1997 Pontiac Grand Am Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Pontiac was busy concentrating on some of its other models this year, so the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am only got one major change -- air...
Pontiac was busy concentrating on some of its other models this year, so the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am only got one major change -- air conditioning was now standard across all trim levels. The affordable mid-size sedan or coupe came in a base SE trim and a sportier GT. The SE and GT both housed a 2.4-liter, Twin Cam I4 that got 150-hp with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The GT had the option of a 3.1-liter, 155-hp V6 that got 30 more lb-ft of torque, but was mated only with the 4-speed auto tran.
The 1997 Grand Am still led the pack in the GM lineup, popular for its affordability, performance, and style. With now-standard air conditioning, it also benefited from being well-loaded, with dual front airbags, ABS brakes, daytime running lights, a center and overhead console, fog lights, power locks, and a tachometer even on the SE. While the GT models were the sportiest of the line, with a special suspension, larger anti-sway bars, and a rear spoiler, even the SE sedan had the option of adding leather seats, power driver's seat, its own spoiler, a sunroof, and cruise control.
There are a lot of 1997 Grand Am owners who love their car's performance and handling on the highway, commenting on its good pickup, sporty styling, decent fuel economy, and overall affordability. Comfortable seats and a roomy trunk that can be accessed from the back seat are also high points. But a lot of owners complain about constant mechanical and electrical problems with the Grand Am, and question its reliability. Alternator repairs and brake pads that wear too quickly are common complaints. Drivers also mention that the Grand Am gets knocked around easily by the wind, has a wide turning radius, and plastic parts that break.
What owners say
"The 1997 Pontiac Grand Am is generally seen as a reliable and fun car, especially favored for its sporty appearance and decent performance. Owners appreciated its low maintenance and good handling, making it a solid choice for everyday driving. However, many also noted issues with acceleration and various mechanical problems as common drawbacks, along with a desire for more power in some cases."
Gets you from point A to B with no problems.
January 8, 2008drives amazingly, good on gas, plenty of power for a small car, many of upgrade opportunities, handles great on curvy roads, and is one of the funnest cars i have ever drove in my life, great car for anyone, overall an excellent car.
June 25, 2009After my Neon experience, I began looking to a manual transmission. My red Grand Am GT was perfect (except for the 2DR style). It handled great and lasted forever. Upon my return from Iraq, the A/C shot craps and I had to decide if I wanted to fix it or trade it in. It was low maintenance and fun to drive
August 3, 2008What owners say
Gets you from point A to B with no problems.
January 8, 2008drives amazingly, good on gas, plenty of power for a small car, many of upgrade opportunities, handles great on curvy roads, and is one of the funnest cars i have ever drove in my life, great car for anyone, overall an excellent car.
June 25, 2009After my Neon experience, I began looking to a manual transmission. My red Grand Am GT was perfect (except for the 2DR style). It handled great and lasted forever. Upon my return from Iraq, the A/C shot craps and I had to decide if I wanted to fix it or trade it in. It was low maintenance and fun to drive
August 3, 2008I love this car so much more that my previous car. It is better than the Celebrity in so many ways. Pretty good performance. Pretty good quality, a lot of new parts. Appearance it great with almost no flaws. Pretty good gas mileage and low maintenance. I love driving this car.
July 9, 2009Nice car not fast enough for my taste though.
April 20, 2008Good cheap car that is reliable, somewhat sporty, and cheap on gas and insurance. It does the quarter mile in 15.9 seconds at 83 miles per hour at Gateway International Raceway. Most of all the car is made in United States.
December 11, 2009My 97 Grand Am ran good and in 5 years, it never really gave me any problems. Then I sold it and in less than a month, they tore it all up.
September 26, 2007its a 1997 grand am gt green in color with factory 16 inch rims. The car has pretty good handling and power with a pretty good sound system. It could use a newer paint job and bigger rims. I would like to lower it sometime soon and get it to handle better.
September 26, 2008its a fun car to drive easy 2 work on and parts r cheap hardley ever breaks down change the oil every 3k and she runs great should easily get me to 300 thousand miles before it bites the dust motor in it is a 3.1L sfi ohv V6
September 22, 2010My first car. This car lived a hard life and never left me stranded. This car was bought heavily used, then wrecked into a tree and then driven home from the accident. The V6 made it quicker than my friends cars, and the broken parts gave it personality.
July 8, 2009Trims & specs
Base MSRP $16,499 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $15,259 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $15,259 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $16,499 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
