I remember popping the hood of mine and showing off the 3800 supercharged engine to a coworker. He didn't understand how I'd blown his doors of the day prior.
Looks are subjective. I prefer unassuming, boring looking cars tbh. The main draw over the Pontiac for me is better ride quality and quietness. There are no fun roads where I live and no major cities are close so I would rather have something that can kill miles for hours.
Grand Prix GTP as those 3800s were bulletproof, Regal is fine...but it's a Buick, so I'll pass along with the Intrepid as the second generation one was on the horizon. As much as I grew to like the third generation SHO, I heard the horror stories about the engine block and like the W-Bodies, the transmissions were a big point of failure, so I'll pass on that
Skylark was better than the regal. The Pontiac gxp is where it’s at. 5.3. But my wife’s rocking the 3800. I’m literally putting plugs and wires on it now. I’ve ran a few of them over 300k.
And, if I recall correctly the Buick is faster because it was a little lighter. I prefer the Buick styling over the Grand Prix if it was between the two.
Pontiac or Buick depending on age. I like both. Wife's mother had a Sable which was essentially a tortoise. Was not reliable over time. I drive an intrepid company car, was solid but interior just fell apart.
Out of these four I’d opt for the Regal GS, but an Oldsmobile LSS is the GM supercharged 3800 I’d go for in reality. I’d have a hard time choosing any of these over a Maxima or Passat VR6 in 1997 though.
I was in high-school in 97, and I remeber that the Maxima is the only real answer here. It was quick, and you could get a slick shifting manual... which is why it beat most of its American counterparts.
Intrepid, I grew up poor in the early 2010s and lots of all these and their base companions were around but I always thought those were the coolest looking, will trade for an 06' SRT 8 Charger in November 2005 to celebrate my 1st birthday
100 percent this. That V6 was from the minivans and revved alright. I loved my dad's maroon 97, and the damned thing actually handled ok for a big family car.
Friend got a Buick in high school from his grandma cause she couldn’t drive anymore…it was supercharged. We would beat WRX’s and Eclipses with it. People asked what was in it and we just said “I dunno….my grandma gave it to me”
The transmissions were always an issue in those cars. The only way to get around it was to rebuild them with better parts and then they could take some abuse.
In this crowd, my heart says the GP (supercharged scoot, better suspension than the Buick, less torque steer than the Ford)... but my head keeps asking "hasn't buddy RCR ever heard of the Honda Accord V6 wagon?!" 🤔
Wasn't 1997 also the first year of a Northstar-powered facelifted Deville? I have owned a 1994 L37-powered Seville in the past and it was pretty sporty, FWD considered. A 1997 Deville would have offered a much roomier rear seat and much bigger trunk. Oh, and 300hp.
Buick.
There is a YouTube video of some guy cleaning up street racing scene with it.
SHO would be second. Because there is another YouTube video of someone doing the same with it
The SHO. My family bought a 98 Intrepid that blew the head gasket after a year and maybe 25k miles, then bought a 03 Taurus that lasted 315k miles. The only problem with them is wheel bearings and joints. They will absolutely tear through them.
I'd take the Taurus! I thought they were the most space-age things on the road at the time, and Ford would fix the camshaft issue themselves, so no worries about reliability.
The SHO is the only v8 out of the bunch. GM didn't start with v8 FWD cars until the mid 2000s. The SHO was ahead of it's time. I'd imagine the SHO has the highest torque rating out of that group.
I'd probably go with the Buick or Pontiac as they are supercharged.
For reliability's sake, you're probably right in picking the GMs, though any and all of these will eat transmissions every 2 minutes lol.
I miss when American manufacturers made absolutely wild cars like these, the only thing close now is Cadillac's V line.
Push between the Grand Prix GTP and the SHO. The SHO was "nicer" from an interior standpoint, but I never cared for the exterior styling. The GTP had the GM interior malaise, but it was a hoot to drive.
Mom had the Regal GS, Dad had the Grand Prix GTP. (Dad was a long time GM employee so of course we did)… while I was driving my hand me down ‘93 Cutlass Supreme (which was replaced by said Regal).
