1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Review - Sleeper Or Snoozer?

[@cafn8ed74]

Keep in mind what the market was like in 1997. Sure, 240 hp doesn't seem like much in today's numbers, but for its time that was a pretty big number. For comparison, the 1997 Mustang GT, a good example of "attainable performance" had 215 hp. A few years earlier, the GMC Syclone pickup shook the world up with 280 hp as Car and Driver raced it against a Ferrari 348 and won. Definitely different times.

[@MikeDunn]

Supposedly that hp rating for the Syclone was under rated. Nevertheless, the Syclone's strength was partly because of the AWD.

[@cafn8ed74]

@@MikeDunn true about the AWD. as I recall, in the Car & Driver article the Ferrari was closing the gap fast near the end of the strip, so the launch played a big part.

[@stevesmith6236]

I had a then brand new 1998 Grand Prix GT with the NA 3.8. It was rated at 195 hp. So if you wanted the GTP, you would be getting a substantial 45 hp gain. I am currently restoring a '99 GTP coupe. There are still plenty of aftermarket "goodies" available to make the car handle better and accelerate better. My main source for these items is ZZPerformance. I still think they look pretty damn good , sporty and aggressive!

[@mitchellkalina8191]

I was thinking the same thing. And while not world beaters these cars were pretty stout and didn't punish you at the gas pump for such a large, supercharged car.

[@89temples]

gotta love the unkillable 3800, forever a staple of midwest motoring in America

[@hitek9too255]

True. They are really popular in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, etc.

[@hakeemsd70m]

@@hitek9too255 Yep, and also in Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania, people love their 3800's. Someday hope to find one for myself.

[@MDPDADE305]

South Florida as well

[@noahmack_12]

Everywhere in Illinois

[@Alborn30]

@@hitek9too255 Yes you can always see them rusted to shit but running strong

[@brettbanta2100]

One thing I always loved about 80's-2000's Pontiacs was the bright red dashboard and gauge lights. Looked so cool at night

[@jayespi37]

Back in 1999, my girlfriend father had one of these and he gave me a ride. It was fast to me at that time. it made me want one

[@NFSMAN50]

Idk why but i have a soft spot for the 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix's, they are the ultimate sleeper cars!!

[@Pierson116]

The reason people love these things so much is the reliability of that 3800, which is arguably one of the best motors GM has ever created, plus there is a surprisingly large amount of aftermarket support for these that can really wake the cars up and make them fairly quick if you do it correctly! I've got got 02 GTP with 216,000 miles on it and I absolutely love it!

[@reaperthemad8731]

The 3800 spent years on Wards 10 best engines *ever* made. And despite the teens buying them now and blowing transmissions doing dumb stuff the 4t65e-hd was one of the strongest FWD transmissions made to that point - so much so that import racers used them.

[@milojenikolovski7522]

Im from Serbia-Europe, always was a big fan of USA cars, this Pontiac is very nice car, shame GM kill Pontiac.

[@tingokuman]

I had a white 2001 GTP. I bought it in 2002 for $16k fully loaded. Super reliable but drinks premium only. I disagree with them being slow. Mine did 0-60 in 6 - 6.5 that was fast for that era. Like you said it loved to spin tires with 320 lb ft torque. The most reliable car I have ever had. You can replace most of it at autozone for cheap. Perfect 1st car.

[@waynejohnstone3685]

I had a fully loaded 1997 GTP black on black. Had dual zone climate, sunroof and a CD changer in the trunk, I think auto headlights too. And herein lies the problem in watching car review videos from kids (born in ‘97?) - they have no frame of reference. This was a hot car, I can’t think of a sedan that was faster than this car from that timeframe. 240HP was almost unheard of and the torque was incredible. Also, why review a car from the ‘90’s and crap on it for being styled like its from the 90’s? Yeah - todays cars are much faster and styled like todays cars - in 20 years some kid will crap on that. And my mid 2000’s Chevy minivan had more HP, but my GTP was a real head-turner and a super fun car to drive. Growing up with mid 100HP cars this was a breath of fresh air!

[@27Zangle]

That 240 HP was amazing back in the 1990's. . . .

