Used 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Coupe Consumer Reviews
Loved this car!
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 First Car
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.
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- Technology
- Performance
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- Reliability
- Value
- GTP CoupeMSRP: $4,495908 mi away
97 Grand prix coupe
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.
Awesome
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 Best Car Ever.
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.
Love my car
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!
THIS IS TRUE DRIVING EXCITEMENT
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!!!
Zoom
This car hauls, Looks good , and is a great value.
Love this car!
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.
SUPERB CAR!!!
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.
what a awesome car! hold on to it!
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!
showing age
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
built to put a smile on your face
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!
GTP Review
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.
Alternators3
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.
Grand Prix
The Grand Prix is an excellent car that is fun to drive and has great gas mileage.
Excellent Car!
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.
Good but it has its moments
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.
A bad bitty
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.
Great Choice
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.
97 GTP
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.
Watch Out For Falling Headlights
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!
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!
Red 97 GT
I bought it used August 1, 2003 with 116k I have only had it 5 months and now it has 122k..I like it so far I traded a 92GP for it and it was a reliable car so I decided to stay with a GP. I like the handling and the gas mileage but the window motor makes me mad because it takes for ever to roll the window up GM needed to put a better window motor in it. the oil pan leaked so I had to change the gasket and it hasn't leaked since then. It is a little rough on bumpy roads.Over all I really like the car.
Fun 2 drive terrible to fix
I bought the car when it was about 3 years old. The car has good power and great excelleration, good to great handling depending on your tire selection. Electrical problems and nickle and dime repairs has plagued this car though.
Ignition Key Removal
I have been having problems removing the ingition key. The problem turned out to be a faulty switch on the shift lever. The switch was a part of the gear lever and could not be replaced independently. This problem has a $425 price tag to repair. I was told it was a problem that is common but there is no bulletin or recall. Something like a switch should be designed to be replaces on it's own and not as a part of a complete assembly. Automobile repair costs are a;ready high and a design like this is just another reason to look at Japanese Imports.
Great car, but expensive to own
I love the way this car drives. For its size it handles well and has lots of power. It looks great also. The interior is kind of cheap looking. The first 2 years I have had it I had no problems. Now it seems like I have problems constantly. Quick advice to anyone with a GM, don't leave the 5 year coolant in for 5 years unless you like replacing your entire cooling system.
The Great One
This car is awesome its got the pickup to compete with the best of them but, slow over time. Not good on gas but has size and luxary with SPEED!! Got a 3.5 liter and great for squealing.
love this car
I bought this car brand new in 97 and after 7 years I have had only 1 problem (transmission). It handles well and seats passengers comfortably. My biggest complaint would be the service I received on it at the dealer, they couldn't seem to get it right the first time. Despite my issues with the service department this car has been a dream, I'm sure going to miss it when I get a new car.
First year went well!
I bought this car just over a year ago, and I still absolutely love it. I haven't had many problems... my shifter remains stuck in park, which is annoyingly solved with a key every time I start the car. Other than that, I couldn't be happier with it! After owning a 1987 Park Avenue, this is so much more fun, but it's still practical for Wisconsin Winters. I guess Pontiac could have put a little more into the interior styling. It's a little cheap feeling, but not ridiculously so.
A fun car to drive
fun to drive, not bad on gas at 30 mpg turnpike speed. Wide track is good but even better with a plus 1 tire package.
My New Baby
This is the best car i will ever own and it is so fast. the handling is just amazing. And the are so many customizations that look great on the car. Rims, hood, spoiler, all of it looks great.
A real delight to drive.....
Overall experience has been exceptional except for some normal replacement parts.etc Brakes,tires,battery, headlights......
Avoid the GP at all costs
My vehicle was at the dealership at least once per month to diagnose problems. While the car looks great, and the performance is fantastic, the car lacks in overall quality. It is unreliable, costly to maintain, and quite frankly, unsafe to drive when one considers the nature of its mechanical failures. In total (before I got rid of it at 190K), the vehicle incurred approximately $16,000 in repair costs, with $12,000 of those costs incurring within the warranty/extended warranty period. This includes an engine overhaul after total engine failure at 120K.
longevity & fun
I'm just now thinking of selling my '97 GTP....i like performance, and have been out looking at replacing with BMW or equivalent. I'd love to buy another, but it has NOT retained its value...although it has retained it's performance. Things just now (125K miles) starting to show wear. I do a lot of highway miles, and the GTP made it fun.
Starting to show age
My GP is great but it's starting to show it's age. Sterring wheel controls stopped working and i needed new rear struts a few months ago, power window switch went as well fortuantly it wasn't the motor. The engine is still running great. And this is car is very structually sound, a few years ago a large tree limb fell on the car, and the car was driveable no broken glass or lights, door trunk and hood could open and close. Gas milage wasn't that good until I upgraded to a K & N air filer gas miliage went from 18-19 around town to 21-22n and highway went from 23-24 to 28-29.
Great 1st Vehicle
Bought this as my first new vehicle and ordered it before it was in the showrooms. Still drives like a dream without any problems. Sporty, reliable, and fun. I highly recommend this vehicle.
Great Midsize car
I bought this car new and it has been fairly trouble free. I haven't put plugs in it or done any kind of tuneup and it still runs great. Upgraded the tires when the first set wore out to 245-50-16 Bridgestones and the car really stuck. Only complaint would be that it didn't come in a stick.
Old Faithfull
I used to own a 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix SE and was amazed at how reliable it was; under every bad weather and road condition you could feel safe and assured. I recently purchased a 1997 GT and have found no fault with it as well, other than a few minor scratches and dings. Its nice to know that qaulity didn't skip a generation. I can't believe how good of gas miliage I get with the 3800 series II V6, which I here is one the Top 6 Engines for qaulity in the world. I like this one and hope it will last me along time. Cheers Pontiac
fun car, great MPG
average of 25 MPG city and hwy combined!
My $500 Beater
This car has started EVERY TIME... No matter how cold or hot it starts... It has the most awesome acceleration of any car I have driven... I recommend this car for any first time driver... Watch your fluid levels and this car will rust away before you blow the motor guaranteed... Love this car...
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Fast and furious
This car is amazingly fast and in addition gets great gas mileage a real sleeper. Awesome weekend warrior at the race track.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
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- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
I love my car
I love my 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix ! It is the most awesome car I have ever owned..fun to drive, reliable, and the supercharged engine is GREAT ! The car is just a all around fun car to drive, and hugs the road with tight steering, and is aerodynamic in driving ! If you are considering a 1997 body.. it is a beautiful style !