1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT review from North America
"Never Again"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
More like what isn't wrong with the car.
1. Transmission
2. Battery died at 15K miles.
3. Bad water pump.
4. Headlight lens covers fell off (moisture in headlights).
5. Display on radio flashes garbage.
6. Light bulbs burned out prematurely.
7. Steering wheel controls burned out.
8. "Wet braking" problem. Apparently many people (me included) have found that the car does not want to stop when raining. According to NHTSA there have been accidents due to this. I almost had one.
9. Cheap dye on leather seats coming off.
10. A/C chirps like a cricket when running.
11. Driver's side door leaks when raining.
12. Various snaps, crackles, pops, and rattles.
General comments?
The performance was fast and sporty when running and not being worked on. Just wasn't reliable. GM and the dealer didn't care. Word is getting out on the Grand Prix. The 2000 car issue of Consumer Reports no longer recommends the Grand Prix due to "reliability issues". I will never own another. Got rid of it for a Honda Accord. Couldn't be happier. I see why Honda's are so popular.
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  | 1997 - Grand Prix GTP 3.8 Super Charged Don't buy this bargain sports car unless you have deep pockets |
| A nice looker, but don't judge a book (or a car!) by its cover |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 0/10 |
| Comfort marks | 3/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 12 miles |
| Most recent distance | 78000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Beretta |
| Date of Entry | 14th June, 2000 |