Used 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Consumer Reviews
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Beat to hell, Runs like hell
fisher580, 01/09/2012
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
We bought the car with 15x,xxx miles and sold it to my friend with 205,xxx and it ran great, only left us stranded once, it overheated and boiled coolant out, but we were going 90+ mph through oklahoma during 95+ degree heat. we seen that coming. drove it on a 2500 mile trip and went 3000-5000 miles between oil changes, like said beat to hell in every way and always started and rarely got stuck. he now has 225,xxx miles on it and said it runs perfect
Loved this car!
Spirit711, 06/10/2006
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 17,000 miles on it as a program car. It's absolutely been the best car I've ever owned. I have 76,000 on it now and I doubt if I've put over $1,000 in it, including regular maintenance. It's time to think about buying a new one, but I keep trying to wait until something goes wrong with this car, and it just keeps going and going!
Great car to own
marlene, 07/17/2010
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is the first time I have ever done a review but I wanted people to know that Pontiac Grand Prix was a blast. I purchased the car in 1998 with 30,000 miles on it. I have never had any problems other than replacing the alternator several times and the usual brakes and oil. Last week the car was at 323,800 when the car finally gave up. I have owned the car for 12 years going from coast to coast in it for family vacations. It will be truly missed.
Great First Car
Ryan, 10/05/2015
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I absolutely enjoy my GTP. It's such a good car. It has been reliable throughout my 3 years of owning it. While it is a big car it drives like a sports car. I've done alittle bit of engine work to mine though. The 3800 is a great platform to build and work on. They will take the abuse and building power is easy and relatively cheap to reach higher power outputs.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
97 Grand prix coupe
pontiacdude97, 10/06/2012
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr Coupe
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Needless to say, I absolutely Love this car! I enjoy destroying others on the street and absolutely confident on back country roads, does not shy from bends, twists or any kind of roads, even goes nicely down dirt or gravel roads.
Driving excitement.... NOT!!!!!!
Jay1187, 05/10/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
There are 2 things that are the most important to me when buying a car. Number 1 is the engine and number 2 is the transmission. The 4 speed automatic is excellent. It has clean crisp shifts and any throttle position. Up and downshifts are perfect. I have a serious problem with the 3.8L. How can GM use a huge displacement engine like the 3.8 but only get 195 horsepower? I have '95 Nissan Maximas outperforming me! The Maxima has a 3.0L V6 with 190 horsepower and it still outperforms my 3.8L. The 3800 series II V6 has 51.3 horsepower per liter while the '95 Maxima has 63.3 H.P.P.L. The 2002 Max has a 3.5L with 255HP! That's almost 80 HPPL!
The best car I have driven !!!!!!
tc3, 10/07/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Handles like a dream. Looks sharp. Lots of room. Lots of power. And it was made by Pontiac.
Average Car
juan_david, 03/25/2014
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Expensive repairs... ABS, Steering rack, rear tail lights, seat belt buckle.
Maintenance
cpuuri, 05/16/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Overall, I've been pretty satisfied with my Grand Prix, but its reliability has been disappointing. Always - rear bushings produce a slight grinding noise on sudden/bumpy stops 30k - power steering broke down when making a tight turn in a parking lot 40-45k - gas gauge started acting up; every 3-6 months, the stereo display scrambles 55-60k - alternator went bad; friend had same prob around same mileage 70k - seal around the oil pan leaks at the rate of 1/2 qt every 3k mi.
The Family Heirloom
3ggplant, 07/15/2011
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My grandmother purchased this vehicle new back in '97. Since then it has passed down to me. From a teen's point of view, it is pretty much all you can ask for as the engine doles out plenty of torque and noise on the high end of the rev range, yet is perfectly capable of being composed highway cruiser. We have taken numerous camping trips and the cavernous trunk would swallow up any gear we threw in. However, as I grew, the back seats really became unbearable as they sit so low to the ground your knees are practically digging into your chest and you worry your bum will scrape the pavement. (a slight exaggeration) All in all our car has held up over the years and is still in full use today.
showing age
rickster, 07/17/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
GP was great the first few years but now showing it's age, molding for windows is wearing out, power window switch broke, rear brake wore out. Can't afford a much needed tune up
Mostly Content!
