1997 Pontiac Grand Prix SE from North America - Comments

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?

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.

I have a 1997 pontiac grand Prix to with the 3.8 too. There are recalls on the parts you jusy mentioned. My car is also doing the same thing after getting it replaced. Just bring it back until it gets fixed. If you want to talk to me about the problems email me mitch44432@msn.com I would like to talk.

BEWARE - this car will ruin you financially.

It is a cold calculating machine engineered for one thing - for something on it to go wrong strategically once a month for the entire time you own it.

Purchased in Spring 2004 for $5500CAD + $500GST @ 195,000kms.

Repairs unrelated to general maintenance i.e. filters, brakes, fluids, tires, plugs:

New Alternator @ 210,000kms - $500CAD

Completely rebuilt transmission (all new hard parts and bands) @ 220,000kms - $2200CAD

New crank shaft sensor @ 230,000kms - $900CAD

New Catalytic Converter @ 230,000kms $600CAD

New Radiator @ 235,000kms - $800CAD

New Driver Side Window Switch @ 235,000kms - $200CAD

Rebuilt Top end of Engine with all new gaskets, belts, etc (thing was leaking oil like a siv) @ 235,000kms - $600CAD

New Exhaust Manifolds @ 235,000kms - $800CAD

New Water Pump @ 240,000kms - $200CAD.

245,000 failed Aircare and decided to sell the thing - got $1900CAD.

Unfixed problems at time of sale:

Faulty O2 Sensors

Airbag warning light was on

CD player clock light was faulty.

Total price paid - $6000CAD

Total cost of repairs excluding maintenance - $6800

Years owned - 2

Total KM driven - 50,000.

$10,900 for 2 years of driving on a 7-9 year old car is = to a lease payment of $455/month.

Which means I could have been rolling in a new fully loaded Japanese luxury sedan for 2 years with $0 down and handed it back in after

OR

Bought a car with low km's for $10,900 - driven it for 2 years without a single headache and then taken a dump on the drivers seat and pushed it over a cliff and I'd still be happier than I am right now with the Pontiac Grand Prix.

Thanks for ruining my life GM.

Sincerely,

Michael