1997 Pontiac Grand Prix and GTP | Retro Review

[@austinfrazier7325]

I was in high school in 97. These cars made a big impact when they debuted. The styling was definitely a hit.

[@nwezetx1]

This episode is from 1996? But okay, they were definitely sexy when I first saw these hit the streets in 1996. Too bad no manual for the sporty 3.8 versions, especially with leather.

[@KenanTurkiye]

I'd like to have both, the GTP for the weekdays going to work etc, the GT for the weekend family things. (yes even in 2024 (not much left) )

[@JJC991]

Come on 100 likes!!

[@KenanTurkiye]

100 : )

[@rjcolombe]

Those Grand Prix's still look attractive today, and you can still find many of the legendary 3800s on the road today.

[@Trollingtrollssince]

I have a gold 97 still running like a champ to this day! Best damn car I ever drove

[@tylerschwartz4327]

My grandmother bought an 02 gt sedan off the lot that was a leftover in late 2002. I was 5 years old and i rode off the lot in it. I grew up in that car and and she ended up passing away in 2015. The car sat for 8 years until i took ownership and im now doing a bunch of maintenance. My profile picture is of the car mentioned.

[@ironpanther2420]

That is awesome to hear. Keep that car on the road and every time you drive it, you'll think of your grandmother.

[@BuickBooty]

Such a cool story and so glad it’s being preserved.

[@andrewholland9097]

It’s a great shade of blue

[@sneakerfreak2002]

I worked at GM when this came out. I can smell the interior form here ❤

[@srouji6]

New Car Smell is intoxicating 🤤

[@sneakerfreak2002]

@@srouji6 well those ones had an especially pungent smell lol

[@joelf1355]

I worked for Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing and can say the same about them

[@e46m54nissansr20937]

😂

[@vinsetta]

I was at Delphi at the time and did extensive work on the fuel system as we were the tier one on the W cars. Liked the GP so much I got myself a red 98 GTP coupe.

[@1mlb704]

My first car was a silvermist metallic 2000 GTP coupe. I bought it at 17 years old in 2011 for $6,000 (with my own money!), 63k miles. I owned it for 7 years and drove it daily through college. I modified it, which really woke up that already great L67. I had to get rid of it in 2018 with 178k miles due to excessive rust underneath, though you couldn't even see it thanks to the rocker moldings. This car was amazing. Super reliable, a/c always worked, the head up display was ahead of its time, the seats and ride were very comfortable, I averaged as high as 32 mpg, and the styling still looks amazing to this day. I was so attached to this car, I have the occasional dream that I still own it. I learned how to wrench and tinker with this thing. It was the first big goal I ever had - to buy my own first car, and I specifically wanted one of these. It was a big accomplishment and I really loved my time with this car. I hope I can find another one someday, preferably without any rust.

[@Jok3rz21]

That 3800 engine was one of the best that GM has created

[@fernandorocha-dx1wv]

This 3800 is best engine of GM, solid, resistent and durable

[@Mmyers1177]

Most reliable engine ever made 3800

[@tingokuman]

My Car !!!! I had a white 2001 GTP blk interior fully loaded. Spent every dime I had to get it. Best purchase I've ever made. ❤❤❤❤❤.

[@joejoecamel9106]

Not one word about TORQUE STEER ! LOL I had a 97 GTP with: CAI, 3.25" Thrasher pully, Digital Horse Power PCM, Random Tech Cat with 3" downpipe ("U" bend replace) and you would literally have to be at least 1/2 a lane over to try to compensate for the initial torque steer. I LOVED that car! Life goes Fast Drive FASTER!!

[@pontiacGXPfan]

this was before the 5.3 that played holy hell with the whole car

[@ironpanther2420]

Interesting. I had a 99 Regal GS that had headers, fenderwell intake, 3.4" pulley and a tune and it did have some torque steer but nothing like that. Best time in the quarter mile was 14.4.

[@303nitzubishi4]

If you didn't upgrade the struts on these when you add all the other goodies you would definitely end up with significantly worse torque steer. There were a couple different strut/bushing packages available that did a much better job keeping the suspension flat and the axles in line under hard acceleration to minimize the handling issues that come up once you start pushing above the 300lb threshold

[@hakeemsd70m]

​@@pontiacGXPfanThe almighty Grand Prix GXP! One of my dream cars!

