1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT review from North America
"Looks good, but has a bizillion problems, and they are all expensive"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Intake manifold gaskets.
New battery.
Rusted out rocker panels under ground effects.
Both power window motors.
Strut towers rotted out.
Strut mounts and struts went bad.
A/C doesn't work.
Climate control bulbs burned out.
Popping noise when turning the wheel to the right.
Oil pan gasket has a small leak.
Dex cool sludged up in overflow tank.
Brakes are warped.
Battery has a drain.
Water in all four lights.
Speakers are bad.
Water leaks in from wiring harness tube from the back, don't know how to stop it.
Front seats are hard and cracked.
Only getting 22-23 MPG on highway, and I baby it and never drive faster than 65.
General comments?
I know a lot about cars and this one still fooled me. When my father and I test drove the car none of these problems were apparent, or visable. Now it seems like every thing that could go bad is going bad. I fix one thing and another goes bad. Don't buy one with more than 140,000 miles. at this point they become a money hole. I paid $2,000 for the car and have 2,300 in stupid repairs. The motor and transmission are fine, the only good design on this car. these cars will rust rapidly do to all the seams underneath and on the body. It is ridiculus. the car looks sharp, but really has a lot of problems. I wouldn't recomend them at all, even though they look great.
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | 1997 - Grand Prix GT California Edition 3.8 V6 Excellent car, quiet ride, good sound system |
![]() ![]() | This car has served me very well for 11 years, and I am both blessed and proud to drive it anywhere! |
All 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 Series II V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 160000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 161500 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet C1500 |
| Date of Entry | 6th March, 2008 |