QTPIE, 02/16/2003
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like the car- I prefer the newer body styles, but I think it handles well. Had to fix EGR, thermostat, axels, and throttle body sensor ($600), but I love the extra room and comfort of this car! I do think GM needs to focus on the reliability of their cars, but overall, I've been very satisfied with this vehicle.
A bad bitty
Dallas S, 01/09/2003
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I owned a 79 trans am for a while until an one day the car desided to blow up, literally. So I went into the market for a car, and found the GTP. I didn't think that a Grand Prix could take off like that. Coming from a tire eating monster I thought I would have been disappointed. I was wrong, this Pontiac hauls. And I love the mileage I'm getting.
peace of junk
Clifford H. Leighton, 02/07/2003
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
under warranty 2 radios, 1 set of spark plug wires, water pump, 2 altenators, 1 battery out of warranty 1 battery, the altenator twice (the first replacement was warranteed)1 PS pump, 2 steering racks, the engine and transmission pan gaskets are leaking and the auto-dim rear view mirror is delaminating. GM will not help with any of the out of warranty repairs.
Great car
bigmatt87, 11/01/2013
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
so theres a lot of stuff that goes wrong with this car. coolant elbow under alternator goes bad, blower motor only works on 5, and some other little quirks. but thats not where i want to go with this review. This is a SOLID CAR. i beat the crap out of my car for 8 years. from 118k to 212k miles i drive it hard. always changed the oil. the only thing that happened is 3rd gear stopped working. and honestly im surprised it lasted as long as it did with all the burnouts and snow doughnuts i did.
THIS IS TRUE DRIVING EXCITEMENT
SJUhawk2001, 04/24/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from a friend who turned around bought a 2001 because this was her first new car that never had to re-visit the dealership in 4 years of her ownership. The 3800 packs great punch with reasonable fuel economy. The ride is good on smooth roads but a bit choppy on rough roads and/or expansion joints----but nothing jarring or abnormal considering the sports suspension. Build quality is really good----no rattles BUT... the main dash panel cover is made of CHEAP plastic. Overall, dollar for dollar, you can't beat this car! Wish I had a GTP but my funds were limited at the time and I needed a new car bad!!!
97 GTP
bribrad, 02/25/2003
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I Love this car. It's a high performace car with plenty of room. It's very sporty looking. The only thing that I can say bad about the car is having a few problems with the transmission, 4th gear overdrive.
GTP Review
CWM, 08/10/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Lots of power on demand for passing or steep hills. The "head up" display is a feature ALL cars should have. It is convenient and more importantly, a saftey feature. It does not interfere with normal driving vision as it is projected only slightly above the top of the hood. The only real problems have been the Driver Info Computer, which resets itself at times, and wind noise from the side windows. Mazzei Pontiac couldn't repair either of these conditions after several repeat visits. I'm sad to hear that GM will drop the 2- door model when other manufacturers are now producing 2-doors at an invigorated pace.
Watch Out For Falling Headlights
Polskiguy, 08/24/2003
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 1997 Grand Prix GT since 1996 when it first came out. Since then I have had to replace the headlight lens 3 times because it gets water leaks inside and it falls off. I have also had major problems with the rear main seal leaking oil. I had to replace that also which is a major job and very expensive. Also replaced 2 water pumps and alternater. Replaced front struts and mounts at about 100,000 miles.
I love this car!
CJE, 02/02/2005
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car to drive. I love taking it out on the highway. Even with 99K miles, it still has great pickup and incredible power. The 3.8L engine can really open up on the highway. I have to sell it now to get a car with better gas mileage. But I love it!
137,000+ and counting
LoveMyGP, 10/14/2003
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car 2 weeks after it was released. While I have had my share of problems, I think that this is my favorite vehicle ever. New cam shaft needed at 105,000. Small piece broke off. After minor overhaul, run as good as ever. My advice is to always keep up on the oil changes. Exterior finish still shines like new. I still get 30mpg on the highway at 65-70mph.