[@pjcornell9691]

I miss Pontiac! I daily drive a 2006 Pontiac GTO ! Very good automobile.

[@jamesdowney2077]

Don’t we miss the days of 20k new vehicles?

[@thomasdtran]

The starting price would be $35K in today's dollars. I do wish there were more affordable options.

[@1983jblack]

​@thomasdtran and that is still attainable if you want a Charger

[@jcat96]

The maverick is pretty close, sans markups

[@tenofdiamonds6440]

I don’t miss the days where a 3 liter V6 put out 160 hp, though.

[@Defy_Convention]

Wasn't that long ago, the last new car I bought was a 2015 Mazda3 hatch for $19k. If people stop paying the post printing and inflation prices they will come down. The consumer has all the power.

[@glenTmusic]

My mom owned a 2 door GT model when I was little. But Bobby Labonte was what got me into these cars. In my opinion, the Grand Prix is the sharpest looking car GM has made since their muscle car days in the 60s and 70s. Nothing has come close in terms of design in the last decade.

[@michaelgoldberg8038]

I had a huge tin #18 on my wall from '99 to '14 lol, Labonte was the best!

[@Ryanvd1]

Agreed! Bobby labonte also made me love these cars, as well as the. 3800 engine

[@ironpanther2420]

The 2000 Monte Carlo SS is a damn close second. Especially in Intimidator trim.

[@hakeemsd70m]

​@@ironpanther2420Man, I saw an Intimidator SS in black the other day and I couldn't believe how clean it was. It was like 2004 again. Had to be garage kept. People in the Midwest love the W bodies.

[@truckercowboyed2638]

I liked these and the GTO they did in 2004...

[@chelli95]

Motorweek is one of the best car shows I've ever watched! 👏👏👏👏

[@baggierols73]

As a UK person, I can only thank KZbin & content uploaders for making them available 👍

[@jmc6000]

These cars still look good even by today's standards

[@franciscodanconia4324]

I drive a 2003 Bonneville. Car still looks pretty modern and stylish

[@tyhyhh]

@@franciscodanconia4324 nooo

[@franciscodanconia4324]

@@tyhyhh Well I have my opinions and you have yours.

[@Christopher_Black]

My favorite style of GP. Will always look good

[@upbeattvraw-hiphop8242]

Still looks great

[@l.e.miller1208]

I have a 1997 GP with 206,000 miles still going strong. It's the only car I've ever had. Runs greats, just needs new seals in the engine. Drives amazing, so responsive on the highway. I had planned to restore it with white body/white rims and make a sleeper show car out of it. Unfortunately last year someone hit and run my baby so I've moved onto a new project car -- but the GP has been so good to me. GM really sinned killing Pontiac. Thanks for posting!

[@kgthegreatone943]

These were everywhere. They had great torque

[@373axle]

The GTs were everywhere but not the GTPs.

[@NewDesignVinylGraphics]

Now they are nowhere. Still want a gtp. Almost bought one like 6 years ago for $900! Wasn't making much boost from the eaton though

[@IndyF1FanMarquis]

@@NewDesignVinylGraphics Depends on where you are in the country. They were pretty popular in my area and I still see them regularly (every day since I own one😅). It's easy to get a bit more out of the supercharger though with a pulley upgrade.

[@mitchlu]

@@373axle Yup...I bought one new in '97 as soon as they came out and the dealer pointed out to me that I was lucky since they (each dealership) were only allotted a handful based on their previous sales.

[@l.e.miller1208]

I have a 1997 GP naturally aspirated with 206,000 on the clock, and even that base model engine is extremely responsive when merging at 75 MPH high speeds

[@analogkid4557]

I have a Bonneville with the supercharged Buick V6 and can confirm the exellence of that engine. The car is awesome too.

[@christopherlaflam6383]

I had a 03 SSEI. Unique and exciting car. Terrific engine!