[@GSXSF1k]

I've owned many cars and my 1998 GTP was one of the best handling and safest car. I've driven it on heavy rain, snow and ice without any problems. High-speed safety is always active and you could feel the safety features working to balance the car. I would recommend the GTP to anyone.

[@Christfollower42]

The hidden gem of the pontiac grand prix widebody that car rewards you in ways no other car can.

[@BammerD]

I was part of a Grand Prix club for 10 years before it disbanded. The majority of the club focused on W-bodies, mostly Grand Prix's, with the 3.8-liter L36 and L67 engines. It was a fun club. Don't knock the 240 HP. A simple pully change on the supercharger makes a whole lot of difference.

[@brandonthompson6449]

With supporting mods

[@arosemenaa]

Yeah, I miss clubgp!

[@walterwright8454]

@@arosemenaa Me too!!

[@walterwright8454]

As was I!! I loved that website!

[@grandprixgtpjy]

Same here!

[@Ragilbert2004]

Great review! I had a 99 in 2001 when I was 18. I was working overtime and going to Highschool to afford it. It was so unique and really the only full size tuner of its day. For a $80 underdrive supercharger pully, exhaust, and colder plugs, the car would pull high twelves. I boiled over once so I added a cheap meth injection kit. All in all the car could handle tons of boost from the factory 20+ before you were forced to add an inter cooler setup. An Eaton m112 from a ford was another way to bolt up more power for the cheap and anyone with a $20 Ames tool kit could do it in the driveway in a day. I guess I’m in love with under appreciated cars. Now I’m in love with my RC F the same way I was with the GTP. Thanks for the trip.

[@seanm1319]

I always liked how that car looked, especially the coupe version. GM’s 3800 pushrod wasn’t a race car engine, but it had a good merging/passing gear, and it felt and sounded smooth and effortless, especially compared to the 4 cylinders in most cars now days.

[@justinbuice]

Awesome review and great commentary. This brought back a lot of memories of my first car, a ‘95 Sunfire. The bubbly buttons and interior trim are hilarious now after being in modern cars. Almost looks like Dr Seuss designed the interior! Anyway I always thought these were cool cars and the fact that you still see them on the road in 2021 makes them even more impressive to me.

[@grimreaper5521]

Nice work on a 97 sunfire 2dr teal green paint with charcoal interior brought one myself

[@danield.7359]

Best car on snow. Used to own a '99 SLP. The engine is a gem. Materials inside were as cheap as it looks in the video.

[@robf93]

If you have an older GTP, also make sure that your valve cover gaskets don't leak and that your fuel line quick disconnect fittings seal properly (they tend to crack.) This was the cause of many of the underhood fires that killed many GTPs.

[@D.Wade_089]

Happend to my mom’s gtp sad day

[@nickcaruth8939]

I HAD THREE OF THEM THIS 97 YEAR LOVED ALL 3.....GOT A 07 GRAND PRIX GXP NOW PONTIAC FOREVER.....

[@joshuamccann6081]

Dude thank you for actually taking time to drive some Grand prixs a lot of us especially in Michigan love these cars and have them as our projects thanks for not dogging it like everyone else.

[@stephendavidbailey2743]

I have owned a 2002 since new. The styling still thrills, and the performance is more than adequate.

[@stephendavidbailey2743]

A stock 1997-2003 Grand Prix GTP is quicker than the original GTO.

[@devinhiggison1198]

@@stephendavidbailey2743 that is not true, the original gto was tested to have a mid 5 second 0 to 60

[@stephendavidbailey2743]

@@devinhiggison1198 With a 428.

[@stephendavidbailey2743]

@@devinhiggison1198 From the March 1963 Road & Track: 0-60 6.9 seconds; 1/4, 15 seconds at 91.5 mph. Automobile Catalog, 2002 GTP: 7.4 seconds 0-60; 1/4 15.4 seconds, 93 mph

[@stephendavidbailey2743]

March 1964 issue. Sorry.

[@FlowmasterStang]

I like your channel. Only channel I know of that frequently does in depth reviews of average old cars

[@robf93]

These cars were capable of well over 300+ HP, but the transmission is not capable of supporting that amount of power. If you are gentle with the transmission, you can easily get 300+ HP numbers with a pulley swap and supporting mods. If you like burnouts and other abusive behavior, the transmission will fail if you do this.