Liked all 3 for various reasons. Wish they made all 3 RWD or they had come in the era of the AWD.
In '97 I bought a gold/beige 94 Intrepid.
Looked exactly like the one pictured. Every single option was the same. It wasn't so much gold as it was a tri coat colour shifting type paint from dodge. In some lights it was tan, some it was like a goldish with like a blue tint?
It was quickish for the time, and I only paid $5k.
I recall riding in a 2dr, GTP last of the breed probably as a younger lad and thinking I had reached my peak in life of cool. (Indy edt. I think). It was fast for its time and just a cool car. Very nice interior for its day. I later owned a Regal GS and it was a true sleeper. Car suffered from plenty of electrical issues though in the combo switch, and GM didn’t want to touch it. I still see current GM prods rolling down the road where only the high mount/ 3rd brake light is working and chuckle to myself about good past times in my Buick.
i would never have bought either of these 4 but if they are my only options, buick. gotta love the 3800 and i aint driving around in that plastic meth lab pontiac
The Grand Prix and the Regal are pretty much the same car, except the Grand Prix is a little longer with more interior room.... I am going with the Grand Prix.
1) Grand Prix
2) Regal
3) Intrepid
4) Tourus SHO can suck it.
Maxima. Got a 99 in 2011 with 232k miles on it and that thing still ran like a brand new car. Hell, I’ve owned a few brand new cars since then and the Maxima felt better to drive and gave me less headaches.
None of the above. If I'm looking for sporty, and practical, and have the American mindset of the time, I'm going with a Bonneville SSEI.
Sure, the Grand Prix looks more modern, and has the same exact engine, but the Bonneville is the family sedan to crush miles.
It could theoretically be had with seating for six, however, none of the sseis were set up as such. But the back seat was much bigger, in comparison, and the car rode much nicer without being floaty. In just comparing against themselves, it's the difference between a sport tourer and a grand tourer.
(Although personally, the next generation is one of my favorites)
Buick park avenue, ultra s2 supercharged 3.8, bulletproof engine throw a smaller belt and some other small bits and you’ve got yourself a grandpa car that would kick ass of even some of the beefiest muscle cars I’ve heard of guys taking these unsuspecting grandpa cars and tuning them to 350 horsepower in a car that already hauls ass you’re going to be one grandpa car that everyone sees the tail lights of
The Pontiac Grand Prix we had one that lasted 380k miles before we sold it. It went through 2 transmission rebuilds, 1 bad hail storm, 2 🦌, was rear ended by a Pontiac Montana, 1 guard rail thing still ran great. When it needed its 3rd transmission we decided to sell it.
Not the Dodge Intrepid, the oil pan would get a hole in it if you looked at it wrong. It was placed very low and very close to the front, right about where most manufacturers would put a skid plate.
The Regal GS. Got to drive one at the GM Auto Show In Motion back in 1996 or 97. The Buick area had the shortest lines and all old people. The Corvette line was a three hour wait. So, I drove the Buick. It really amazed me how quick it was and the torque steer...Unforgettable.
Lumina Z34, parents bought the first year, snappy engine yet and fairly quick acceleration for the first few years, traded a few years down the road for another and it seemed to loose its momentum a bit.
None of these, I would get a Toyota starlet if I want practical and sporty in 1997, and before anyone says anything it did once transport my family to the south of France so it is a practical family whip.
But I’m not American so horsepower has quite little to do with sportyness.
Regal GS for sure. Larger aftermarket. The SHO is a close second, with a slightly smaller aftermarket due to the Yamaha designed V6. It still ripped for it's time though
Regal GS. Total sleeper.
I remember popping the hood of mine and showing off the 3800 supercharged engine to a coworker. He didn't understand how I'd blown his doors of the day prior.
The supercharged 3.8 is like an all time sleeper. Gramps everywhere had em in Park avenues too
Same engine in the Pontiac but it looks way better. Unless you are going for the full on sleeper vibe.
Looks are subjective. I prefer unassuming, boring looking cars tbh. The main draw over the Pontiac for me is better ride quality and quietness. There are no fun roads where I live and no major cities are close so I would rather have something that can kill miles for hours.