[@Cheezwizzz]

What I love about 3800 series motor is every time you open the hood you see ‘Supercharged’ . It’s the simple things…

[@dreamer40]

My W-Body Oldsmobile Intrigue was built at Fairfax plant in Kansas too. Thanks to all the factory technicians and engineers at Fairfax Assembly for your work on these beauties!❤

[@Monza62000]

our 2002 is a kansas car its white an they put loks of paint on it ,,,looks like new

[@theKevronHarris]

I love the legendary GM 3.8 V6 engine on the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. It would be nice if it had a manual transmission option.

[@A-classic-smithy]

Right? A 5 or 6 speed getrag would have made it a seriously fun and fuel efficient car.

[@pontiacGXPfan]

it used to

[@whitenative]

The Holden version Australia got had a 5-speed and V8 version. (Holden Commodore)

[@nwezetx1]

​@@whitenativeNot the same thing at all.

[@l.e.miller1208]

My 3800II engine has 206,000 miles on it and still is responsive and strong!

[@AdamG1983]

I miss Pontiac. We didn't know we had a good thing until it was gone.

[@Monza62000]

thank obama for it

[@RageousMode]

Such a beautiful car. Was my dream car upon debut in high school. Last car of it's size that GM offered as a coupe, the next gen was sedan only. Always wanted a white GTP coupe. Got a 2019 Buick Regal GS as it's spiritual successor as an adult, I'm happy 😊

[@crzzymnn911]

The 2 door gtp is one of my favorite cars of all time

[@Life_of_A_Man]

I love the throaty snarl from the 3800 V6.

[@gregorynofsker7554]

Oh how I miss Pontiac.....😮

[@nickval5962]

I had a 1999 GrandPrix GTP Coupe, I never put it through Canadian winters and the thing was great. Never gave me issues, unlike my 3400 Grand Am GT. One of the BEST designs to come out of the late 90s and I'm not talking just GM, I'm talking about the whole industry. These however should've been RWD and came with a manual option in the GTP versions.

[@MatrixDiscovery]

That 3800 series engines was GMs best engine and very reliable. They should gave kept developing it.

[@FLINTmitten810]

I still love these cars to this very day. I was 8 years old when these came out and thought that I would have a gtp when I was “grown up” and married with kids 😂 I still remember thinking of that.

[@POVBaker]

Never knew the GTP was that fast always loved the look of that car!

[@OfficialMarkieB]

My second car I ever owned at 19 was a 2001 Grand Prix GT fully loaded, Silver with Black leather, heated seats. And crazy dark tint. Even though it was close to 10 years old when I got it. It was still a very clean used car for the day. Edit** it was also a magnet for the you know what and I used to give our local pd the blues with their slow crown vic's.

[@thebagnechannel3183]

I’ve always thought these looked good and the design aged really well.

[@heroknaderi]

Good old days. I have an 02 Grand Prix se and it still runs great.

[@JohnEvans-ct6mz]

Now, don’t get me wrong, the 3800 V6 was powerful, reliable and got impressive fuel economy for its size. However, I had a 1991 Lumina Z34 with the 3.4 DOHC V6 and I loved that engine. I used to drag race it and it was about 1/2 second faster in the 1/4 mile than any non supercharged Grand Prix. Plus, you could rev the crap out of it and it would just pull harder. Yes, it definitely had its issues. Why GM used plastic idler pulleys on the timing belt is beyond me, but when they ran, they ran great, sounded awesome and were just way more fun. Wish they would have put more time in to fixing/upgrading that engine instead of playing it safe. On the other hand, I did see a lot of 10 second GTPs at the track…

[@ironpanther2420]

That engine had a lot of potential but it was just too complicated. Five camshafts just to make 210hp while bolting a supercharger onto the 3800 made 240hp. But I will say, all the older dudes I talk to that have owned those 3.4 DOHC cars rave about them.

[@punkem733]

In 2000 JD powers had a top 100 engines of the last 100 years. The 3800 was in the top 10. Please don't compare that engine to the 3800, that's just laughable.