OK, but not great
ferrisfan, 05/29/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall, a good car that suffers from typical GM problems. The alternator went out at 30k, and there is a noticable grinding noise in the bushings when hitting bumps. The engine has plenty of power from a dead stop. Sometimes when trying to pass at highway speeds, there is a lag in the availability of the supercharger. Installing Goodyear Aquatread 3 tires has really improved handling/cornering!
Grand Prix
karake, 08/18/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Grand Prix is an excellent car that is fun to drive and has great gas mileage.
Hunk 'o Junk
yoodle, 10/24/2003
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In the year that I've had this car it has been nothing but problems. There is a consistent problem with the steering that three trips to the mechanic have not fixed. I am aware of the recall, but even after my mechnic replaced the entire power steering rack, the problems persist. Things seem to have improved after the struts and a tie rod were replaced though. I also had the fuel pump go, and now there is a stuttering when I'm accelerating that seems to indicate a transmission problem. At just over 50000 miles, this car has spent way too much time in the shop. I'm staying away from Pontiacs in the future.
Jones GP Review
Wanda Jones, 04/16/2005
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had to replace transmission twice,other than that, I've had good performance and reliability from the GP. Great looking car and very comfortable.
Excellent Car!
Speed Racer, 10/15/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Super fast! Nothing short of a genuine sports car with a semi-skilled driver can consistantly keep pace once you drop the pedal. Cruises effortlessly at speeds over 80 mph, and even at that speed there is still plenty of power for passing. On a lightly traveled backroad, I ran it up to 120 mph and it was still pulling hard by the time I lost my nerve. Gets 18 mpg around town, but a respectable 30 mpg on the freeway. This engine likes premium fuel. Handling is very good, but suspension could be firmer. Interior trim is fairly low grade, fit-and- finish could use some work. Overall, an excellent ride.
And I paid money for this?
Very Disappointed, 04/21/2005
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a fun car to drive when it runs. That is key. The car has stalled on me numerous times while driving, coasting, or waiting at a stop light. Other times, it simply won't start. I cannot count how many times the grand prix left me stranded. If you purchase this car, be sure to have a cell phone handy to call friends/family for a ride. Mechanics say that it is fine, but problem persists. Electrical problems abound. I will definitely do my homework before my next car purchase. When I do, quality and reliability will be at the top of my list. This car seriously lacks both. There is no worse feeling than not knowing if your car will take you from A to B without any trouble
Not all lemons are in trees
Roger Linn, 12/13/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have spent over $4,000.00 fixing air conditioner compressors, engine oil gakets, alternator, heat and air modulator valve, transmission sensors. This car is my wife's car and only has 44,000 miles. I'm done with GM. Hell-O Honda.
what a awesome car! hold on to it!
southernguy27, 04/28/2010
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have enjoyed this car since day one, I would hold on to this one since they don't make Pontiac anymore. I bought my GTP with 90k and now has 102k and runs great, the 3.8L is bulletproof, but if you get one, make sure you replace the intake manifold gaskets! they are made of plasic and leak. But GM has corrected the gaskets with aluminum ones and make sure you get the GM ones! DO NOT GET THE AFTERMARKET FEL-PRO ONES! they are also made of plasic! the car has been very reliable and extremely fun to drive. The car still looks new for a 97. I've replace a few sensors and the gaskets since I bought it but thats it. Also parts are cheap, fairly easy to work on. Find one and get it!
Zoom
jrp, 05/12/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car hauls, Looks good , and is a great value.
Love this car!
Rochelle, 11/06/2009
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was purchased for me when I turned 16... 8 years and 100,000+ miles later I still LOVE this car. The power and handling is fantastic, very fun to drive. I haven't had many issues except for electronic things... Replaced window motors, batteries. Many problems with wires and dashboard controls not working properly, but that seems to be common with Pontiac. It is roomy and comfortable.. the trunk can hold ANYTHING. I have been hit twice, and am impressed with it holding up nicely. (Doesn't look nearly as pretty now though) Now at 125000 miles I am starting to have bad problems with the electronics. Heat no longer works and it dies on me a lot. Will be very sad to replace it.
