1997 Pontiac Grand Prix SE from North America

Summary:

Horrible car that needs many recalls!

Faults:

I bought the car, and the only problem I knew it had was a window that wouldn't stay up.

Soon after I found out that all windows would mess up (fall down alone or won't go up period).

The A/C doesn't work.

Oil leak.

Needs new spark plugs and wires.

Speedometer broken.

And brakes suck even after brake change.

The headlight cover is glued on with very thick yellow glue... ghetto.

And there is a leak in the passenger seat floor whenever I run the heater.

Also had to recently but a new battery.

CAR SUCKS! And it's my first car! Bad experience! Will never buy a GM again! Waaay too many problems!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd July, 2009

22nd Jul 2009, 06:40

You bought a production car which is near the end of its useful life. You can't complain about a 12 year old car with 166000 miles on it - it's worn out by previous owners. By a new one, and if you get the same problems, then you can complain!

24th Jun 2010, 18:38

SOUNDS LIKE YOU BOUGHT A USED CAR. Didn't you check the A/C when you bought it? Mine has been ICE cold for years.

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Beautiful and fun to drive; not for the dealer dependants

Faults:

Needed a new radiator, courtesy of dexcool.

Intake manifold leak; replaced myself for 50 dollars.

Replaced struts.

Replaced alternator.

Tensioner pulley, stupidly made of plastic, replaced with steel one.

General Comments:

This car has lasted exceptionally long, despite being a northern car and full of rust. It does required a fair amount of maintenance, so some mechanical ability is required otherwise you end up paying.

It runs and drives at 275,000 miles but it is going to the parking lot in the sky soon. I think it has held up quite well and the maintenance isn't really expensive if you have some mechanical ability.

Beautiful car, even with the rust, I got plenty of comments on it. Handled good and one of the most fun cars to drive I have ever driven.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2009

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.8L SC from North America

Summary:

Fast!!

Faults:

Rear struts worn out.

ABS sensors on wheel bearings gone bad.

MAF sensor blown from oil on K&N cold air intake.

Transmission was shifting hard due to stripped wires from ECM to tranny.

Exhaust system rusted out, lost both mufflers.

Rocker panels rusted out.

Drivers side trailing arm bent going over pot-hole.

General Comments:

This car has been my baby ever since I have bought it, I have taken good care of it and most of the problems I have had were caused by normal wear and tear. I had this car in Nova Scotia for a year, so it developed quite a bit of rust that has been since repaired for a little under $500. It is a fantastic car and has a very solid engine with tons of power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th April, 2009

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.8 Series II S/C from North America

Summary:

Only buy one if you have service records

Faults:

Struts are all weak and bouncy.

Check Tire Pressure light goes on on bumpy roads.

A/C Compressor was leaking.

Driver's side window switch cluster burned out.

Bulbs in gauge cluster went out.

CD player light doesn't work.

General Comments:

All in all, this Pontiac is a shockingly reliable car when it comes to major components - engine and tranny. I've only driven it for a month, but I commute 3 hours to work and back every day and have already put 5000 kms (3000 miles) on it.

The car has high mileage on it, and the previous owner was the only owner with his build sheet etc still with him. He changed the tranny and motor once, but has spent the money that was needed to keep it running. At the price I bought it at, I will do the same as well.

I get 32 MPG on the highway mileage and am enjoying the drive of a supercharged V6 with these gas prices. If you find a GTP that's been taken care of, and are ready to spend a little bit of money on it every few months, then this is the ultimate car for you.

Pontiac really builds excitement with this underrated midsized icon of the late 90s.

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

Review Date: 1st July, 2008