[@JohnEvans-ct6mz]

@@punkem733 My comment wasn’t intended as a comparison, they were vastly different engines with completely different purposes. As far as awards in the auto industry goes, those are what’s laughable. Some of the least reliable engines ever made wound up on Wards ten best list, JD Powers assigns awards regularly to GM vehicles for “initial quality”. Those very same vehicle wind up with catastrophic engine or transmission failures before they have their third oil change. Motor Trend has had to rescind multiple awards for “car of the year” because they were so terrible. I was a GM tech for over ten years and I’ll tell you this, you couldn’t pay me to own a GM vehicle made after 2009. Oh, and the 3800 Series II was reliable for two reasons. By the time the series 2 came out, the 3.8 V6 was a 20 year old design, the 3.4 was only 5. Plus, the series 2 had very low output for its displacement, even by mid-1990s standards. Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi had V6’s pushing out over 300 horsepower at that time and were all 3 liters.

[@jiggity76]

@@ironpanther2420 Five camshafts?

[@jiggity76]

@@ironpanther2420 I love both of my LQ1's! I daily drive one of them.

[@system87music]

Love these retro videos...grew up watching these on the weekends...still watch Motorweek today! These Pontiacs (sniff/sigh) were really cool cars! Thanks Motorweek!!

[@michaelsorber7859]

Such a very underrated car especially with the 3.8s

[@PintoPopProductions]

My family takes years to pick out new cars and they looked long and hard at Grand Prix GTPs. My parents were in love with the GM 3800 supercharged V6 so we looked at the Bonneville SSEi and GP GTP. Bonneville didn't quite fit in the garage. My dad's long torso put his head up in the sunroof on the Grand Prix. The Buick Regal had an inch of additional headroom over the Pontiac. So we bought a Twilight Blue Regal GS and I still have it 23 years later.

[@iluvcamaros1912]

I had a 2001 Regal LS. I think it's underrated styling wise. I especially loved the rear end vs the Grand Prix. And I think the Regal's dash is more attractive too.

[@patrickmichael3384]

My FAV Grand Prix of this design is the GTP sedan. The Pontiac Grand Prix also happens to be my FAV car of any sort built in the state of Kansas (Fairfax Kansas City to be exact).

[@landongendur]

I remember my dad (who never previously bought a new car in his life) really wanting one of these new. He got brochures, but ultimately didn't take the plunge.

[@tbok75]

Makes me really miss my 96 Bonneville SSEi. That supercharged 3.8 was a great motor.

[@CarefulWithThatAxeEugene]

I had a 97 sedan gt white black interior. Man for a stock 3800 no charger on it that thing was fast for its time and yes i cant testify that it handled amazing. Made a fan of me since then i have owned a 1994 super charged buick park avenue ultra. A 2002 buick lasbre all 3800 series. Best buy for the buck.

[@davidaubin3902]

1:38 John: NO MANUAL IS AVAILABLE! LOL

[@tazingbabies6012]

I fell in love with the gtps when they came out, i remember hearing an airplane behind me then turning around to see a pontiac. I've had 5 since, I still drive one today... I always get compliments on it but sadly most people have no idea what it is anymore.

[@DoSum4Me]

This generation of the grand prix was and still is my favourite GM ever made. My coworker has a purple GTP coupe, and I always admire it.

[@c101rex]

My dad had a 99 2 door gt coupe when i was younger , had it forever it was such a cool car miss it. That white on white one goes hard

[@Ss31994]

Damn had a 2000 gtp in white, HUD, Bose speakers. Loaded. Few years later 2004 comp G gtp. Downfall of these cars were the transmission and head gaskets

[@Lucille69caddy]

Don’t you mean lower intake gaskets?

[@SparkZ1420]

Just bought a 99' GTP Coupe with 73k original miles. The car is such a pleasure to drive

[@kennethrosario6706]

Pontiac was a great brand. GM made a bad decision in killing the brand

[@DailyDriver.]

I still want one of these old things. Such a neat looking classic Pontiac. I miss Pontiac

[@jdelly5988]

Still driving my champagne beige 2002 GT today. Had it for almost 5 years best car I’ve ever owned.

[@RJKYEG]

When I was a kid my parents picked up a GT model, it was a sick daily whip. Eventually my parents traded the GT in for a 2-door GTP, that was a pretty dope ride for my mom's daily commute. It was like a dark midnight blue, with low profile chrome wheels, a Bose stereo and sub, a boost gauge for the supercharger ...

