Used 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Beat to hell, Runs like hell
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
Great car to own
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.
The best car I have driven !!!!!!
Handles like a dream. Looks sharp. Lots of room. Lots of power. And it was made by Pontiac.
Driving excitement.... NOT!!!!!!
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!
Average Car
Expensive repairs... ABS, Steering rack, rear tail lights, seat belt buckle.
Maintenance
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.
Awesome Car
I bought this car almost 7 years ago and have loved it every day. The 3.8 L is one of GM's most reliable engines and it has lots of power when you go to pass. On the interstate I have gotten about 31MPG while at 21MPG in town. I have enjoyed the ergonomics and the heads up display. The sound system with the equalizer rocks. Traction control has been good in slick conditions.
Sayonara Grand Prix GT
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.
My Car
This car has been great to me. I love the speed and the handeling of it. I wish it was a stick. I goes just about anywhere in a short time if you know what i mean. I love this car.
Love this car...
I bought this GP with 94000 miles on it July '02. Its been running strong ever since. Its really sporty, incredibly roomy, fast and stylish. The engine is way to big for the car - and has more than enough giddyup. The interior is plush and sporty.
love it
I am the second owner and there has not been any major repair to the car other than the water pump since i bought it and the previous owner did only tune-ups and tire change nothing major either. real good car to drive and is fast too, my car has the 3.8L and it keeps up with a lot of suppose sports cars i love this car!!
my gtp
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!!!
I love my CAR
I am the original owner of this car and still am in love with its performance and look. I will always wish I could have afforded the GTP, but that's in the past. I was hit from behind at 55 mph and had minor damage and no injuries several years ago, other cars behind me (Honda and Mazda) were totalled! I haven't cared for the car like I should, and have just now started to have some problems at 91,000 miles. Needs AC replaced, and just replaced fuel tank. But hey, I haven't had a car payment in over 5 years! Interior is still beautiful except carpet on driver side is wearing down.
Decent Car
I bought this car because it was cheap and had the 3800 engine. I have had Bonnevilles and LeSabres and love this motor! Very glad they put it in a sportier car like the GP. I've had it for two months and I've had to replace the EGR valve because it kept stalling and an o2 sensor, but this is why I got it cheap! The car rides GREAT, even at 85 MPH and I'm sure it could do more but I shouldn't abuse it any harder--it has 145,000 miles! Some worry about 100,000 miles--these cars will run forever. Really. But they do have some issues that arise; make sure you maintain them. One morning I couldn't get it out of park--took the console apart and tied the stupid shifter button down.
peace of junk
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.
built on a Friday!
Consistent problems with this well beyond wear and tear. Other owners of Grand Prix have been very satisfied overall, not I. Here's a PARTIAL list: 2 batteries; 1 alternator; 1 condensor; 1 compressor; 2 o2 sensors; 2 fuel filters; 1 steering gear bushing; 1 fuel regulator; 2 heat selector resistors; 1 stereo; 3 wiper arms; 2 sets of spark plugs rated at 160 000 kms I have 114 000; the rocker panels have rusted been repaired and rusted through again; windshield is separating from the car and there is a leak in the tunk so water has left it mildewy and now it is behind the back seat. A lot for 3 years of owning. Expensive.
Great car
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.
Good looking car, but not more than this
Not a reliable car. You never know what will break down next. Constatntly have to fix something, even though I do not drive it too much. Most of the problems happen when it is too cold or too hot. Interior plastic is cheap. Headlight glass on each side just falls down by itself (probably it is a bad glue that GM uses) Dealership sells the lamp and the glass as one piece and charges around $120. I know several people who had the same problem with this car, but GM does not have a recall on them.
NO PROBLEMS SO FAR ALL HIGHWAY MILES
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!
Awful Build Quality/Reliability
At 6 yrs and 83k miles, I have a few more problems to list. Now the power door lock actuator (front, passenger) works when it feels like it ($52/part). The clear portion of the other headlamp fell off ($72/part). Dealer tried to BS me about WI climate and it not being a frequent problem (I've done the research). Still losing about a quart of oil/change, and now the high pressure hose coming into the power steering module is leaking. I rarely get above 20 MPG, now. I have reached a dilemma, do I buy a Honda, or use the $3k I have in GM Card earnings?!?!
Update!
I wrote a review about 3 years ago when I first got the car. It now has 210,000 miles and seldom has to go in the shop. I usually get 24-26 MPG, but on long trips I've gotten 34 (really). It has never left me on the side of the road, but I did have to make some costly repairs when I first got it. I might buy an 07 or 08 soon, so I thought I'd update my comments!
Typical Mid-80s GM Product
I knew what I was getting into when I bought this '97 GT Sedan, but the price was right. Typical things have gone wrong, but the car has never left me on the side of the road. Heater fan now only works on high, traction control went out (big deal), passenger's side base amp is dead (hard to replace) and I've just observed a coolant leak near the water pump, but I fear it's most likely the intake manifold. Clearcoat is peeling off the spoiler. BUT... it still runs great, it's comfortable, fast, and handles great. Doesn't use any oil, brakes are fantastic, a/c will put frost on your nose, and the back seat holds all three of my granddaughters. I love the delayed- locking feature, too.
