1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT review from North America
"I love this car, but it broke my heart"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I first noticed that the brakes always seemed like they were grinding even though they were new. Took the car to the dealer several times over this issue and they said that it was a "normal sound"
Service Engine soon light always on for about 6 months. Dealer could never find reason, one day it just went off.
Alternator blew at 30,000 miles, 46,000 miles, and again around 60,000. No reason given for blowing that many.
Water pump and fuel pump failed at same time at 50,000 miles.
Lens cover fell off one day from right headlight. Expensive to replace.
Replaced power window motors on both the driver side and passenger side windows, along with the sunroof motor.
Airbag light is constantly on.
Found water in the trunk under the spare tire??? Thought maybe rain or snow must have gotten in somehow???
Service engine soon light back on at 83,000 miles, running real hard, then stalling out. Towed off the side of the road in 5 degree weather today (12/9/03)
General comments?
I love this car. It's too bad that it's an overpriced, beautiful, unreliable, piece of roadkill.
It drives really well when it's not in the shop. I can't afford to drive it anymore due to all the repairs.
Recommended reviews
| A nice car with a sporty look and a strong engine |
|
| A nice looker, but don't judge a book (or a car!) by its cover |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 2 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 19000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 83000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota MR2 |
| Date of Entry | 9th December, 2003 |