1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Sedan Photos, engines & full specs

Pontiac unleashed the seventh generation of the Grand Prix in 1997 and produced the car either as a coupe or a four-door sedan.

The carmaker continued the idea of a front-wheel driven performance vehicle able to provide enough pleasure for the one behind the wheel while still being comfortable enough for the rest of the occupants. In the four-door configuration, Pontiac offered more room for the rear-seated passengers and also installed mounting points for child seats.

With a design signed by John Manoogian II and Tom Keams, the Grand Prix coupe sported fluid, organic lines on its bodywork. The front fascia featured slim headlights swept on the sides, with the blinkers on the front fenders. Customers and brand fans could easily recognize the specific Pontiac split grille at the front, incorporated into the wrap-around plastic bumper. On the lower apron, the automaker installed a pair of round fog lights on the outer sides. For the four-door version, the Grand Prix sported a curved ascending beltline that continued behind the C-pillars. Due to the rear doors' shape, the automaker had to split the windows. At the back, the raked-forward windscreen and the short deck created a surprisingly sporty look for the four-door sedan.

Inside, on the dashboard, the instrument cluster sported a four-dial setup, with a large tachometer and speedometer flanked on the sides by the fuel gauge on the left and the temperature on the right. The front bucket seats were designed mostly for comfort. At the same time, there was enough room in the back for three passengers thanks to the wide seat bench. In addition, due to the long wheelbase, there was enough kneeroom for them.

But such a sporty-looking vehicle deserved a better engine. In 1996, when the car was introduced, it was fitted with a 3.1-liter V6 for the base models and a new 3.8-liter with the same configuration from GM's parts bin. All versions were paired with a four-speed auto fitted as standard.