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1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Bigger, better, and bossier, the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix sits on a new Wide Track W platform that it shares with the Buick Century. A longer and wider wheelbase increases cabin room for more passenger comfort, but also improves handling and overall stability on the road.
The 1997 Grand Prix is offered as a base SE, GT, or GTP package sedan and a GT and GTP coupe. While the SE sedan retains the previous 3.1-liter, 160-hp V6 and is reserved more for fleet use, the GT sedan and coupe gets a whole new 3800 engine. The 3.8-liter V6 hits 195-hp on its own, but with the GTP supercharged package, that gets boosted to 240-hp. Though all models come only with a 4-speed automatic, in the GTP Pacakge, you're able to choose between normal and performance modes.
Other changes to the 1997 Grand Prix include standard ABS brakes, dual front and side impact airbags, and traction control on all models (the GTP does not have traction control). A restyled knob-happy dashboard suffers a little from overkill, but nice options such as the heads-up display are driver favorites. Standard on all trims, even the SE, are power locks, windows, and mirrors, air conditioning, fog lights, a driver information center, and daytime running lights. The GT adds leather trim, variable effort steering, and cruise control.
The 1997 Grand Prix has benefited greatly from its redesign, becoming a more powerful, more stylish, and more popular car. The new 3.8 V6 is a hit with drivers who are looking for speed, instant acceleration, and a sporty feel. Handling is praised, and the extra elbow and legroom in the car is much appreciated. But Pontiac seems not to have addressed the issues which have bothered Grand Prix owners for a while, namely the cheap plastic parts that break easily. Door panels are the biggest culprit. Build quality and extensive repairs are common complaints.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
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by Anonymous
Dec 08, 2014
I love my car. Plenty of power to it to get me going. Definitely good gas mileage for cars these days. Best part about it are the looks. She has a carbon fiber spoiler while sitting on 17 inch rims. Great car overallDec 08, 2014
by Anthony L
Jul 13, 2014
the best combination of comfort, performance, and convince. very powerful when you want it to be and very smooth and fuel efficient when needed. plenty of head room and leg room for any size person. and a nice designed carJul 13, 2014
by Anonymous
May 18, 2013
I don't dislike anything about this car. It's easy to work on as well as fairly inexpensive to fix anything broken. I love it. It's fast, it's good-looking, it's reliable. It's got tons of room, too. No one is ever cramped. I could fit 3 bodies in my trunk just fine.May 18, 2013
User rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 08, 2014
I love my car. Plenty of power to it to get me going. Definitely good gas mileage for cars these days. Best part about it are the looks. She has a carbon fiber spoiler while sitting on 17 inch rims. Great car overallDec 08, 2014
by Anthony L
Jul 13, 2014
the best combination of comfort, performance, and convince. very powerful when you want it to be and very smooth and fuel efficient when needed. plenty of head room and leg room for any size person. and a nice designed carJul 13, 2014
by Anonymous
May 18, 2013
I don't dislike anything about this car. It's easy to work on as well as fairly inexpensive to fix anything broken. I love it. It's fast, it's good-looking, it's reliable. It's got tons of room, too. No one is ever cramped. I could fit 3 bodies in my trunk just fine.May 18, 2013
by Jc B
Jan 18, 2012
Very fast 3.8lt v6, about 230hp. great acceleration, stops quick. it is old and rusty tho, 288,xxx miles yet very reliable. black 17ich kenisis rims, cherry bomb exhaust. 17mpg city 25mpg highway miles. the car is a very fun car to both drive and be in. best car ever!Jan 18, 2012
by Robert L
Dec 04, 2011
I have almost 400,000 km on this car and the only non original part is the alternator. I get 34+ mpg on hiwaay and has enough power to burn off both front tires at any moment with no supercharger. It handles like it's on rails and is a very solid car.Dec 04, 2011
by Anonymous
Mar 26, 2011
I have owned this car for 6 years now. It has a 175K on it but it still gets me down the road with no problem. Its still got spunk and style. Pretty much I am never selling this car. I'll drive it till it pukes.Mar 26, 2011
by Luke F
Aug 13, 2010
