1977 Pontiac Catalina 5.7L 350 Horsepower

Summary:

The car glides like a superior luxury cruiser

Faults:

There was a clog in the air conditioner line. The condensate from the air conditioner drained inside of the car instead of outside of the car. The mechanic cleaned it out in a matter of minutes no charge.

I had to replace the hoses in the car just because they were old. It cost approximately $300.

The carburetor had to be rebuilt. The cost was approximately $200.

The fuel pump was replaced. My Dad's best friend repaired for almost nothing.

The starter was replaced. My Dad replaced the starter. No charge.

General Comments:

I drive the car for pleasure on Sundays. Most people with new cars challenge its speed and ability. The drivers are usually angry and shocked that this old bucket of bolts out performs their new beauty.

The car belonged to my grandfather. I think he would be pleased to see that it still runs like a dream.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th October, 2002

24th Sep 2017, 02:35

The reviewer apparently believed that because it had a "350" engine, that meant it had 350 horsepower.

Hopefully he has wised up 15 years later.

In reply to 24th Sep 2017, 02:35

24th Sep 2017, 10:25

Actually he likely wised up 20 years later with the 1997 factory stock LS1 345 cubic inch with 345 HP aluminum GM block. Even in 1970 you could buy a 350 Z28 Camaro with HP in the 360 range checked right off the order sheet.

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1978 Pontiac Catalina 3.2 V6

Summary:

A good car to throw paint at

Faults:

The air conditioner bearing has burned out.

The turn signal arm is broken.

The shifting is broken between neutral and drive.

It has a tendency to die at stop signs.

General Comments:

This car is good for hauling stuff in, because it is very big.

It is not overly expensive on gas, for a big vehicle.

The seats were uncomfortable, but new seat covers took care of that.

This car has poor acceleration unless you throw it in 1st gear.

The top speed I have achieved is 92 MPH.

Although some parts are in poor shape, the car itself is in decent shape, and seems practically indestructible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2002

1977 Pontiac Catalina

Summary:

A very fast reliable car

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this car! It could use a new starter, but other than that, the only thing that is wrong with it is its accelerator pump. Even with that it is the best car I've ever had.

It could use a new paint job, also.

General Comments:

This is a pretty quick car. It's got a 400 V8, but doesn't look like it because it's smaller than most 400's.

There is no dome light. There wasn't one when I bought it and I never bothered putting one in.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st October, 2001

1977 Pontiac Catalina 301 c.i.

Summary:

Classic cruiser

Faults:

Water pump went at 65000 miles. Spent 40$ on used front and rear seats from a scrap yard. Replaced muffler, tires and brakes.

General Comments:

It's a big ugly car. I really enjoy driving it. It handles very well and has gobs of power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st May, 2001

31st Oct 2001, 10:16

I've got a Catalina just like yours, but it has a 400. It's a pretty phat car! I know how you feel.

29th Jan 2003, 00:42

Will a 67 gas tank fit a 68?

1977 Pontiac Catalina 350 c.i.d. (5.7L)

Summary:

The most dependable thing you'll ever come across

Faults:

Carburettor.

Timing belt.

General Comments:

Extremely reliable and a real blast to drive. I really miss it.

One helpful hint - if the transmission starts slipping get it fixed. I blew the engine because I didn't get it seen to soon enough - MY FAULT!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th October, 2000

29th Jul 2017, 13:43

A "timing belt" on a 350 V8?

I think not...

In reply to 29th Jul 2017, 13:43

30th Jul 2017, 16:27

He meant chain; give him some slack.

In reply to 29th Jul 2017, 13:43

30th Jul 2017, 18:07

I'm sure the reviewer will appreciate the correction 17 years later.

In reply to 30th Jul 2017, 16:27

31st Jul 2017, 16:53

"...give him some slack"?

His timing CHAIN probably did. And that's why he had to replace it, thinking it was a belt! And 17 years ago as someone has already pointed out!

In reply to 31st Jul 2017, 16:53

31st Jul 2017, 17:54

Actually you are at error. Even if he mistook a belt for a chain. The chain lasts longer. If he changed it based on belts, it would be overzealous premature maintenance. This is why he should be given slack on that point as well.

In reply to 31st Jul 2017, 17:54

2nd Aug 2017, 01:56

Please do explain what "error"?

What would be the reason(s) for replacing a timing CHAIN, regardless of whether you don't know the difference between it and a belt?

In reply to 2nd Aug 2017, 01:56

2nd Aug 2017, 08:46

We get extensive print outs after each maintenance visit with upcoming suggested repair suggestions. It's very commonplace. Dealers and many shops today do as well. Meaning drivers such as my daughter do not need to know all the inner workings of a mechanical drivetrain. Items down to the suggested replacement of a new cabin filter are listed. With many cars in the family, the timing belt especially is always listed as an upcoming need. Timing chains are an area really not of concern for us as we don't keep high mileage vehicles. They last longer than belts. Typically with other recommendations such as doing a new water pump at the same time. Why keep belaboring this? You don't have to be a rocket scientist today. You can put in a make and model in your phone and google this. Which many young and older non mechanical people can simply pull up service recommendations. Or read forums and reviews. Or ask the service manager what you may expect over the next 5000 miles or further visits. I just got a multi page printout. Not a whole lot of thinking here. Just having money budgeted for the future is about it. They even provide a shuttle to work.

In reply to 2nd Aug 2017, 08:46

11th Aug 2017, 11:58

"multi page printouts" ?

Still waiting on the explanation for why I am "at error".

1965 Pontiac Catalina 389 2bbl

Summary:

Most beautiful car, car of the year 10 years in a row

Faults:

Alternator went out at 90,000 miles.

Bushings needed to be replaced after 110,000 miles.

General Comments:

Beautiful car.

Hydraulics for the top work.

Power steering.

Brakes.

For the size of the car, it handles great.

389 is an awesome engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2000

10th Nov 2003, 10:12

The four barrel 2+2 421 would blow you off the road!!

18th Aug 2004, 10:34

Don't speek so soon, my 389 has tri power on it now.

3rd Nov 2004, 13:30

These Pontiacs are really great cars. Very reliable when maintained which results in low operating costs.

My 66 convertible with 389 325hp got 24mpg on the hi-way!

Enormous performance!

2nd Sep 2006, 07:34

My 65 with 79K on the clock got impressive highway mileage too! The longest trip I ever took her on was when I drove down from Rome NY to South Central PA (Lebanon). My figures showed 20 MPG (Carter Thermo-quad)! Thought I made a mistake in my calculations. I guess not...

8th Dec 2007, 23:32

Wow!! Cats really get over 20mpg? I'm looking at a '67 cat now as something that my dad and I can drive/fix this coming summer... maybe this is a good choice... style, power and OK mpg... :)