1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP from North America - Comments

When I ordered this car from the factory in September of 1996, I thought that I was going to get the car of my dreams. After waiting for 5 1/2 months for the car to be built and shipped to my local dealership, it turned out to be a nightmare.

Let's see, where should I start?

Within a week of owning the car, I had to have the brake light sensor replaced, as my brake lights were not going on.

The inside trunk lip had to be repainted, as it already had surface rust on it from the factory.

I have had two water pumps replaced.

I have had an alternator replaced.

My head gaskets and rear main seal blew after only 30,000 miles. Thank God for extended warranties..

My passenger air bag had to be replaced due to faulty sensors.

My heater core has been replaced.

At one point (before they "diagnosed" my blown head gaskets..) my coolant had turned to mud (as oil/antifreeze must have been leaking in), only to have the dealership tell me that "that is normal". Two weeks later, after taking the car in again, they "found" the leaking head gaskets AND rear main seal.

The oil pan was leaking.

I have constant condensation in my headlight lenses. The dealership has told me that this ALSO is "normal".

I have had to replace my fog lights several times.

I just got charged almost $100 by the dealership to fix my anti-theft shock sensor (My car alarm would just go off randomly...) after it "somehow became loose under the dash".

My glove compartment light would not go out, even when it was closed. It still goes on over big bumps (but now at least goes out on its own.)

As was said in others' comments, I also feel that the dealership does not solve the problems. They look at me like I am crazy each time my car goes back in, but yet amazingly, each time something is wrong (see above list...)

For the 25,000 + that I spent for this car, I am thoroughly disappointed and can honestly say that I do not believe that I will buy another Pontiac/GM product in the future.

The design people did a great job on this car, I love the looks, but the mechanicals are enough for me to never buy one again.

In fact, when my 6 year warranty expires, this car will be up for adoption pretty quickly. I can only imagine what costs I will have AFTER my extended VIP (haha, yeah right.) warranty runs out~!

In the past month, I have replaced the following on my '97 Grand Prix GT, at only 22,000+ miles: alternator, battery (was leaking acid), water pump. The guys at Pontiac customer service (the number in the owner's manual) were very polite and "professional," but the promised price reduction for repairs has not materialized. I love the way this one drives and looks, and I don't know how I'll survive on California freeways without head up display (great for those of us with bifocals!), but I'm really thinking of spending the money to dump it if one more thing goes wrong. I've never kept a car (Mustangs, Camaro) for less than eleven years, and I had planned to keep this one at least ten.

This is the exact same review, word for word, as was given for a Honda Accord. What's with that?

To start off, the air cond leaked on the passenger floor and later had to replace blower motor, transmation replaced at 54,000 miles, alternator shortly after, all four rotors at approx. 89,000 miles, waterpump at 104,000 now at 119,000 oil pan gasket leaks bad, noticed that all of these things are consistant with most of the other posts, other than that it handles like the commercials say... got a recall notice in the mail on 1/30/2003 that stated bad rack and pinion... it does make some noise there and sometimes pulates on some turns.

I'll put to all of you like this, it's simple, you are buying a car that is not naturally aspirated ie the supercharger. First if you buy it used, be careful as it's supercharged, at some point someone has probably beaten it a little.

Next, once again back to the supercharger, you need to do all scheduled maintenance on time; oil changes, coolant and tranny flushes.

When driving it, it's recommended 91 octane not because they just felt like saying it, because it's designed for it, ie lower octane will eventually destroy the motor.

If you do have a heavy foot, it is a fun car, but you will pay for your driving preference, this is like with any car.

I have a 1997 GTP bought off an older couple, and it been great. It's now a 211,000kms, no major repairs, by them or me, and I have all the service records. You all just need to maintain your cars and drive them properly, and follow there recommendation ie 91 octane, if you didn't follow all recommendation on use and maintenance, stop complaining as you've done it to yourself, and if you bought on that's 5 to 10 years old and the persons in their 30's or 40's, they had it when the were 20 or 30 and had fun with it.

Research what you're buying and who you're buying it from before you buy and complain.

This is the best car I have EVER owned. Bought in '03 with 125,000 miles, now has nearly 165,000. Recall for valve cover gaskets, did back one too. Had to replace head gasket last summer. Do have problem with condensation in headlights.

Other than regular maintenance, IE, brakes, wipers, fluids, no major problems. This is my all time favorite car in 25 years. Love the pick up speed better than my old '73 Cutlass Supreme (rocket 4bbl 350) that's a hard bargain!

Gas mileage is three times better, more dependable. The GTP as with the rocket cutlass, end of an era ya know?

But I'll keep it till it dies beyond repair, because no other car in it's class, with the balls compares in looks dependability, responsiveness, and GAS economy!! 17- 19 in city, 29- 34 on highway. I don't know how foreign cars snuck in with their claims. Buy GM m'k?