[@salesposito2290]

I had a 2000 GTP coupe which was pretty much the same car. They knocked down low 15 sec quarter mile times and hit 60 in the upper 6 second range which was decently quick at the time. (mustang GTs had similar performance back then). The beauty of these GTPs, is that they can be easily modified without risking much in the way of reliability, and without spending too much money. Mine ran consistent 14 flat quarter mile times with a pulley swap, tune, and intake. That’s pretty quick even by todays standards.

[@ElementalMatrix]

I have been interested in getting one of these but I’m aware that the auto trans is a weak point. Did you ever have to replace yours?

[@salesposito2290]

@@ElementalMatrix I did have mine rebuilt at 90k miles, but oddly enough it didn’t need it. The shuddering I was getting going into overdrive was a fuel issue. It was under an extended warranty, so the shop was more than happy to do the work anyway. As long as you don’t go nuts with the mods aren’t always nailing/racing it, the trans is pretty durable. You’re only issue is these cars are pretty old now. So find one with low miles or good service records.

[@samrice1015]

i loved my 2001 gtp 4 door. i miss it all the time. i remember my first drive in it before i took it off the lot and this was 2009 ish. coming from an old grand am it was a sure upgrade. the supercharger made it great. sure it was fwd, and automatic but god damn i kept that car for almost 10 years. the 3800 is such a great engine. its sad gm decided to brick it.

[@iamyoung4eva21]

4:50 please stop saying late 80's early 90's. This is your basic late 90s car. 80's had thin buttons not bulky. everyone was trying to ditch the boxy style.. hence the buttons. from 1997.

[@firebird5288]

The late 90's Grand Prix GTP was the best looking years for that car. I'd like to find a red one just like this one in the video. I'd look great next to my red 1998 W68 Firebird.

[@DaVibezVirus]

If you ACTUALLY get into it..maybe slap a racing tuned ECU...that snoozer becomes that Sleeper!

[@04dram04]

These 3800 SC engines can make a ton more power with modest mods

[@ygkarson2179]

My first car was 98 Grand Prix gtp coupe, I miss it more everyday.

[@bamnjphoto]

I was about to sell mine, but I decided to keep it and update everything. Had it since I brand new

[@bigstillow91]

Only issue is with these is the transmissions but I heard if you beef them up they can handle a beating

[@bryanmchugh1307]

this reminds me of the 1990's low expectation performance cars like these Pontiacs. I would have gotten a like year Trans Am. As bad as the build quality might be they are FAST.

[@MGillDesign]

I know a guy who has a 2000 GTP with only 200 miles on it. Just sitting in his garage. He bought it new, and just never really drove it. But of course, he has other cars to choose from, like a Dodge Viper. So maybe that's why. My own 2003 GT has 132,000 miles.

[@04dram04]

Looks great for a 97. I would have guessed 2002

[@mattlimberg5763]

There really is no greater value than a GM full size sedan from this time today. Does everything you need, comfortable, a style and power level for everyone.

[@gw7477]

This was my first car! I love that thing to death, such a great reliable car. 240 hp was and is plenty

[@TakeoMack]

Fantastic review buddy!

[@joeseeking3572]

Pretty solid DD, and cheap to fix. Had a Bonne SSEi with same engine - little bit lighter, tigher GP could be decent. Though I'd give the next gen LS1 GXP a try too but then you're out of cheap wheels territory. No read headroom b/c it's a coupe style - form over function.

[@moistmuffinlover873]

I'm a Honda guy but these I have a soft spot for. Like I really want to buy one and keep it as long as possible. There is nothing like the supercharger whine when I had my 04 gtp comp g

[@mylezzpurhourr]

It’s essentially a USDM version competitor to Hondas JDMs

[@Laxnut1082]

Had a 98 coup a few years ago. Was running mid/high 13's on a smaller pulley, engine tune, ported throttle body and a cold air intake. Can be made quick for not that much money.

[@chrisnelson4708]

I have the exact same car but original interior. Still looks amazing and drives like a dream

[@nigelmcclure6440]

I've always loved and also wanted to buy one if these fabulous cars because I knew about them when I was actually a kid in the 90's and now I can definitely afford to buy one for myself right now people

[@t.l.robinson2162]

Not a snoozer. I've outran more than a few v-8 "muscle cars".

[@danfriesen4417]

Actually, my buddies 2001 GTP will be the cleanest one you'd drive...fully restored with a forged bottom end short block and every speed part ZZP has to offer including worked heads, cam, Gen 4 blower, full exhaust, in the process of doing a 5 speed stick shift conversion and way over 400 hp ....and piles of wheelspin 😅 He took 2nd at Pontiac Nationals in Norwalk recently.

[@brianmathews4221]

I got the same car but a sedan and it has about 45 thousand miles. Great car.

[@martindebrois1472]

.. An Intrepid SXT 3.5 liter is pretty comparable. The one you showed - An SE (2.7L v6) yeah is not very fast. ... The GPs were nice cars.

[@vetteluvnh]

Outstanding review!

[@SilentRacer911]

I miss mine so much. Have pictures of the dash at 145mph, needle pointing almost straight down. Had an 02 40th anniversary, my mom bought it new in 02, I had to sell it in 2015. Rust started taking over. That’s the only thing I hate New York for

[@duncanbrode381]

Great work and thanks for sharing!

[@saltylegion6288]

I have an '01 GTP Special Edition. It's a love hate relationship but I will one day restore it.

[@hakeemsd70m]

I used to see the 97-03 Grand Prix all the time, then suddenly over the last couple of years, they just disappeared. Most people must have driven the crazy pit of these to their graves. I'd love to own a GT or GTP, but there's not a single one for sale here in the Ohio Valley, and I've looked for months now. A shame the W bodies are considered throwaway cars, so much potential. I wish I could find one and restore it.

[@getbuck007]

I have one 90,000 miles super clean if your interested let me know

[@theadvocate4698]

I really enjoyed this! Thanks!

[@heroknaderi]

I'd say it can pull a trailer no Problem. I enjoyed it, I have a 3100

[@brianfreedman102]

Had A 97 GTP coupe really liked that car.

[@despairedmajin8411]

I've been driving a 97 grand prix gt as my first car and i love it. It just has some minor problems with it but that's expected when it has 320k miles

[@PreetSingh-gp3re]

Hands down the best winter beater car you can buy. I use to buy one every winter and then dump before summer. These cars can be bought for next to nothing, delco replacement parts are super cheap and these cars just don't give up. And if you find one with a clean copy you are golden

[@ariyankhan4337]

You should have reviewed the gxp it had the ls3 engine

[@grimreaper5521]

My mom had a 92 grand prix gtp white with gray interior was fun on back roads won it in a game of 🎱 never had a problem with it except high mileage other than that always taken care of

[@lilpaullyd]

You should do a review on 2000 - 2005 pontica Bonneville ssei how’s your thoughts on that.👀

[@askjeevescosby2928]

These cars are OK but I loved the last Gen wedge shaped bidy. Ide love to find a low mileage 93 in red or orange with a 5 speed

[@juanfonseca2847]

Theres one in my city right now its a bonestock 153k on the dash for 1800

[@mitch4r100]

Buy that shit

[@luiszander]

Great car, so clean i love it

[@shinobusensui9395]

I had 2 of these. THe transmissions were garbage. Both end up slipping down the line, even before that they wear not gear well for the the engine setup(4spd). They dropped the ball by not having a manual, but to be honest most by then Americans were already well fund of automatics even on performance cars.

[@DoubleD8056]

I’ve bought one at 90k in a 2000 Buick lesabre. I drive a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GT daily. Great car.

[@Bigburt-]

Are the 05 grand prix seats plug and play with the 6th gen? How hard was it to put those seats in it?

[@disbsam333]

I went through three superchargers (on warranty) in my Ion Redline in 90k miles. Forced induction is definitely not maintenance free.

[@agenericaccount3935]

I had the Regal GS for a while. Same thing different pile. It was surprisingly quick with the SC. It was by far less aesthetically offensive inside than the GTP too.

[@boloknife]

After watching this, I want another red Pontiac GP.

