1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.8 supercharged from North America

Summary:

Fell in love the moment I drove her

Faults:

It seems all vehicles have similar issues that are common amongst them, and the Grand Prix is no different. With the forums available online and a little know how, almost anything can be fixed with these vehicles on your own. Don't be afraid to take something apart. You might surprise yourself when you fix it on your own, and how easy it probably was to do. Keep the dealership money in your pocket and do something nice for your GTP. Fix all problems, no matter how small, immediately, and you will be surprised how well your GTP will treat you. She might even take you for the ride of your life.

I love mine, and so will you.

General Comments:

She puts a smile on my face every day :-)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th November, 2010

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8L series II V6 from North America

Summary:

Feel in love with it!!

Faults:

Power steering rack broke and had to be replaced at 88,000.

Upper intake manifold started to leak coolant and had to be replaced at 98,000.

Water pump failed, and had to be replaced at 101,000.

Power steering line going into the steering rack started leaking, and was replaced at 104,000 (shop routed the line wrong, and it rubbed up against the transmission dipstick tube until it rubbed through and started to leak).

Both outer tie rods replaced at 126,000.

Drivers window switch stopped working, and was replaced at 148,000.

Heater hose blew at 165,000.

Factory CD player stopped working at 188,000.

General Comments:

I purchased this car on my own when I received my license in May of 2005. The car was a blast to drive, and I loved the heads up display it had. Stereo was pretty good as well for being factory.

It really wasn't too bad to repair the stuff that had failed in this car. I did every repair myself, except for the power steering rack, and the other stuff was fairly cheap and easy to fix.

All and all, I loved this car. I wrecked it back in November of 2009, and I missed her every since. I would buy another one in a heartbeat. Probably going to buy a 2004 or newer GTP here soon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st September, 2010

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.8 V6 Series II from North America

Summary:

Own 3 Grand Prix's and would buy another

Faults:

Water leak under cowling causing blower motor to stop working after a rain or wash, also leaving a wet spot in the passenger front floorboard.

Temperature shooting up and redlining.

Sludge in overflow tank.

Display lights on radio/CD player and steering wheel completely out.

Dash lights and running headlights turning on and off whenever they feel like it, when the headlight switch is in the off position.

Power window switch replaced on driver's door.

General Comments:

For anyone who is having the problem with it running hot: I replaced the thermostat and the problem has gone away. I plan on flushing the radiator and overflow tank; also due to the sludge in the overflow tank.

If you are not willing to maintain your car, don't complain! Take the bus!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th September, 2009

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1 from North America

Summary:

Fun to drive, but has some mechanical issues

Faults:

When I first bought this car, I found a pool of water on the passenger floor whenever it rained. Weatherstripping was replaced to fix this.

Alternator went out at 135,000 miles.

Rear brakes replaced at 135,000 miles.

Front brakes and rotors replaced at 150,000 miles.

Mass Air Flow sensor replaced at 152,000 miles.

Intake gaskets replaced at 165,000 miles. $1000 to replace.

Rear rotors and brakes replaced at 169,000 miles.

This car has had a check engine light going on and off for the past 2 years. Every time the code is a misfire in cylinder 6.

The rocker panel is completely rusted on the passenger side and very rusted on the drivers side. This seems to be a common issue here on many of the Grand Prix's of this era in Minnesota.

General Comments:

This was my first car. It was a fun car to drive. It was about average on fuel economy.

The interior was quite poor in quality.

All in all it was a decent car, but I think it will be my last GM.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th August, 2009

24th Jun 2010, 18:36

I think rust on ANY Minnesota car is common.

How is the interior of poor quality? You give no evidence of this.

I've had a GP for numerous years and not one bit of wear is found! Not a squeak or rattle to be found either.

The seats clean up VERY well and are quite comfortable.

25th Dec 2016, 05:30

How about the interiors, misaligned panels, gaps that could swallow a pencil, vents that won't hold position, and plastic bits that felt sourced from a toy?