1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Review
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Review
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Used Grand Prix for sale
Appraise This CarPontiac Grand Prix model years
Pontiac Grand Prix types
- Coupe
- Sedan
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Styling, performance, standard dual airbags, standard anti-lock brakes, standard traction control
Cons
- No traction control when GTP Package is ordered. Base engine could use more oomph.
What’s new
Pontiac redesigns the Grand Prix for 1997, giving buyers slick new styling, a longer and wider wheelbase and supercharged V6 power on GTP models. Traction control, antilock brakes, dual airbags and side-impact protection are standard. Optional is a built-in child safety seat.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 2dr Coupe and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$213/mo for Grand Prix GTP
Grand Prix GTP
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Ford should worry about the new Grand Prix. Loaded with standard safety features, and available in a potent supercharged, 240-horsepower edition, Pontiac's new Grand Prix successfully blends form, function, and performance into one very appealing and affordable package.
Buyers can select from one of three available Grand Prix models: SE Sedan, GT Coupe or GT Sedan. The SE Sedan is powered by a 3.1-liter V6 engine good for 160 horsepower. Optional on SE Sedan and standard on GT Coupe and Sedan is GM's 3800 Series II 3.8-liter V6, which kicks out 195-horsepower while delivering 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, figures that nearly match the base powerplant. GT models can be equipped with the GTP package, which includes a supercharged 3800 V6 that makes 240 horsepower. The penalty for selecting a GTP? Traction control is not available with this powertrain. According to Pontiac, the engine generates too much power for the enhanced traction system to handle. A beefed-up version of ETS is due soon. All GT models also feature standard battery run-down protection.
Included with the GTP package is a new transmission that allows the driver to select "Normal" or "Performance" shift modes. A revised antilock brake system includes heavier brake rotors and improved brake calipers. Increased body stiffness and revisions to the front and rear suspensions provide better handling while filtering out harshness. Steering wheel vibration is reduced thanks to the addition of a cross-beam steering column support structure. All Grand Prix models benefit from long-life fluids and parts, such as coolant designed to last five years or 50,000 miles, and platinum-tipped spark plugs that last 100,000 miles under optimal conditions.
Interiors have been redesigned, and feature analog instrumentation and large, easy-to-use controls. The dashboard is busy looking in the Pontiac tradition, and is lit by a soothing red glow at night. An integrated child seat with a removable wash-out pad is optional on all models. Newly optional is the Eyecue head-up display, which projects data for speed, fuel, radio, and turn signals onto the windshield for easy viewing. Increased front seat track and track width improves comfort for passengers front and rear. The standard driver information center includes a tire-pressure monitoring system. Standard on GT Sedan and optional on GT Coupe is MagnaSteer variable effort steering, which uses magnetism to vary steering effort.
Dual airbags, antilock brakes, and traction control are standard on every Grand Prix, though ordering the GTP package on a GT model will knock traction control off the list. All 1997 Grand Prix models boast improved side-impact protection, and bumpers front and rear are designed to withstand a five-mph impact with no structural or lamp damage. Sedans feature child-safe rear door locks, and an integrated child safety seat is optional for all models.
Yes, Ford should be worried. Interest in the Taurus and aging Thunderbird has waned in recent years because buyers have been drawn to more attractive and often more affordable alternatives. With the introduction of the new Pontiac Grand Prix, we predict that the Ford battleship will take one more serious hit from the competition.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix.
5 star(54%)
4 star(34%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
106 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Beat to hell, Runs like hell
fisher580, 01/09/2012
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4dr Sedan
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
4 out of 5 stars
Great First Car
Ryan, 10/05/2015
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 2dr Coupe
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Great car to own
marlene, 07/17/2010
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 4dr Sedan
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.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Loved this car!
Spirit711, 06/10/2006
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr Coupe
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!
1997 Grand Prix Highlights
Coupe
GTP
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $213/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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