[@1treasurehunterdale]

Cool review bro!

[@dave11686]

Fantastic video! Didn’t know it had a boost gauge!

[@off-roadnpew2183]

Had a 98 around 02. It was awesome

[@seven02gaming90]

Man I had a 98 in black and had so much fun

[@jamesruiz4005]

It’s All about the torque

[@imserious2187]

So hard to find one in decent condition these days, and if you do then it’s like 5k or more

[@onlyhereonce7290]

" blobby aggressiveness " lol

[@SSDracerSD]

It actually sounds pretty good! 👍

[@pbscars6320]

Hey what’s up? I love your channel!

[@SSDracerSD]

@@pbscars6320 thanks man! Just looking around. Need some basic mods before I take my GTP to the track 😅

[@pbscars6320]

@@SSDracerSD Yeah, I’ve been looking into buying a GTP ever since you got yours.

[@chilobinson7355]

Can it be driven on winter? Asking cus yn, Canada 💀

[@mylezzpurhourr]

These things are pretty quick I would definitely not say slow lol or not fast it IS fast

[@Rob82876]

I had a 2 door and still miss it

[@patricksmith4952]

Mines is stock and it pushes me back in the seat off take off

[@darthdarthbinkss]

I was just watching a few videos on this car and this comes out, wtf

[@alexgomez1630]

The original backseat has room FYI

[@Vex-zz7br]

the 3.5 Intrepid is the fun one, the 2.7 is not as quick

[@Vex-zz7br]

the 3.5 Intrepid also makes 250 HP if I am correct

[@Mountainkaiju004]

My mom had a grand prix gtp it was fun but it wasn't very reliable but still cool

[@theodorecarbajal2975]

Is this a good daily car?

[@normantor]

Had a 97 Intrepid with the 3.5 and buddy it moved…….

[@qrashad9568]

I have a 2000 grand prix GT, what's the difference from the GT and GTP if anyone know...

[@unknownsoldier4156]

Your GT has no supercharger on the 3800 engine. The GTP does have the supercharger.

[@constantbuzz]

@@unknownsoldier4156 The GTP also has a different, transmission- built slightly tougher to handle the extra power. Same for the engine, some components are stronger, as well as a different fuel delivery system- It is the L67. The transmission is the 4TL65E-HD. The L67 engine and 4TL65E-HD are not included in the GT. GTP has a different suspension- it is slightly stiffer.

[@anthonywinters6157]

@@unknownsoldier4156 the actual 3800 engine block and the transmission in the gtp are stronger (more heavy duty ) than the gt

[@unknownsoldier4156]

@@constantbuzz I thought they upgraded all 3800 and 3800 Super charged engines after 1998? With the 4T65E-HD being the L67's transmission and the 4T65E being for the 3800 (and even the 3100.)

[@constantbuzz]

@@unknownsoldier4156 you are correct, had to edit my comment. Thanks

[@MrChevybaja]

someone needs a lesson in context.

[@pontiacGXPfan]

RIP, Pontiac

[@DS_IndustrieZ]

my fav car, I love me a wbody grand prix, fuck a intrepid rt or bubble sho, gimme my damn gtp, GTX , pace car, or gp purple nascar anniversary edition, hell I'd take an SE with a bench seat n column shift over a top trim from other companies offerings honorable mentions: 88 lss cyclone/typhoon Beretta gtu gtz z26 Camaro slp, SS, Bonneville ssei , sle grand am gt regal GS Impala SS wbody gxp lineup

[@bigsprinter]

Has there ever been a car you weren't super excited to review

[@jackrios4040]

Wow its got around the same power as a focus st 🙂 I'm impressed

[@TwoDollarGararge]

Yeah it's in modern hot hatch power

[@crzzymnn911]

just turbo it and watch your power go weeeeeeee. Along with the transmission lol.

[@mylezzpurhourr]

The American “JDM” but know as USDM

[@marklarson4251]

Cool

[@manwell8082]

Yo can I buy this

[@eduardscooper4719]

Pity its front wheel:(

[@Realtreecj]

I have a 97 gt coupe on my channel

[@greedo9314]

They definitely do not last forever and ever

[@harrymai991]

Wow half s15 half bmw