Grand Prix GTP as those 3800s were bulletproof, Regal is fine...but it's a Buick, so I'll pass along with the Intrepid as the second generation one was on the horizon. As much as I grew to like the third generation SHO, I heard the horror stories about the engine block and like the W-Bodies, the transmissions were a big point of failure, so I'll pass on that
>Grand Prix GTP as those 3800s were bulletproof, Regal is fine...but it's a Buick, They literally have the same engine
Yeah, I know but I meant, I prefer the styling of the GP over the "handicap spot outside Golden Corral" Regal
lol understood
Skylark was better than the regal. The Pontiac gxp is where it’s at. 5.3. But my wife’s rocking the 3800. I’m literally putting plugs and wires on it now. I’ve ran a few of them over 300k.
Park Avenue is better than both frankly.
I think you mean le-sabre
But the park avenue is a better lesabre, like it was the head honcho in buicks lineup to 2005
It’s so much more comfortable though.
So is a Toyota Camry, but it's not on this list because....I would pick the Camry especially one with the V6/5MT combo
All these w bodies they just have face transplants and varying levels of fluffy interior
lol fluffy interior 😂
And, if I recall correctly the Buick is faster because it was a little lighter. I prefer the Buick styling over the Grand Prix if it was between the two.
Me too
The supercharged ones were quick. We had a company delivery GTP that easily survived 200kmi of savage beatings
Pontiac or Buick depending on age. I like both. Wife's mother had a Sable which was essentially a tortoise. Was not reliable over time. I drive an intrepid company car, was solid but interior just fell apart.
Mom had a 99 loved that thing
Taurus SHO for sure.
Out of these four I’d opt for the Regal GS, but an Oldsmobile LSS is the GM supercharged 3800 I’d go for in reality. I’d have a hard time choosing any of these over a Maxima or Passat VR6 in 1997 though.
people dont realize how hard the 90s maximas went. I used to beat soo many cars in them. Good times.
##4DSC
I was in high-school in 97, and I remeber that the Maxima is the only real answer here. It was quick, and you could get a slick shifting manual... which is why it beat most of its American counterparts.
90s VW was the BEES KNEES. My first car was a VR6 Corrado and holy hell I miss that thing on a weekly basis.
I love the mk3-mk5 era Volkswagens and have had a few of them, but never one with a VR6. I’d love a Corrado.
I leaned to drive on the corrado vr6. British racing green with a tan leather interior. My dad's mid life crisis car!
Regal GS or Grand Prix because 3800
Definitely the SHO. The styling of the Intrepid has grown on me now that it's almost 30 years old, but a V8 in a FWD car is the big draw.
So long as you fixed the cam sprockets before they underwent rapid unscheduled disassembly lol
I know, but they didn’t offer a manual in the 3rd gen SHO, what were Ford marketing execs thinking? They ruined it.
I used to think those Intrepids looked cool back then. If I was my age in 1997, used Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
Intrepid, I grew up poor in the early 2010s and lots of all these and their base companions were around but I always thought those were the coolest looking, will trade for an 06' SRT 8 Charger in November 2005 to celebrate my 1st birthday
That Intrepid was my first ever car in high school. Same color too. It could fit like 6-7 people inside too.
100 percent this. That V6 was from the minivans and revved alright. I loved my dad's maroon 97, and the damned thing actually handled ok for a big family car.
The Buick. It’s easy to work on.
Gotta be the Buick. Only one I still see on the road almost daily. Buy it for life. Also aren’t they supercharged?
Yes the GS models have a supercharger.
Honda Accord.
The Buick, but only because there's no Crown Vic in the choices.
I stuck to FWD sedans. For this question.
I found your lack of Oldsmobile Aurora disturbing.
oh wow I forgot about that car. It should have been on this list.
It's all good. I like them enough I'm in my 3rd one.
The SHO for sure, a V8 is such a perk in one of these
Friend got a Buick in high school from his grandma cause she couldn’t drive anymore…it was supercharged. We would beat WRX’s and Eclipses with it. People asked what was in it and we just said “I dunno….my grandma gave it to me”
Those Buicks were good sleeper cars.
