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 51 through 60 of 101.00-
Driving excitement.... NOT!!!!!! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jay1187 - August 24 - 10:00 amThere 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! Thats almost 80 HPPL!
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Avoid the GP at all costs - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Maroose - August 13 - 4:00 pmMy vehicle was at the dealership at least once per month to diagnose problems. While the car looks great, and the performance is fantastic, the car lacks in overall quality. It is unreliable, costly to maintain, and quite frankly, unsafe to drive when one considers the nature of its mechanical failures. In total (before I got rid of it at 190K), the vehicle incurred approximately $16,000 in repair costs, with $12,000 of those costs incurring within the warranty/extended warranty period. This includes an engine overhaul after total engine failure at 120K.
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I love my car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jan - July 17 - 2:43 pmI love my 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix ! It is the most awesome car I have ever owned..fun to drive, reliable, and the supercharged engine is GREAT ! The car is just a all around fun car to drive, and hugs the road with tight steering, and is aerodynamic in driving ! If you are considering a 1997 body.. it is a beautiful style !
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love this car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By BurkeinVA - June 27 - 10:00 amI bought this car brand new in 97 and after 7 years I have had only 1 problem (transmission). It handles well and seats passengers comfortably. My biggest complaint would be the service I received on it at the dealer, they couldnt seem to get it right the first time. Despite my issues with the service department this car has been a dream, Im sure going to miss it when I get a new car.
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Great car, but expensive to own - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Jimmmy - April 9 - 10:00 amI love the way this car drives. For its size it handles well and has lots of power. It looks great also. The interior is kind of cheap looking. The first 2 years I have had it I had no problems. Now it seems like I have problems constantly. Quick advice to anyone with a GM, dont leave the 5 year coolant in for 5 years unless you like replacing your entire cooling system.
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Reliable - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Ford - March 25 - 2:00 amVery 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.
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Watch Out For Falling Headlights - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Polskiguy - March 14 - 10:00 amI 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 amI 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 amIm 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 amBought 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.