[@josephthomas8318]

Finally! Ive been waiting for this episode

[@bobhill3941]

I loved these as a kid.

[@SSDracerSD]

Purchased a 1998 GTP coupe for $1200 a few years ago, it even passed smog! A very fun driving car! Added a CAI and the supercharger sounds are hilarious. Got a few runs down the track in my channel.

[@stephendavidbailey2743]

Bought a 2002 GTP new, still drive it [only car], have no desire to replace it. The styling still satisfies.

[@NewDesignVinylGraphics]

I still Long for a V8 Bonneville or supercharged grand Prix. Such unique underrated cars that get tons of hate. Sorry everything can't be rwd. These are so unique I'll always love them

[@tone_bones56]

01 GT Sedan was my first car back in 07. I loved that thing...would still buy a clean GTP today!

[@robertveronese4405]

I had a gtp coupe, great car, got 36mpg on the highway, sorry i so I sold it, but i got a free demo at the dealership i was working.

[@373axle]

I know with a good launch and better traction, some owners were running under 15s in their GTPs stock.

[@kirbyswarp]

I did some draggy runs on mine a month go. 14.6@93mph on bad tires. Worst time I got was a 14.78@91mph on my first try. All it has is a cold air intake

[@njhampster]

I have owned a 2000 GTP since 2002. It still looks and runs great! And it was always faster than the one they tested

[@dragoniv]

Bought a 2000 GTP used in 2003, kept it till 2011, when it got replaced by a G8 GT. The GTP was fun, especially after upgrading the engine a bit and tuning it.

[@danielkatzel895]

I've had a '97 SE for a couple years now - very nice driving car & very reliable - got it for $4000 off a little old lady of 93 who can't drive anymore - best 4 grand i ever spent on a used car !

[@jcraig1848]

My sister in law had the GTP black on black 4 door w the supercharged 3.8. That Poncho was awesome and could smoke those good year eagles right off it.

[@perfectstorm7518]

I love MW. Sometimes there criticisms didn’t make sense. Toyota- cheap feeling plastic….. Meanwhile this Pontiac- only 2 misses. None of which is that terrible cheap feeling plastic 🥴

[@fiiv3s]

ehh when new, these things interior, while using cheap plastic, didnt feel all that cheap because it wasnt thin and rattly. some of the cheaper toyotas like the abse echo and corolla have some very THIN feeling interiors which can increase that feeling of cheapness

[@SimpleAsBDCs]

We had a 4 door and 2 door GTP when I was a kid loved the whine of those motors…

[@AaronSmith-kr5yf]

My good buddy across the street got a 1997 Grand Prix GTP coupe as his first car, back around 2001 or so. Dark green, really pretty car. #1 thing I remember about that car was the touchy throttle/instant torque. So much as breath slightly hard on the go pedal from a dead stop, it would spin the front tires. Lay into it from a dead stop it would lay rubber and generate a damn good bit of smoke from one of the front tires. My 2014 Lexus ES350 is also V6/FWD, a faster car but doesn't quite have that off idle melt the tires torque like that old supercharged Grand Prix. Yeah the Lexus will melt the front tires off, but the engine needs to spin up to 2700-3000rpm before the real fun starts.

[@marstillo8087]

I still have a White 1999 Pontiac Grandprix GTP Coupe

[@devinbiz]

Exterior styling, one of my favorite late 90s American cars

[@cub1009]

The 1997 to 2003 GTP was the hell cat of it's day.

[@lightningbuster]

My grandmother currently has a 2001 GT. Has 91k miles on it still runs and drives great but definitely starting to show its age. A lot of warning lights on the dash and things are starting to fall off like trim pieces and window regulators.

[@TwistedChad]

Soundtrack at 2:53 is Heavy Methane by Eric Caspar

[@alacran1986]

The W-body platform was solid and safe in an accident. The only weakness is rust on the rockers and strut towers. Cavity wax or fluid film the rockers but the multi layer sheets of metal help the strut towers rust out only prevention is the wheel well plastic cover.

[@brownnzenn]

It's wild when you look back at what prices were in the 90s and early 00s. Nowadays, prices are above most peoples income. The full-size sedan was $20,000 in 97. In 2023, a subcompact sedan (Nissan Versa) starts at $20,000.

