1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Driving Impressions Review at Automotive.com
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Pontiac
Grand Prix
1997

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Review: Road Test

Below is a full, detailed 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix review and road test from New Car Test Drive. A full evaluation of price, equipment, the driving experience, and specs are all here in a structured, easy-to-navigate format from journalists with limitless ...     read more
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1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Review

The American sport sedan redefined.
Driving Impressions
Pontiac engineers concentrated on giving the Grand Prix a level of handling

competence that's unusually athletic for this type car, and in general

we think they succeeded.

The new unitbody structure is stiffer than the previous Grand Prix,

which contributes to interior quiet and also enhances long-term structural

integrity. The revised suspension does a very good job of, on the one hand,

isolating road noise and vibration from the passengers and, on the other,

giving precise, responsive handling on smooth pavement.

And without going into the electromagnetic wizardry of the Magnasteer,

the steering has an exceptionally good feel, both when going straight ahead

and when the road takes more than a few twists and turns.

The freeway ride represents Pontiac's interpretation of the feel associated

with sporty European sedans. That is to say, instead of being overly soft

and cushy to the point of wallowing down the road and imparting a feeling

of sensory deprivation, the Grand Prix rolls down the highway level, even,

well-controlled and confidence-inspiring. If there's any criticism to be

made, we think it's in the area of shock damping, which is a tad too stiff

to respond smoothly to sharp bumps.

But the feeling of being in control is ultimately more relaxing and

comfortable than all the mobile sofas that were the American sedan staple

for far too long.

While we've driven and enjoyed the rampaging performance of the supercharged

GTP, we think the GT is the better all-around choice. A key here is the

3800 Series II V6. It makes good power, plentiful torque, and pulls the

car across intersections or up freeway on-ramps with respectable zeal.

It's smooth and unobtrusive, with just a hint of an assertive growl when

the throttle is opened wide. And it's devoid of the hint of torque steer

that goes with the supercharged engine.

The bottom line: we think the Grand Prix's all-around competence and

performance will come as a very pleasant surprise. This car's dynamics

more than measure up to its looks. Next Page


1997 Pontiac Grand Prix