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 81 through 90 of 101.00-
Awesome Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Roy Adams - October 12 - 2:00 amI bought this car almost 7 years ago and have loved it every day. The 3.8 L is one of GMs most reliable engines and it has lots of power when you go to pass. On the interstate I have gotten about 31MPG while at 21MPG in town. I have enjoyed the ergonomics and the heads up display. The sound system with the equalizer rocks. Traction control has been good in slick conditions.
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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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Hunk o Junk - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By yoodle - March 18 - 10:00 amIn the year that Ive had this car it has been nothing but problems. There is a consistent problem with the steering that three trips to the mechanic have not fixed. I am aware of the recall, but even after my mechnic replaced the entire power steering rack, the problems persist. Things seem to have improved after the struts and a tie rod were replaced though. I also had the fuel pump go, and now there is a stuttering when Im accelerating that seems to indicate a transmission problem. At just over 50000 miles, this car has spent way too much time in the shop. Im staying away from Pontiacs in the future.
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maybe I can make lemonade - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By lemon owner - March 7 - 2:00 amloved the looks and fun to drive when its driveable. Owned one year repaired wiper motor twice, battery, alternator, replaced the steering rack, brakes and rotors twice, oil leak, park interlock on shifter broken replaced once now needs a new shifter. a/c stopped working, so far in one year we have spent over $3,ooo on repairs and now are having transmission problems.
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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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THIS IS TRUE DRIVING EXCITEMENT - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
By SJUhawk2001 - November 2 - 10:00 amI bought this car from a friend who turned around bought a 2001 because this was her first new car that never had to re-visit the dealership in 4 years of her ownership. The 3800 packs great punch with reasonable fuel economy. The ride is good on smooth roads but a bit choppy on rough roads and/or expansion joints----but nothing jarring or abnormal considering the sports suspension. Build quality is really good----no rattles BUT... the main dash panel cover is made of CHEAP plastic. Overall, dollar for dollar, you cant beat this car! Wish I had a GTP but my funds were limited at the time and I needed a new car bad!!!