I love this car! The seats move with the flick of a switch. The back seat is more comfy than my bed, and almost as big! The dashboard is like the helm of the USS Enterprise. The car handles like a race car, and is the funnest thing i have driven in a long time.Aug 13, 2010
by Derek S
Aug 13, 2010
very quick for an all motor v6. the 3800 is unstoppable and easy to mod. handling is very good also seeing how low the car is. looks very aggressive outside and very luxurious inside. great gas mileage and tons of fun to drive.Aug 13, 2010
by Brian B
Aug 02, 2010
i love this car its qucik. the engine is a 3800 series supercharged. the supercharger in my eyes is wat makes the car even more wanted by ppl. this car overall is fun to drive in my eyes. i love itAug 02, 2010
by Barb A
Jul 30, 2010
i love my car, but it has issues. bought used 5 years ago, it took me and hubby where we wanted to go almost every time we wanted to go anywhere. what is more important than that?? and yes, to work, too!Jul 30, 2010
by Drea F
Feb 19, 2010
I was in love with my 97 Grand Prix GTP. I took care of that car from the day I got it...to the day some stupid woman pulled out of a parking lot right into southbound traffic and plowed into me. She hit right between the front and back passenger doors and was considered totaled. Obviously the insurance payback on those cars is real bad...and I was ripped off with the check. So if you want a GTP...get it and keep it...cause you'll never get your money back out of it. If I had the option to get another one...I would.Feb 19, 2010
by Matt N
Jan 11, 2010
Overall a nice car to drive around in. The performance for a touring car isn't bad at all. Nice push you in your seat torque. The fit and finish is to be expected from Pontiac . I find the cars styling to be very nice but it lacks without the stock rear spoiler. After 185,000 miles it still gets around 20mpg and runs like a champ. Regular maintenance and you can expect over 200,000. Many nice options available to suit any driver.Jan 11, 2010
by Brandon B
Dec 23, 2009
Love the performance! Especially from a 4 door V6! love the Wide stance that the grand prix beholds. So aggressive of a look sitting low to the ground. Love the acceleration where it just sets u back in your seat. Dec 23, 2009
by Anonymous
Dec 10, 2009
Decent car in terms of reliability, but not the most exciting to be behind the wheel of. The front wheel drive is good for rain/snow. Interior looks very bubbly and the exterior looks decent. Mine is the 3800 3.8l V6, so it averages about 16-18 mpg. Seats are very comfortable, including the back.Dec 10, 2009
by Matt R
Nov 06, 2009
GM 3800 sieres supercharged engines are a thing of beauty. But the build quality was horrible. the rocker panel rust out,on most all w bodies. the hud works but the sensor for daylight broke so my dash lights didn't work, and with a powerful front drive car transmission issues are expected. Despite all this i still love the cars. They performs amazing for a sedan and would beat quite a few mustangs with a pulley and down pipe. If it weren't for the rust I would not have sold it. I just couldn't bare putting money into a car physically falling apart.Nov 06, 2009
by Enric L
Oct 03, 2009
The Grand Prix SE is the 3.1 liter engine, the smallest of 3 options that Pontiac allows: 3.1, 3.8, and 3.8 Super Charged. Even though it is the smallest engine, it still packs quite a punch when you put the pedal down to the floor and the handling is not like any car I've driven. I have taken right angle turns at near 50mph and all the car does is give a little chirp with the wheel. These characteristics make my Grand Prix a dream to drive on the highway with little effort involved and when you want to have a little fun... you can do that too.
Gas mileage has been better than I expected. I achieve an average of 28-29 mpg on highway driving.
The front of the car looks nice and aggressive, but unfortunately on the '97 SE model, the rear doesn't come with a spoiler, which makes it look empty compared to the '98 models and beyond.
At 160,000 miles and counting, the car has been a joy to have and if I can, I'd like to get a newer model when this one kicks the bucket. Oct 03, 2009
by Kenny F
Sep 07, 2009
it's supercharged!!!!! love when those mustangs pull along side.only complaint I have is the brakes, they could be alot better. the only maintenance out of the ordinary has been the replacement of the supercharger ideler pully, it froze up and threw the belt, just as a dodge neon rt pulled up Sep 07, 2009
by Mike C
Aug 23, 2009
very sharp looking car for the money, usually cost around 3-4 grand. could have more speed to it, but good braking and decent handling.
build very good, transmition finally going after 211,000 miles.
