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 21 through 30 of 75.00

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  I will buy another one - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By gs496isperfect - March 9 - 10:00 am

  The 2.4 4 cyl engine gave us the balance between power and economy we wanted. The purchase price was $2000 less then what I had expected to pay. We still get an average of 31 mpg today four years later. It has 230,000 miles on it. Only problem we had was the water pump went out at about 75,000 miles. The 6 month warranty extension we purchased covered that repair. It still has great acceleration when we put the peddle to to floor to pass someone going 65 MPH. It picks up quickly, allowing us to get around the other driver without any delay. Everything is still tight and nothing has come/fallen off of the interior or exterior.

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  Good car for many years - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Whateverusay600 - February 6 - 3:00 pm

  I drove my 97 Grand Am for 7 years and it was very reliable, I did have problems with the window motor, brakes and a few minor things. Traded it in at 186,000 miles and it was really starting to make some scary noises. Cheap stereo system had to be replaced. Front wheel drive went through tires like nobodys business.

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  easy on the eyes hard on the wallet - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Muss1 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  While it was still under warranty it was fine a few minor problems but nothing major. At about 40,000 we had to replace the intake manifold, then the driver side widow motor went out (riveted in not screwed like most other electric motors), water pump went out at about 50,000 alternator went out at 37,000, 60000 and 850000. We were unable to remove the key from the ignition; we found a solenoid under steering column was sticking (the dealership told us this model didn’t have this solenoid). The car is fun to drive and comfortable I’m just tired of having to fix it more then my 1987 Ford Bronco.

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  Great Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Joe mussey - November 1 - 10:00 am

  First of all I would like to say this cars speakers are incredible. I bought 2 12" subs (which the alternator ran fine with, more on that in a litte) and the speakers sounded great even with the volume all the way up. the alternator is pretty good at 105amps, it ran my sound system for about 2 months before fially failing to charge my battery, but parts for this car are dirt cheap and i upgraded it. Performance is great espically w/ the v6. great car

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  Faster than a Civic - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By the mad hatter - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used about 8 months ago and was skeptical at first, but i was very impressed at the speed of acceleration, and with only a 4 cyl. i did some research, some on the street ;) and some online, and have learned that it is faster, (stock times), than the civic si, and the neon r/t. i have added a cold air intake, 17 wheels, spoiler, and pacesetter headers, and i love this car. it was faster than civics and neons when it was stock and now it blows them away, this car has excellent performance for the price and class. the seats could be more comfortable, but all in all, this is an awesome car.

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  !997 Grand Am GT - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Rikkirich - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in August of 1996. The only problem I had was last year my driver side power window let go. I brought it back to the dealer, they took care of it. I have 89,000 miles on it and Im going to run this car till it dies. It still has the power to get up and go. I did have to replace the brakes twice, also the rotors were replaced also. Besides that the car is sound. I highly recommend the Grand Am GT.

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  Grand Am is TO EXPENSIVE TO OWN!!! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Angnwy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  When I bought my car it had 16,000 miles on it by 30,000 I had to replace the ignition switch then few months later I had to replace the driver side window motor. Everything was fine for awhile then I had to replace the water pump due to leaking coolant. By 50,000 I had to replace the window motor once again. I replaced my rotors 2 times and the break pads on the front 3 times the drums in the back were replaced 1 time. My final straw was when the air compressor for the ait conditioner went out it was 360$ just for the part so I got rid of the peice of junk and I WILL NEVER BUY PONTIAC AGAIN!!!!!!!

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  Impressed - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By StellaGomez - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used from a friend who had bought it used. I have no idea how well it was taken care of before I bought it, but I assume not very well. I have owned it for three years and have yet to have a problem with it. There are interior/cosmetic issues from previous use but it has never been a problem for me. Ive driven two hour trips across Michigan several times and never had a problem. This is one tough car. Perfect for a student/young driver who just drives in town and who is on a budget.

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  This is a real piece.... - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By zorba - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Do not buy this car. It is a horrible machine. I think weve replaced everything on the car back the windshield. I would never suggest it to anyone.

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  MY GRAND AM - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By RJK - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 97 Grand Am brand new off the lot in March of 1998. It was the only one left, manual stick shift and all. I ended up loving it. Never really a problem for 120,000 plus miles. Recently changed some plugs and coils - that is it outside of brakes once.