1997 Pontiac Grand Prix grand prix GT 3.8 series 2 from North America

Summary:

It's a great, fast reliable car

Faults:

It Got tough to steer at about 175,000 miles, the heater only works on 5 the a/c doesn't work at all 150,000 miles replaced driver side window motor 150,000 miles.

General Comments:

I love the car for what I have put it through the car has stood up, I put it in a ditch going bout an 80 in the car still runs great, still has plenty of get up, I love my grand prix and would my another vehicle from pontiac.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th June, 2008

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

Summary:

Sharp ride

Faults:

The first owner beat neglected it fairly badly, which wasn't apparent at the time of purchase.

Intake gaskets leaked; fixed this and everything else myself.

Rocker panels and strut towers turned out to be rusted. Had to have the strut towers fixed; rocker panels aren't visible, so they will be left alone.

Dexcool got very nasty in reservoir, so I flushed the system. This should be done on all dexcool cars. The stuff is horrible.

Have to replace the rear deck speakers.

Belt tensioner had to be replaced, that is normal though.

Small battery drain, has gone dead several times, not a problem if driven every other day.

Shift indicator light doesn't work, but the previous owner attempted a repair of a common key removal problem, and the result was the broken indicator.

Small crack on dashboard and both window motors (2dr)

Replaced all four struts, headlights, and tail lights leak water, but I resealed them.

General Comments:

Car is fun to drive and a real head turner. Get compliments all the time.

This car was a project car for me. I sure have fixed a lot of things, mostly neglect from the previous owner. Car has had a few non normal problems related to factory work, but not many. With proper maintenance and some patience, this car should treat you well.

3800 Series II is my favorite engine out of any car I have driven. My mom's LeSabre has it as well. It is smooth responsive and very strong. It is excellent for passing and has good power throughout the rpm range. Above 4000 rpm it makes a very pleasing growl. Plenty of engine for this car and is still very fuel efficient, averaging 27 in normal driving. Wish this car had the 4T65E instead of the 4T60E transmission. The 65 is smoother and shifts quicker.

The interior is very comfortable and good for trips. Like I said, it gets tons of looks and the chicks dig it. Good ride.

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

Review Date: 28th May, 2008

8th Jun 2008, 00:19

The problem with the 3800 Series II is that it had the plastic intake manifold that more often than not leads to the destruction of the motor. Do you have any suggestions of how to deal with this enormous flaw?

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Coupe 3.8 Supercharged from North America

Summary:

Great car, but will break your pockets!

Faults:

When I first brought the car, I found out the block was cracked. And around the water pump, the block had a leak. I replaced the engine costing me $2000.

After a couple of months, the water pump went and the power steering pump. Cost me close to $300 to fix.

The service engine light won't go off.

The supercharger bearing has worn out and the manifold gasket is leaking.

The tire pressure light won't go off. I changed the brakes and now every-time I hit a bump in the road, I hear a clacking sound from my tires???

Also my biggest problem is that the car runs fine, then it just shuts off while you are driving. Why is that?? If so one knows... please inform me why that occurs. I've checked everything and still don't know what's wrong!!

General Comments:

Overall I love the car.. it just costs a lot of money to keep it maintained. I've put a lot of money into the car, and I just want to enjoy my performance style car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2008

9th May 2008, 20:26

Have the crankshaft sensor checked. I had a Bonneville that would run fine then just die with no warning. After 5-10 minutes it would start again and run fine until the next time.