Overview & Reviews

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.

• Styling, performance, standard dual airbags, standard anti-lock brakes, standard traction control

• No traction control when GTP Package is ordered. Base engine could use more oomph.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 101.00

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  Reliable - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ford - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car. I have over 100,000 miles on it. Only major trouble was with intake manifold gasket warping (I hear this happens a lot with the 3800). I got GM to pay for the part, with plenty of complaining. just a few minor problems. Keyless entry when new had very short range, now it is even shorter because it doesnt work. I tried to get a new remote for it, cars computer would not let mechanic program it( I refused to let them hook it up to the dealers computer to find out why, because it would have cost $75 over and above the cost of the remotes). Ignition switch shorted out. I could not get the key out, or the car out of park.

• 

  Watch Out For Falling Headlights - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Polskiguy - March 14 - 10:00 am

  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.

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  137,000+ and counting - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By LoveMyGP - October 31 - 10:00 am

  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.

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  longevity & fun - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cah1023 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Im just now thinking of selling my 97 GTP....i like performance, and have been out looking at replacing with BMW or equivalent. Id love to buy another, but it has NOT retained its value...although it has retained its performance. Things just now (125K miles) starting to show wear. I do a lot of highway miles, and the GTP made it fun.

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  Love it! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bethanym - July 23 - 6:51 am

  Bought the car from a newspaper listing in 2008 (as a first car). Affectionately named "Polly," the car has been wonderful. Fun to drive, decent gas mileage (about 25mpg) and some serious power. Had 114k miles when I bought it and now has 144K. Some minor problems have cropped up over the past few years. Spark plugs and a couple small issues with the transmission but nothing terribly pricey. Service engine light has a habit of coming on every few months then turning off within the same day. Biggest issue is the AC. Didnt work when I bought it, finally replaced the pump last summer ($600) only to need a new valve this year which I have yet to take care of. Overall, I am in love with my car.

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  97 Grand prix coupe - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By pontiacdude97 - July 5 - 12:55 am

  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.

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  Beat to hell, Runs like hell - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fisher580 - May 20 - 3:34 pm

  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

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  Owned for 6 years - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By hardywang - December 26 - 2:23 am

  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.

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  A bad bitty - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Dallas S - October 22 - 2:00 am

  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 didnt 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 Im getting.

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  And I paid money for this? - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Very Disappointed - September 3 - 5:26 am

  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 wont 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