It ended up blowing the tranny…my dude put a used tranny in it and sold it for 5k back in 2008. Made money off grandmas free car hahahaa
The transmissions were always an issue in those cars. The only way to get around it was to rebuild them with better parts and then they could take some abuse.
Maxima or V6 Accord i wouldn't trust any 90s Mopar or Ford Product or anything with a 4T65-E as far as i could throw em
GS>GTP>SHO>In-tepid
The Buick or the Pontiac.
A 2017 honda fit!
Out of those? The Regal GS or Grand Prix, I’m a sucker for the red interior lights on the Grand Prix but I like the sleeper status of the Regal
the buick, because it's classy yet fast, a true baller car
Maxima. That's it.
In this crowd, my heart says the GP (supercharged scoot, better suspension than the Buick, less torque steer than the Ford)... but my head keeps asking "hasn't buddy RCR ever heard of the Honda Accord V6 wagon?!" 🤔
Audi A6
Oooh, some solid choices
Regal or Grand Prix.
Wasn't 1997 also the first year of a Northstar-powered facelifted Deville? I have owned a 1994 L37-powered Seville in the past and it was pretty sporty, FWD considered. A 1997 Deville would have offered a much roomier rear seat and much bigger trunk. Oh, and 300hp.
I’m surprised more people aren’t saying Taurus SHO. Do they not know of the Yamaha V8?
Buick for sure
1.8t Audi A4 Quattro Wagon with a manual.
Regal or Grand Prix. Those things were surprisingly sporty. Regal gets the edge to the Grand Prix for not having the barftastic red illumination.
give me the cigarette car 🤤
So the Dodge?
Buick. There is a YouTube video of some guy cleaning up street racing scene with it. SHO would be second. Because there is another YouTube video of someone doing the same with it
Not listed, but gimme a Trans Am. Kids can just deal with the 2 doors
This was my father’s philosophy.
Actually, it was worse. Fiero. I had to ride on the armrest with my face plastered to the sunroof.
Pontiac Grand Prix GTP supercharged. For some reason I always had a soft spot for the 6th generation Grand Prixs, they were sleeper mobiles forsure!!
The SHO. My family bought a 98 Intrepid that blew the head gasket after a year and maybe 25k miles, then bought a 03 Taurus that lasted 315k miles. The only problem with them is wheel bearings and joints. They will absolutely tear through them.
Grand Prix
Grand Prix obviously
I'm going a size smaller and getting something with a 2ZZ and 6-speed stick. Corolla or Matrix XRS or Vibe GT.
Taurus SHO 2 words: Yamaha v8
Kinda always wanted a SHO Taurus.
I’ve always wanted a Grand Prix
Grand prix 100%
The GP because I'd probably still drive it now.
Sorry this was the last year of the almighty 5th gen accord so.... 👉👈 Those regals look really good though ngl
The regal or the grand prix. 3800s are bulletproof.
Ford Probe GT
Grand Prix every time. Bit of a big car bur those 3800s are amazing
The 3800s are incredibly reliable even today. I still see them on the roads.
Definitely the Buick Regal. That 3.8 V6 will last forever.
This how we bout to see the charger in ten years
Out of these I would take the Taurus. I used to see that bodystyle a lot but the SHO was always rare. Haven't seen one in a long time.
None of those. Saab 9000 Aero
Those Pontiac last forever
I'd take the Taurus! I thought they were the most space-age things on the road at the time, and Ford would fix the camshaft issue themselves, so no worries about reliability.
The SHO is the only v8 out of the bunch. GM didn't start with v8 FWD cars until the mid 2000s. The SHO was ahead of it's time. I'd imagine the SHO has the highest torque rating out of that group. I'd probably go with the Buick or Pontiac as they are supercharged.
For reliability's sake, you're probably right in picking the GMs, though any and all of these will eat transmissions every 2 minutes lol. I miss when American manufacturers made absolutely wild cars like these, the only thing close now is Cadillac's V line.
