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 31 through 40 of 101.00-
More Maintenance - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By cpuuri-2 - March 23 - 2:00 amIm back! Since May 2002 heres whats happened: 78k - drivers 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 dont like the hassle, I wouldnt recommend a Grand Prix.
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Seven-Year Review - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Denver Area Owner - February 6 - 4:20 amMy 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 hasnt held up all that well, and the interior ceiling fabric is pulling away along the top of the rear window. Bottom line: Ive been car payment free for over two years and still have a reliable and reasonably good-looking ride. Until any serious difficulties arise, Ill just keep banking those potential payments.
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Ignition Key Removal - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By S Hook - November 23 - 2:00 amI have been having problems removing the ingition key. The problem turned out to be a faulty switch on the shift lever. The switch was a part of the gear lever and could not be replaced independently. This problem has a $425 price tag to repair. I was told it was a problem that is common but there is no bulletin or recall. Something like a switch should be designed to be replaces on its own and not as a part of a complete assembly. Automobile repair costs are a;ready high and a design like this is just another reason to look at Japanese Imports.
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97 GTP - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By bribrad - June 29 - 2:00 amI Love this car. Its a high performace car with plenty of room. Its very sporty looking. The only thing that I can say bad about the car is having a few problems with the transmission, 4th gear overdrive.
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what a awesome car! hold on to it! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By southernguy27 - June 19 - 9:33 pmI have enjoyed this car since day one, I would hold on to this one since they dont make Pontiac anymore. I bought my GTP with 90k and now has 102k and runs great, the 3.8L is bulletproof, but if you get one, make sure you replace the intake manifold gaskets! they are made of plasic and leak. But GM has corrected the gaskets with aluminum ones and make sure you get the GM ones! DO NOT GET THE AFTERMARKET FEL-PRO ONES! they are also made of plasic! the car has been very reliable and extremely fun to drive. The car still looks new for a 97. Ive replace a few sensors and the gaskets since I bought it but thats it. Also parts are cheap, fairly easy to work on. Find one and get it!
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Sayonara Grand Prix GT - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By pnwson - May 21 - 8:28 pmI bought this car in 1998 with 25,000 miles on it. Options I have and have appreciated are alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, power drivers 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 wont touch it.
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Maintenance - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By cpuuri - January 27 - 10:00 amOverall, Ive 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.
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Looks are deceiving - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By johnsoka606 - January 17 - 10:00 amGreat sound system, rides good, fun to drive, nice interior, very unreliable, electronic dashboard has bugs in it, not good gas mileage, alternators are bad
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Decent Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By 3800 V6 - November 29 - 11:50 pmI 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. Ive had it for two months and Ive 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 Im sure it could do more but I shouldnt 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 couldnt get it out of park--took the console apart and tied the stupid shifter button down.
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showing age - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By rickster - October 28 - 10:00 amGP was great the first few years but now showing its age, molding for windows is wearing out, power window switch broke, rear brake wore out. Cant afford a much needed tune up