It's been a good car overall
I got this one with 62,000 miles on it and have 208,000 now. I've put several alternators on it and two batteries. Just had the struts replaced as well. I've enjoyed the fuel economy as it has an 18 gallon fuel tank that allows me to drive for 500 miles when on road trips with work before needing to fill up. Gas guage broke a year after I got it, so I just fill up every 350- 400 miles to be safe. I got 224,000 miles out of an '89 Grand Am, so these cars can go for a while if you take care of them. Also have an oil leak and did with the Grand Am too. That's been my biggest complaint along with the alternators.
137,000+ and counting
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.
Hunk 'o Junk
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.
Alright car
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.
I love this car!!!
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!!!
the review
this is a very quality vehicle if your wanting something that has some speed for its class but is still comfortable to drive
Great Car
I love this car! I bought it in 1999 and it had 34,000 miles on it. Now it has approx. 113,000 miles on it. No real major problems at all. Some problems with power window motors. It hugs the road real nice and always has power when you need it.
Not all lemons are in trees
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.
Decent Car
I bought this car back in the summer of '00. Since then the car has a pleasure to drive. But with all good things there are some hidden flaws. There have been problems with the radiator, brakes, alternator, transmission, heater core, water pump, and some electronics. After a year or two of driving this car the expenses have grown more than what was expected. But I must say that this car has been much more fun to drive than the beaten up '91 Saab sitting next to it.
pontiac
wonderful, I am most comfortable in the seats, I do wish for more side bolster support
The Family Heirloom
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.
maybe I can make lemonade
loved the looks and fun to drive when its driveable. Owned one year repaired wiper motor twice, battery, alternator, replaced the steering rack, brakes and rotors twice, oil leak, park interlock on shifter broken replaced once now needs a new shifter. a/c stopped working, so far in one year we have spent over $3,ooo on repairs and now are having transmission problems.
Owned for 6 years
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.
Looks are deceiving
Great sound system, rides good, fun to drive, nice interior, very unreliable, electronic dashboard has bugs in it, not good gas mileage, alternators are bad
damngoodcar
liked everything about this pontiac. my next car will be a gtp
Sleeping Giant
I've owned my GP for about 6 months now and its time to write a review. What can i say about this car except WOW. I got mine for a steal at only $4600. My previous car was a 97 GA with the 2.4, needless to say, there is certainly an increase in power. I absolutley love this car, it's fast, handles very well, and looks incredibly mean. freeway driving is a blast, and it only takes a moment for the speedo to jump from 70 to 100, which makes passing a breeze. I have found that working under the hood isn't that bad, much easier than the GA. there are plenty of perfomance parts available, and they are easy to find. best of all, nothing makes my day like annihilating some kid in a boy-racer. LOVE IT!!!
OK, but not great
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!
Red is hot
I absolutely love my car. I have had it over 6 years and it now has 120,000 miles on it. I just drove down from Massachusetts to Florida and it was a joy. The car purred. Great on the highway and suburb in heavy traffic.
Mostly Content!
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.
Jones GP Review
Had to replace transmission twice,other than that, I've had good performance and reliability from the GP. Great looking car and very comfortable.
Best car for a college student.
I am a college student that lived about 200 miles from home an this car got me through with no problems. It as plenty of room to move tv, sound system, computer, and all my cloths. I love the power of the GT but wished I'd went for the GTP. I've done several long (500+ mile) trips and there is nothing more comfortable. Handles great in the snow, no problems driving through western Pennsylvania's 5 inches of lake effect snow. Only had a few problems. Alternator went out at 75,000 miles, need new brakes at 80,000 miles and I just had to replace the water pump and hoses at 95,000 mile. All in all I love this car and wouldn't trade it for anything.
Fun to Drive WIDETRACK
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.
More Maintenance
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.
And I paid money for this?
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
My Last American Car
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.
Piece of junk !
Bought this car from a private sale about 4 years ago and it's cost my wife and I big money ever since. First the heater fan burnt out (Actually fried the wires)big dollars to fix, then the windshield vent started to leak very badly,tailight cover seals went allowing water in to rust wiring, now it appears the water pump is going and I have a concern with the transmission. It's been one thing after another ! Fuel economy is terrible as well. Only has 111,000 kms on it. Getting rid of it soon once repairs are made and this will be our final General Motors vehicle.
Nice Overall Car
I love my 97, im running dynomax and intake kickin up on 8 cyl cars
Seven-Year Review
My 1997 SE sedan has 85K miles and other than annoying radio/clock display failures, I am amazed that I have had no structural or mechanical issues. None. Gas mileage hovers around 22MPG mixed city/highway. My 3.8-litre engine purrs and still has getup when I need it, even with AC cranked. Transmission still works smoothly thru the gears. The tan cloth upholstery fabric hasn't held up all that well, and the interior ceiling fabric is pulling away along the top of the rear window. Bottom line: I've been car payment free for over two years and still have a reliable and reasonably good-looking ride. Until any serious difficulties arise, I'll just keep banking those potential payments.