Overview & Reviews

Very minimal changes this year as Pontiac concentrates on Grand Prix and Trans Sport launches. Air conditioning is now standard. Also, three new colors are added.

• Cheap thrills, sporty image, fun Twin Cam engine

• Aging platform, poor handling, uncomfortable seats

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 75.00

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  Mine has held up good - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cardude - December 9 - 2:00 am

  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 arent 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.

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  One great Ride - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dave Sarasota FL - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Looks great and runs even better... own since new... Normal wear and tear turn 70,000 never a major repair. great car...

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  Not a good car! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tam - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 97 GA for 5 years, and Ive 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 Ive 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 cant even remember had added up to big $ on this car! I will not be purchasing a GA again!

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  97 Pontiac Grand Am GT Sedan - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By 97 GT - October 22 - 10:16 pm

  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

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  1997 Pontiac GRAND AM SE 2 dr 2.4 ltr Automatic - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By larrytauch - August 23 - 10:40 am

  We purchased the GRAND AM SE 2dr 2.4 ltr Automatic with 39k January 14th 2014. Runs, Drives, Handles, and Comfortable Vehicle!

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  Fun to drive! Not fun to maintain! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Car Junkie 2010 - June 28 - 8:03 am

  This car is very fun to drive and is great if youre 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.

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  Worst Car Ever Owned - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JRALS1 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  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 dont beat on my cars too badly, it just has major problems, I wouldnt recoommend this car to anyone!!

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  n/a - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jose - May 31 - 11:13 am

  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.

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  Looks R deceiving! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By RnR Joe - May 16 - 6:00 am

  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 doesnt work! Not a great deal...

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  Meh - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Mattbag - May 14 - 7:56 am

  Great looking car, however, my 4 Cyl manual engine seems to have no power at all. Acceleration is the worst Ive seen. I dont know if its because of some problem, but its 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.