1997 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.8 from North America

Summary:

A nice car with a sporty look and a strong engine

Faults:

I bought my Grand Prix about a month ago. I've always heard a lot of good things about it, so I've decided to buy one. It's been driving really good, and I am really happy with it, although, about a week ago I started hearing some noise coming from the steering wheel whenever I turn, so I took the car to the shop to get it repaired! The repair shop replaced my power steering pump with a brand new part. When I went to get back the car the problem was solved, but not for long!! Not even a day later the same problem came back even worse than the first time, and the engine started heating up, so I took it back to the same shop. They told me that the rack and pinion has to be the reason for all that and that they will have to replace it as well, so they did! Now the steering is back and well, but I still have that noise coming out whenever I'm starting to drive. Does anyone know what could be the problem?

General Comments:

I like Pontiac amongest American cars, but I think I might go with a GTP for my next car, and it will definitely be a newer one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th September, 2004

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP from North America

Summary:

I got a lot of car for not much money

Faults:

The fan controls only work on the "5" setting. The other four don't do anything.

The lumbar support knob and mechanism has started to work its way out of the side of the driver's seat.

The serpentine belt looks cracked and should probably be replaced soon.

When I got the car, one of the headlight bezels was missing, so the whole thing had to be replaced.

Fuel gauge doesn't work. Using the trip meter and the digital "Fuel Used" display to figure out when I need to fill up.

General Comments:

I bought the car as a repo. Saw it in the lot and loved the way it looked.

Very comfortable interior.

If I had a choice, I would have gone with just the GT model- the supercharged engine is not that fuel efficient.

Since the car is a repo, I'm keeping my fingers crossed as to hidden problems. But so far, for the price I paid, I think I've gotten a great car with a lot of performance. And it looks good!

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

Review Date: 27th August, 2004

3rd Jul 2007, 08:52

Just to let you know, the fan problem is a resistor that controls the fan speed. It's nothing to get worked up about. Belts need to be replaced, that's nothing new either. From what I have found out, these cars are known for running 200k plus, so they're pretty good cars.

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.8 Supercharged from North America

Summary:

Too many repairs

Faults:

This car has been nothing but trouble. When I first got the car, immediately the brakes, alternator, struts and shocks went. I had to have all replaced and paid out of pocket about 1400.00. After that the car ran fine until I needed another alternator and battery. Spending about 250.00. The car ran fine again for about one month and my transmission went. This cost me 1800.00 for a rebuilt transmission. It went at 118,000 miles. This was the second transmission put in this car. The lady who owned it before me had to have one put in at 20,000 miles. The passenger fog light goes out constantly. I have had the car for 1.5 years and replaced it 3 times. The passenger side A/C floor unit leaks condensation in the car. Turns out that this is the fan blower. I had to replace it, because it was flooding the car. The motor in the driver window works when it feels like it. I have also noticed that the headlamps seem brighter than the brights when they are on and I always get flashed by other drivers.

Recently I had to replace the spark plugs and a pulley. This cost me 250.00 again for parts and labor. This had to be done at 126,000 miles. Most recently I have noticed that the check tire pressure light will not go off, and found out that you reset it under the steering wheel??? What is that? There is button you hold in. My low oil light will also not go off. Even after an oil change. Yesterday while I was driving to work the Service Engine Soon light came on. I panicked because the car has high miles on it. I took it Auto-zone, and my end of the computer is not working, so I cannot even have a diagnostic test ran on the car. The light went off about 8 hours later and stayed off until this morning again on my way to work. It seems to be going on around 70mph.

I really love this car and it is beautiful, but I will never own another one again, nor a Pontiac product. The brakes are horrible and I cannot afford to keep dumping money into a car that will just need something else next week.

General Comments:

Never Again... Too Expensive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th August, 2004

26th Jan 2005, 12:27

The "LOW" oil light can be turned off by turning the ignition on, but not starting the car. Then pump the gas pedal 3 time quickly. The light should go off.

The "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" sign comes on when the gas cap has not been turned a few times beyond the point of closure. It takes a few miles after it is tightened this way to go away. Otherwise, it usually means there is a problem with the catalytic converter system, viz., a computer. I'm not a mechanic, but have learned these pointers from mechanics and have experienced them. Thanks for the tip on the LOW PRESSURE light.