very fun car to drive for a family car.Aug 23, 2009
by Anonymous
Jul 29, 2009
Superior Car. Have had it for 6 years and no major or minor mechanical failures at 160,000 miles! Acceleration is amazing for a V6. Brakes good and handles perfect. Interior is comfy but somewhat generic. Gas Mileage is about 25 highway but about 15 city. 3800 is a spectacular motor, with some simple bolt ons it is a real contender. Only things that have needed replacing are abs sensors and and a window regulator.Jul 29, 2009
by Kai G
Jul 18, 2009
I liked that it was black. I murdered it out by blacking out the tail lights, rims, and badges. The GT has a good amount of torque for 200hp, it's about 230lbs.ft. of torque. The GTP is boosted with a Supercharger, and puts out 240hp and 280lbs.ft. of torque. If I would get another it would be a 1998-2001 GTP coupe, the 4 door is not nearly as good looking and mean looking as the coupe.Jul 18, 2009
by Anthony Y
Jul 17, 2009
have had 2 engins replaced so far on the 3800 series 2 on only 145,000 miles ... but cosmetically its fine... all electronics work great... all together is a good car... and its got nice performance. you can really feel it when it shifts downJul 17, 2009
by Matthew B
Jul 04, 2009
Comfortable, fast, Needs work just like any other car, Expensive on gas. Very fun to drive. The car is very fast from acceleration. Braking is OK if you have upgraded rotors. Handling is great because of its Wide stance. Gets up to 200 in no time :)Jul 04, 2009
by Greg H
Jun 14, 2009
Don't expect it to keep purring past100K. Performance is excellent with slight, but expected, powersteer issue when accelerating (Front Wheel Drive) "Wide Body" was to indicate that it corners well; unfortunately it suffers from understeer. Overall, I like it.
Aftermarket parts would make this car a screamer.Jun 14, 2009
by Mark M
May 19, 2009
this car is my first car and i handles very easily. it is a very smooth ride and aside from a few minor deer accidents has performed flawlessly. I love the rumble of the 3800 V-6 engine and it is always reliableMay 19, 2009
by Jessie U
May 06, 2009
12 years old and still kicking ass. It corners like a champ, and with a hefty Buick 3.8L under the hood, there's plenty of power when you need it, and more than enough to enjoy every moment of it. American automotive ingenuity at its finest.May 06, 2009
by Brandon G
Nov 09, 2008
Another terrific car (I've had a few)... this one looked great, had more get-up-and-go than anyone would ever NEED (but everyone wants), and looked good doing it. Mine was slightly used when I bought it (only 15,000 miles on it) and the previous owner had swapped the factory wheels for 19" crome Neepers (sp?). That, combined with a VERY dark tint job on the windows made this pull-me-over-red sled quite the looker. I miss the old heads-up display as well. It did have a couple of glitchy electronics issues in the dual zone climate control that Pontiac always took care of under warranty. I chalked those up to it being a complete redesign for the "97 1/2" model I bought.Nov 09, 2008
by Michael A
Sep 24, 2008
I love the performance I get from this automatic transmission. Throttle response is got too. Nice and quick. The look of one in black is sleek and stealthy because it dorsn't look as powerful as it actually is from the outside. The fog lights are cool and useful too on those poorly lit roads at night because they're closo to the ground.Sep 24, 2008
by Carole M
Sep 05, 2008
Love this car. I have owned alot of cars and I mean alot and this by far is my fav (I have the GTP). I love the fact that the supercharger allows me to swack the tires and show off. I love the four door grocery getter look with the horse power to impress. It is big enough for my almost 16 year old who is all leg to sit in the back and he's comfy. The only down side is that the trani is built for the hourse power it already has and not much more. Both my hubby and I have the need for big horse power and we both have this car (yes exact same year color) but he bumped the hp and blew his overdrive. That sucks, but over all I LOVE THIS CAR.Sep 05, 2008
by Terrill S
Aug 24, 2008
Performance is great, such as quick acceleration. braking is ok and the handling is excellent. It has had a few repairs such as serpentine belt. The auto tensioner has been replaced. interior is good. This car also gets great gas mileage, especially if ya drop it down a size from original size. Overall this car is an excellent buy and fun to drive. I have put after market rims on it which makes it look extra nice. I plan on tintin the windows and puttin after market exhaust on it.Aug 24, 2008
by Derek D
Jun 29, 2008
this is my first car, and is a car that I hope to keep all my life. The car's performance could be better but still enough to make your friends shut up. And the looks... it has tinted windows, black-out headlight covers, which all adds to the sleek black look. This is how my car got the name Johnny Cash. So far, this car has been reliable and wonderful on gas milage especially as a daily driver.Jun 29, 2008
by Joe F
Jun 23, 2008
i love this car, its the second car i ever owned and i hope i never have to get rid of itJun 23, 2008
by Sheila T
Mar 30, 2008
I love this car...besides it's own mindMar 30, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 25, 2008
When I first got it, it was a dream come true. I loved the style and for a v6 it kicked some a$$Feb 25, 2008
by Steve G
Jan 15, 2008
Bring on the thunder in this bad boy sedan, wish I still had it, it was the stud grocery getter of all stud grocery getters. 0-60 in the 7 flat range, gets it done for a sedan!Jan 15, 2008
by Anonymous
Aug 13, 2007
I bought my 1997 GTP coupe from a friend in 2006 for only $2500, with 136,000 miles on the clock. It needed a little TLC (window regulator, supercharger drive coupler, etc) but otherwise was quite sound. When driven carefully, I can get 29-31 mpg highway, 18 city, with a weekly average of 24 mpg.
Of course, I had to take it to the dragstrip, and on it's first trip down the track, it ran a 14.6 @ 94.8 mph, beating a Foxbody 5.0. With my wife at the wheel! Strong runner, great looks, and though small things might need repairs now & then, the major components are rock solid (at least in stock form). Even at high mileage, it runs like a top, shifts crisply, and uses no oil between changes. The Series II 3800 is an outstanding powerplant. Aug 13, 2007
by Anonymous
Jun 23, 2007
I really like the look of the body style and firm handling on the road.Jun 23, 2007
What users have asked
What could cuz this rough idle
I have a 1997 pontiac grand prix gtp with 294000 miles on it. It blows the doors off any other car. But it has one code it's for bank sensor 1 changed it I can see it's working. When I start the car it idles rough but when the car is warm it's good but when I turn it off and turn it back on it does it again? Any ideas what this is? I have changed the iac sensor throttle body sensor
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1997 Pontia Grand Prix GT lost power and rough start.
My 97 Grand Prix GT (3.8l V6) clearly doesn't have the power it should be, I only noticed when doing 0 to 60 tests or even going up against my buddy's 2000 Grand Am with the 3.4l V6. The car also has trouble starting after sitting for about 10 minutes or more (takes about 4 to 5 seconds to start). Now for power I'm getting 11 to 10 seconds and it lost to a 3.4l Grand Am! It's weird to me. It has a rebuilt engine with 38k on the rebuilt so far. I've done fuel filter, air filter, and new plugs and wires. Any ideas for both things?
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97 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP,, 179k
My 97 Grand Prix GTP,, driving lightly or heavy when it shifts from 1 to 2nd it falls on its face and sputters,, I throttle it and it clears up, but always does it.. I have completed and changed the MAF,, TPS,, BANK ONE SENSOR 2,, PCV VALVE,, COMPUTER SCANS PERFECT NOW and sevice engine soon and check engine light went off., After resetting comp.///BUT STILL MESSING UP
6 views
1997 pontiac Grand prix gas no spark, need help figuring it out.
Hi Guys, I am having a problem with my 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. 2 weeks ago my other half came home from my Daughter's house and parked the car. 2 days later, she went to go to the store and it would not run without severly misfiring, then just shut down. I started trying to figure out what went wrong. I started with determining if we had a fuel supply, which we do. Then I concentrated on the ignition side of things. First I checked to see if there was spark, none, next I replaced the ignition control module, still no spark. Then, I figured that the Crank sensor, that I just changed out last June was possibly bad, so I replaced that, and the cam sensor as well. Still no spark. Well, now I was a week into this and was pulling my hair out when my other half rented a OBDII code reader, it showed no codes stored, and no codes in history. I then ASSUMED, that was an indication that the ECM was bad and replaced it with a reman from Oreilly's auto parts, having it flashed at the warehouse. Still no spark, now, by this time, I have checked, and double, triple, and so on...all the fuses in both the under dash, and under hood panels, no fuses are blown. Now, I traced to see if we were getting power to the ignition control module on the connector, which we are. I then tested, as per the manual, the coil leads on the ignition control module. Which says to use a test light on both sides and see if there is a flashing light when it is cranked, still no luck. I have power in to the ignition control module, but not out via the coils. I then checked to see if the wiring harness that comes from the ECM to the ignition control module, to both the cam and crank sensors with a continuity tester, it tested good. I have also changed out the following, the nuetral safety switch, the ignition switch, and the wire harness associated with the switch. I hade had the Alt. checked, and the battery replaced. I have missed something, and I know it will be simple, but I could use some help in finding it. I have also tried resetting the alarm system, but it is not malfunctioning. Thanks Guys
1426 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix?Compare this car
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Pricing
Original MSRP
$18,769 to $22,082Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Equalizer: graphic · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent