1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
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...
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.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers really enjoy the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, particularly praising its performance, power, and handling. Many owners love the supercharged engine's capability and the sporty but comfortable design, making it a fun car to drive. However, some have noted issues with the transmission and brakes, indicating some reliability concerns over the long term."
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.
December 4, 2011GM 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.
November 6, 2009very 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.
August 13, 2010What owners say
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.
December 4, 2011GM 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.
November 6, 2009very 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.
August 13, 2010The 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.
October 3, 2009I 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.
September 24, 2008Overall 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.
January 11, 201012 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 6, 2009I 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 overall
December 8, 2014I 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.
March 26, 2011When I first got it, it was a dream come true. I loved the style and for a v6 it kicked some a$$
February 25, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $20,649 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 16.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $22,082 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $19,739 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 16.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $21,265 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $18,769 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 16.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
