SE v6 used in 2008 with 136,000 Miles on it. I loved this car, I spent two winters in wisconsin with -10 degree weather and it started right up every single time. Got pretty good mileage, 26+ as long as I drove properly. Sadly, I rolled it at 85 MPH with 172,000 miles on it, but walked away from that, so I guess it has pretty good safety as well! Only minor upkeep- oil changes, changed brakes and tires one time. Great pick-up for a v6 and never had an issue with it! I miss my Grand Am.
Grand Am
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.
n/a
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.
Keeps on Running
Bought my Grand Am in 97 with only 4 miles on it. It now has over 105,000! Only repair that has been done was a water pump (at around 50,000 miles). Other than normal maintence, car has not cost me anything. Runs great everyday. I have the 4 cyl / 5 speed combo which works great. I wish that they had offered the 5 speed with the 6 cyl engine. Car does not excell at any particular thing, but does not bother me since it runs so good. Been very happy with my Grand Am.
Decent Car for the $
This is a decent car with good performance, adequate handling, and great looks. Original BF Goodrich tires were marginal in wet conditions, so Goodyear Auqatreads were put on (and do MUCH better). Biggest headache for DIYers is changing the serpentine belt - it required special tool rental and removing an upper motor mount! No belt should be that involved!
Great car overall
The car is great. It's been to Florida several times. It's much more fun and comfortable to drive than a Cadilac Seville. I've had to replace the passenger window motor ($150) and the shift column assembly ($325) in the five years I've owned it. Brakes and tires are worn fairly quick. It's well worth the little extra surprises in my book!
Good reliable car
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.
Not a good car!
I've had my 97 GA for 5 years, and I've had only problems with it. I bought it used, and luckily I bought the extended warrantly with it -- the warranty paid for itself and them some. Just off the top of my head, I can think of several major problems I've had with it -- the rack and pinion had to be replaced (big $-- happened after my warranty expired!), the brake rotors and pads have been replaced twice, two water pumps, an oxygen sensor, and several other repairs that I can't even remember had added up to big $ on this car! I will not be purchasing a GA again!
Great Car
First of all I would like to say this cars speakers are incredible. I bought 2 12" subs (which the alternator ran fine with, more on that in a litte) and the speakers sounded great even with the volume all the way up. the alternator is pretty good at 105amps, it ran my sound system for about 2 months before fially failing to charge my battery, but parts for this car are dirt cheap and i upgraded it. Performance is great espically w/ the v6. great car
Fun Alternative to Foreign Models
Great little Ride. My first choice was a Honda or Toyota, but opted for an American model becuase of the price options. Besides the fuel economy I love this car!
My 97 Pontiac
This car has been a good car with a few minor problems. I have had the following failures: Alternator, muffler,brakes, and loss of refrigerant in the air conditioning system.
Love my Pontaic
I bought this car 5 years ago and have had nothing major go wrong with it at all. It's quick, super grippy to the curves and sharp. It's been very good to me and as long as you take care of anything that you own, it should give back in return. The car has years of life left on it...
97 Pontiac Grand Am GT Sedan
Bought this car in 2005 for my wife. The first 2 years it was in the shop 3 times for the water pump, brake fluid leak, and complete tune-up. Since 2008 i have been driving the car and my wife got the upgrade. Since i have been driving it the a/c compressor went out, the driver side mirror fell off (thank heaven for super glue 2 years and still holding), mirror control switch fell into the door, and the exhaust is leaking. My wife biggest complaint is the lack of braking power, meaning you have to push really hard not a big deal for me though. My only complaint is the lack luster V-6, very sluggish under acceleration unless hard on throttle. Overall we are pleased with the car 19 city 28 hwy
One great Ride
Looks great and runs even better... own since new... Normal wear and tear turn 70,000 never a major repair. great car...
Overall, it has been a great car
I purchased my Grand Am GT in early 98 with 7500 miles. I now have 128000 on it and it has been very good to me. I've maintained it well. I have had few problems. I replaced the water pump at around 65,000 miles. Both window regulators have went bad. I also just replaced the alternator. Overall I think it has been pretty good. It still runs, drives, and looks like new although now there are some rattles in the interior. The door panels are made cheep. The factory stereo/wCD sounds great although the display quit working. I have the 2.4/auto combination. It performs well. Power is good. It also delivers outstanding fuel economy. I recently drove half way
I will buy another one
The 2.4 4 cyl engine gave us the balance between power and economy we wanted. The purchase price was $2000 less then what I had expected to pay. We still get an average of 31 mpg today four years later. It has 230,000 miles on it. Only problem we had was the water pump went out at about 75,000 miles. The 6 month warranty extension we purchased covered that repair. It still has great acceleration when we put the peddle to to floor to pass someone going 65 MPH. It picks up quickly, allowing us to get around the other driver without any delay. Everything is still tight and nothing has come/fallen off of the interior or exterior.
Grand Am review
This vehicle is a nice compact and is good for single people who do not need much room in a car. Otherwise, it is too small for a family. The car performs well and is a stable vehicle to have around.
Grandy review
its a good car
Grand Am Review
Excellent selection for Quality, Safety, and Reliability. There are things I like about it more than other more extensive vehicles I have owned.