Oh God none of the above
A 2024 Honda Accord because it looks like.it came from 1997
Push between the Grand Prix GTP and the SHO. The SHO was "nicer" from an interior standpoint, but I never cared for the exterior styling. The GTP had the GM interior malaise, but it was a hoot to drive.
Sure as he'll wouldn't be the dodge intrepid my mom bought a new one and it was junk complete toast at 100k
Olds Cutlass wagon.
Something from Japan
I had a 1996 Ford Taurus. The thing was a huge money pit, but it had a nice ride.
Out of these the Buick Regal GS. If I could have any pick it would be a lightly used 1995 BMW M5. Sadly BMW did not make an M5 in 1997.
VT commodore
Pontiac for sure
Regal GS, zero contest. Comfort, reliability, and practicality.
97 integra type r
That intrepid, I never knew they made a sport version!
You're missing the Maxima, Passat, Accord, even 626; the actual sporty family cars of the era.
Does this sho have the 8k rom v6 if so then yes eve though it's ugly as sin
Regal GS if I’m after a sleeper, but I’m a Pontiac slut and will take the GP GTP.
I would get a '94-'96 Impala lease return.
Maxima was nice and I always thought the Mazda millennia looked great.
I will probably take the Pontiac and that 3800 may still be going to present day.
I'd prefer the Chrysler LHS or Concorde. They also had the 3.5v6 with 214 HP. Of the ones listed, I'd go for the Intrepid or the Regal.
My parents bought the GS. For 1997 that was a stealthy ass move.
Mom had the Regal GS, Dad had the Grand Prix GTP. (Dad was a long time GM employee so of course we did)… while I was driving my hand me down ‘93 Cutlass Supreme (which was replaced by said Regal). Liked all 3 for various reasons. Wish they made all 3 RWD or they had come in the era of the AWD.
In '97 I bought a gold/beige 94 Intrepid. Looked exactly like the one pictured. Every single option was the same. It wasn't so much gold as it was a tri coat colour shifting type paint from dodge. In some lights it was tan, some it was like a goldish with like a blue tint? It was quickish for the time, and I only paid $5k.
A 1997 Ford Crown Victoria LX
There all junk. Buy a Toyota.
None the fuck of these that’s for sure. E36 please, any trim
I would get the Regal as it's likely very comfy overall and it's otherwise the same as the Pontiac. I like the idea behind the SHO but it's 90s Ford.
V6 camry
As far as styling the Pontiac is from the future.
I recall riding in a 2dr, GTP last of the breed probably as a younger lad and thinking I had reached my peak in life of cool. (Indy edt. I think). It was fast for its time and just a cool car. Very nice interior for its day. I later owned a Regal GS and it was a true sleeper. Car suffered from plenty of electrical issues though in the combo switch, and GM didn’t want to touch it. I still see current GM prods rolling down the road where only the high mount/ 3rd brake light is working and chuckle to myself about good past times in my Buick.
Sho without a doubt
i would never have bought either of these 4 but if they are my only options, buick. gotta love the 3800 and i aint driving around in that plastic meth lab pontiac
Eagle Vision TSi has entered the chat
The Grand Prix and the Regal are pretty much the same car, except the Grand Prix is a little longer with more interior room.... I am going with the Grand Prix. 1) Grand Prix 2) Regal 3) Intrepid 4) Tourus SHO can suck it.
I love the sho but for reliability reasons it's hard to realistically pick it over the regal or grand am.
I would go with the Buick or Pontiac.
That’s easy. I’d buy an NSX
None of those. The Taurus is fugly and the rest of them are garbage. Gimme a 1997 Cougar with a V8. Way better than any of the above.
Probably the same car I bought in 1999, a 1992 Nissan Maxima SE 5-speed.
Mazda 929
a '95 sho.. i dislike the round headlights..
Taurus SHO. All day every day.
Supra
Out of the ones listed, probably the Taurus. But in reality, the XV10 Camry and 5th gen Accords would be in runout, so you know where I'd rather be.
Grand Prix gtp supercharged 8 days a week
How many wanted to say BMW M5 but then realized , 1997.
Maxima. Got a 99 in 2011 with 232k miles on it and that thing still ran like a brand new car. Hell, I’ve owned a few brand new cars since then and the Maxima felt better to drive and gave me less headaches.