[@jasonz7788]

A great looking car. . and a reliable GM car. I still see them on the road now and then.

[@IndyF1FanMarquis]

Love GP's; own a 99 GTP sedan that's the same color and spec as in the video. Side note: it's so weird to see 6th gen GP's without a spoiler.

[@MutedGrowl]

I graduated in 2001. Every guy in our school wanted this style.

[@JohnEvans-ct6mz]

“When this thing hits 88 miles per hour, you’re going to see some serious ****!”

[@punkem733]

Oct 99, picked up a 97 red sedan, even well into 2000 people would look and ask if that was the widetrack LOL, that commercial was all over. That car was a monster with light mods.

[@Bobcat9]

I had a 99 GTP coupe in 2005, which I shipped to Germany when I was stationed there. It was a big car to try and park in those tight urban areas, but it did alright on the Autobahn. However, above 100mph, it didn't inspire much confidence like German-market cars did. I had slow tires and was limited to 115mph, with many other cars going more like 130-150 around me, but if it had a 5th gear and tighter suspension, it would have been a great car for those roads.

[@carexpertandy]

Around 1998, I can remember my family having a red sedan with chrome wheels as a rental in Southern California, similar to the one shown here.

[@timhiltonsuperstar]

I had a 03 GT. Great car but Canadian winters killed it.😢

[@firebird5288]

97 is when the Grand Prix became such a great looking car. I kinda wish Pontiac could have fit that 3800 supercharged V6 in the Firebird. I've got a 98 Firebird with the Y87 performance package. Couple that with the supercharge and it'd be damn sweet.

[@blackericdenice]

This is the best looking fwd Grand Prix.

[@Mystery_Man84]

I always make a guess as to the 0 to 60 time with these car videos. I guessed 7.8 seconds on this one and it was 7.7. 😂

[@horsepowerandchutzpah5909]

First comment, and about damn time the most favorite w body got displayed

[@master_vator]

I had an 03 gt, loved it

[@joshup1275]

Always loved those cars

[@stephendavidbailey2743]

I have a 2002 GTP bought new. Very good styling, inside and out. But, I have never become used to the wooden steering [synthetic power steering fluid helped] and the excessive body noise [front and rear strut tower braces helped with that last].

[@Skyhawk1987Turbo]

I loved the 88-93 before they they but the new dash in them

[@PhillyDee215]

My 3800 pushing 400whp....💪

[@analogkid4557]

Yeah, Buick made a hell of a V6.

[@PhillyDee215]

@@analogkid4557 over 400ftlbs of torque.....this 3800 can handle plenty of power too

[@kirbyswarp]

What's the mod list?

[@dohc1067]

Always loved the styling of those Pontiacs minus the Aztec, but it was practical. One of my old supervisors had the coupe and every once in a while I see the sedan.

[@truckercowboyed2638]

What i notice is they may have low horsepower by todays standards but these were torque monsters and were great for cruising and being stylish

[@RockymountainRobert]

I wished my parents had one of these cars when they came out in 94 to 97, i was a teenager then, the 3.8 supercharged motor was lime having a supercharged challenger for ita time.

[@michaelfincher9856]

I miss my 98 GT coupe. I love to have another one

[@bryanCLXT]

thank good for zzp they still make mods for these. bad boys

[@1972Ventura455ho]

I've owned a few of these, decent riding and comfortable on a trip. Only downside is premium gas on the SC cars.

[@fabiolas4]

I miss both of mine... Very nice reference to the Hurst SSJ!

[@bamaboyburns8079]

I remember driving a Grand Prix gt it was quick !!!! I always wanted to race this vs a 99 maxima would’ve been interesting

[@jstoli996c4s]

I had a white ‘97 GTP sedan, it was a great car.

[@BigWheel.]

The OFFICIAL Midwestern hood car.

[@jeromep3182]

One of my ex had a black one Pontiac Gran prix Gt with black leather and the sunroof man I loved riding in her car 😊😊

[@MimicMan0324]

Had a 2000 GTP. Very fun car to drive. After about 75K it became an absolute electrical nightmare and very expensive!