Dubbed as GM's leading compact entry and Pontiac's division volume leader, 1997 Grand Am models receive a lot of attention both from consumers and Pontiac dealers with its development and evolution. This year's model has received some significant refinements. While last year's interior and rear fascias were freshened, this year has an increase in standard equipment. For the 1997 model, it receives innovation such as the addition of air conditioning to the standard equipment list. It also features two new exterior colors.

 

It still has the standard of having a dual airbags, power door locks, PASSlock anti-theft system, am/fm stereo with seek/scan and daytime running lights. There are also available options such as power sunroof, leather seating, keyless entry along with remote and various radio upgrades. Improvement on its interior design has also minor changes like the use of fewer parts with premium isolation materials between plastic and vinyl parts, which help reduce having interior noise.

The 1997 recall made by General Motors involves problems in front underhood wiring and ignition switch. The first defect was believed to result in an underhood fire caused by arcing due to high current flow. To repair it, dealers will have to check for the protective cover the vehicle should have or install it in case of absence of the said cover. The second problem involving ignition switch was said to cause fire in the steering column even if the engine is turned off and the key is removed. To solve this, dealers installed a relay kit in the vehicle to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch.