1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Dependable, not only would I buy another, I did

Faults:

I have replaced both headlamp assemblies.

The alternator has been replaced twice.

The water pump has been replaced twice.

I am now on the third battery.

Condensation in the spare tire storage area.

General Comments:

My Grand Prix is moderately quick. Not break your neck fast, but will get you out of some elses way. For the most part, I've replaced standard wear items. The drivers seat shows signs of wear, but, what do you expect for a car with 219000 miles on it. Replacement parts for this car are not cheap. That is to be expected for this type of car. I have considered purchasing some of the lower end Benzs and BMWs. After doing some research, I discovered I could afford payments and insurance, but not maintenance costs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th December, 2004

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Tougher than they appear

Faults:

Replaced Water Pump at 40000kms.

Replaced Water Pump at 85000kms.

Replaced rear main seal at 60000kms.

Replaced headlight lens caps, driver's side 4 times, passenger side 3 times. This becomes annoying and expensive. I finally woke up and drilled a small hole through the lens cap and tied a wire loop to stop them from falling off again. Now I just reseal them.

Windshield wipers stop in upright position. Usually occurs during ice build up for me and tends to fix itself magically within a couple weeks.

Radio changes stations on it's own, sometimes increases/decreases volume on it's own. What can I say - I named it Christine after the famous 57 chevy shortly after she started doing this. Tends to do this only in spring when the weather warms up.

Radio lights work when they feel like it. It has a mind of it's own, I just memorize my presets and look at my watch if I need the time.

Driver's side power window motor went at about 80000kms, and again at about 140000kms.

Passenger side power window motor went at 180000kms.

Interior rear door panels just won't stay attached to the car. Crazy glue helps.

Keyless entry system fails every 3 years or so. This gets annoying, but only costs about $40.00 to get it fixed at the dealer, my regular mechanic can't program them.

Heater fan controls. Basically I lost fan speeds 1,2,3, and 4 over time. I had 5 or nothing at all. My lights would dim for a second when I turned it on, which probably led to the next problem.

Alternator went at about 100000kms.

Battery replaced at 175000kms.

Car takes a ridiculous long time to warm up and blow heat even though I've changed the thermostat twice.

General Comments:

I drive my cars hard, and this one is no exception. My Grand Prix has trailered for 3 years, and at about 30000 kms I overheated the transmission. I changed the fluid, the filter, and installed a transmission cooler and have never had a problem since with the transmissions. I've certainly had my share of problems, but I'm on my 5th set of tires and 4th set of brakes - testament to how rough I am on it. Most of the GM dealers I dealt with were indifferent, and overpriced, luckily I found an honest private mechanic. I service my car every 5000km on the nose and it continues to take every beating I dish out. It's never left me stranded, has plenty of power, looks great, and has a trunk that swallows four golf bags with ease.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th November, 2004

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT Sedan 3.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

I like my Gran Prix and am considering another

Faults:

I have replaced both headlamp lenses, had problems with the power steering twice, and have done other maintenance.

General Comments:

I've read reports about the brakes and am pleased to say that I still have the original back brakes and only replaced the front brakes at about 60,000+ miles. The car is the most comfortable car I've had and responds well. I like the steering wheel radio controls and heads-up display.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2004