Good but it has its moments
nails, 10/11/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car drives awesome, never a problem with engine ever. Now lets get to the other things though..I have had my driver's side motor replaced twice, it needs to be replaced. I can't get it replaced with the warrenty co because the motor is not totaly burnt out. So when i want to raise the window ican't most of the time..how's this one try driving down the 90 in BUFFALO in the middle of WINTER and the window is stuck in the down position. fun!! I also had to have the wiper motor fix once. The spark plugs were messed up when i first got, the car would get up and go put it sputtered.
Sayonara Grand Prix GT
pnwson, 05/12/2011
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 1998 with 25,000 miles on it. Options I have and have appreciated are alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, power driver's seat and rear spoiler. I have put 206,600 more miles on it in the ensuing 12+ years. It has been a joy to drive. Naturally over that long there has been a few water pumps, a couple of alternators, replaced the radiator in '07, intake manifold last year in '10, oxygen sensor, engine mount, spark plugs...sigh. I dealt with all that, hoping to drive it even longer, but the transmission is slipping has been given a terminal notice by my trustworthy mechanic, and he won't touch it.
NO PROBLEMS SO FAR ALL HIGHWAY MILES
Jon Miller, 02/12/2003
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 64,000 on it. As of 2/11/03 it now has 106,000 miles on it. I drive 70 miles a day just to work ALL highway with cruise set at 71mph. Still has factory trans fluid, coolant (dexcool), and spark plugs. My only problem was the alternator which went at 79000 miles - $100 bucks and 10 minutes and it was fixed!!! Brakes had to be re done - but they were factory originals at about 81000 miles. Still burns tires if need be (with trac control off of course)!! The key is following the manual for oil changes!
The Best Car Ever.
MrMartin, 07/13/2008
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been in our family since 1997, and has been through 11 Wisconsin winters, and all of our lovely weather here, and still runs like a top. We've never had any major repairs other than standard maintenance. Has held up through one adult driver, and two teen drivers and shows no signs of stopping. It now has 136,000 miles on it and still looks good and drives great. I would not trade this for any other car, it's just too good looking and reliable, and have no bad comments to say about it.
Great Choice
Happy Couple, 02/23/2003
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car in Amarillo, TX and from there we drove it to Dallas, Red River NM, and then to Seattle, WA. It never missed a beat. One of the most dependable cars we've ever had. The V6 runs great and is a lot of fun to drive. This car handles well for its size. It also has an enormous trunk which was a great benefit when moving from Texas. The doors are way too long, however, and can be impractical in small parking spots.
built to put a smile on your face
jmdz06, 07/30/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it took 6 months for me to decide what my next car would be. i looked at everything from the 99 impreza 2.5, to the firebird formula-then i test drove a 1997 gtp coupe. simply put, the car is fabulous. yes, the firebird had more grunt, and yest the impreza is more fun to drive in rain, but the gtp combines excellent performance, good looks, and provides a level of comfort foreign to both of my other choices. not to mention that you can speed past a camaro or firebird in a red gtp, and watch the other chump get pulled over!
my gtp
batmon, 08/25/2003
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is an awesome car to drive in, it is quick with a dominating roar. the only down side is the power steering is under powered. this is an awesome ride!!!
Owned for 6 years
hardywang, 05/02/2009
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Lost my GTP in an accident, an owned it for 6 years ended with 220000KM. Generally speaking it is a good car, styling, comfort, fast. With some issues as well, in 6 years I replaced: 2 water pumps, 2 crankshaft position sensors, 1 low ball joints, 2 sway bars. Rear strut mounts are gone.
Fun to Drive WIDETRACK
GP sedan owner, 07/19/2003
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new. I had 10 problems which the dealer repaired under warranty over the first year. Oil pan leaking, power steering reservoir and hoses leaking, SRS light coming on and minor interior and trunk defects, where the delaership fixed in couple of attempts and charged GM over $1,700 (GM I hope you are listening, I don't think you made any money on my car). For the past seven years only had one other problem where both headlight lens fell off, which was also covered under warranty after lots of complaints. Now the car is 100% and runs great. This has been a very dependable car for me after the first year.
Alternators3
NicholsS, 08/12/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The alternator has been replaced three times( the first two by GM, and the third one by me). Each time the alternator was replaced, I had another electricial problem some place else(The radio , the amp and the light replay switch). GM needs to fix the alternator problem(it may be the location of the unit or the quality of the unit itself). make sure you go to a shop thath will replace the unit as long as you owns the cars.
Awesome
jackmil, 04/03/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is by far the best car i've ever owned. When and if it ever dies i'll definatly buy another one. I already have more miles on it then my last car when that died
the review
joe cinotto, 11/02/2003
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is a very quality vehicle if your wanting something that has some speed for its class but is still comfortable to drive
damngoodcar
frank geisler, 08/17/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
liked everything about this pontiac. my next car will be a gtp
SUPERB CAR!!!
cigardave, 06/17/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this 1997 Grand prix GT new in October 1997, the first year for the "Wide Track" model. This has been one fine automobile. The handling is superb. It is such a great road car. My daily commute consists of approximately 50 miles per day, all interstate. I really appreciate the "get-up-and-go" and responsiveness of this car. I would buy another one if I was ready to unload my 97. My kids tell me they want it if I decide to get rid of it.
I love this car!!!
JHoffman, 11/10/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just purchased a 1997 GP 4Dr SE sedan. Next day we road tripped it from Fresno, CA to Las Vegas. This is the most comfortable car I have ever ridden in. It has a ton of room, handles beautifully on the open road even in heavy rain and gusty winds. There are some small cosmetic fixes that need to be done, but compared to the 1988 Toyota Corolla I drove before this is FANTASTIC!!!!! I love this car!!!
More Maintenance
cpuuri-2, 11/15/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm back! Since May 2002 here's what's happened: 78k - driver's power window motor went ($100, self-installed), bearing in HVAC fan started going and fan failed ($95, self-installed), gas mileage has dropped off to 20 mpg on 60:40 highway:city; 79k - passenger- side power door lock actuator (the "motor") failed ($50, self- installed). It still leaks about a 1/2 quart of oil every fill up but I still enjoy riding it. The parts are cheaper than a monthly car payment, but if you don't like the hassle, I wouldn't recommend a Grand Prix.
My Last American Car
brett44, 03/02/2003
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a fun car to drive, but a nightmare to own. I purchaced this ride with 49,000 miles in Aug. 2001 and since replaced: water pump, raditor, driver and pass-rear power window motor, driver power seat motor, radio, pass side wheel bearing assy., blower motor, three fog lamps, two headlamps, alternator, all four rotars/brake pads, and finally a battery. Finally I got everything in working order and one hit in the rear from a F-150 later, it's a total. Best thing that's happened to the car since I bought it. Next car will be a Nissan or Honda.
Alright car
farmboy, 10/21/2009
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the car I had from sophomore year in high school through college and only now looking to replace. I bought it at about 115K miles and it now has 223K miles. It has the 3800 V6. I had to replace the intake like this engine always has to have done with it. Recently starting at about 210K I'm getting the problem with the transmission as stated on the reliability on here and rust on the underside is starting to get bad. Things that went bad: cruise, AC, blower, pwr steering, sensors, wiper fluid pump, ABS, etc. Otherwise, it has stood up to all the abuse I put it through and kept going. It's a fun ride and has gone a long ways. But to much has gone wrong for me to want to buy another.
Love my car
Stevep, 04/22/2002
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had many things replaced already, intake manifold, alternator, water pump, serpentine belt, headlights (leaking), but all of it was covered. I will be so sad when this car is gone, I can go fast, it looks great, and I still get about 24 mpg. At 78,000 miles it looks as good as my wife's 2002 GP GT rental! I told her that I prefer MY car's performance to the 2002's!