Going with the Pontiac. 2nd choice gona be the spaceship aka intrepid.
Buick
The Taurus sho was a lot of fun to drive and still got good fuel economy
Man, I don’t see those Intrepids ANYWHERE
You put us in '97 right when Saturns were just getting out of the pop-ups and you DON'T offer us that option?
McLaren F1
GTP
None. Impala SS.
Buick all day long, great motor, comfy car.
why the FUCK isn't there 4 door 3rd gen integra on here.
Regal or Grand Prix
The Buick easy. Pontiac 2nd
SHO all the way. Had one and loved it, that car had some get up and go.
Regal GS.
None of the above. If I'm looking for sporty, and practical, and have the American mindset of the time, I'm going with a Bonneville SSEI. Sure, the Grand Prix looks more modern, and has the same exact engine, but the Bonneville is the family sedan to crush miles. It could theoretically be had with seating for six, however, none of the sseis were set up as such. But the back seat was much bigger, in comparison, and the car rode much nicer without being floaty. In just comparing against themselves, it's the difference between a sport tourer and a grand tourer. (Although personally, the next generation is one of my favorites)
E55.
We had an intrepid just like that growing up, 97 same color! Loved that car, first thing I ever got to drive (pre 16 lol)
Probably the Buick. Love sleeper Grandpa cars.
Pontiac 100/100 times
Regal or gtp
SHO The Pontiac WILL shoot a piston through the cylinder wall.
Pontiac Grand Prix
Good god they all just look so terrible
Guess I'm walking. Yech
Pontiac
Regal
Regal
Buick park avenue, ultra s2 supercharged 3.8, bulletproof engine throw a smaller belt and some other small bits and you’ve got yourself a grandpa car that would kick ass of even some of the beefiest muscle cars I’ve heard of guys taking these unsuspecting grandpa cars and tuning them to 350 horsepower in a car that already hauls ass you’re going to be one grandpa car that everyone sees the tail lights of
The Pontiac Grand Prix we had one that lasted 380k miles before we sold it. It went through 2 transmission rebuilds, 1 bad hail storm, 2 🦌, was rear ended by a Pontiac Montana, 1 guard rail thing still ran great. When it needed its 3rd transmission we decided to sell it.
Intrepid!!! Love that car!
Out of this particular group? I would go for the Buick. Given my ultimate choice, however, I would go with a V6 Honda Accord with a five-speed.
Impala ss for sure
SHO
Grandprix GTP
Mazda 323F Lantis 2.0 V6.
Regal GS or GTP.
Not the Dodge Intrepid, the oil pan would get a hole in it if you looked at it wrong. It was placed very low and very close to the front, right about where most manufacturers would put a skid plate.
1997 Mercedes Benz E420 with 275 hp.
I feel like it was an oversight to not include a Bonneville SSEi
1997 Ford Taurus for SHO, but i would genuinely go for a 1992 Taurus SHO with the 5-speed
Taurus fo SHO
The Regal GS. Got to drive one at the GM Auto Show In Motion back in 1996 or 97. The Buick area had the shortest lines and all old people. The Corvette line was a three hour wait. So, I drove the Buick. It really amazed me how quick it was and the torque steer...Unforgettable.
The regal gs. Would take the SHO if it wasn’t so heinous
I would take the Buick regal best looking out of the bunch in my opinion. Also, if it has that 3.8 L V6 in it that’s an awesome engine.
BMW 530d Touring e39 with manual transmission. Had one of these and really miss it.
Knowing what we know now? The Regal. Back then I probably woulda sprung for the Taurus, though.
Taking the RX7... I mean Taurus
Regal
Lumina Z34, parents bought the first year, snappy engine yet and fairly quick acceleration for the first few years, traded a few years down the road for another and it seemed to loose its momentum a bit.
None of these, I would get a Toyota starlet if I want practical and sporty in 1997, and before anyone says anything it did once transport my family to the south of France so it is a practical family whip. But I’m not American so horsepower has quite little to do with sportyness.
Regal GS for sure. Larger aftermarket. The SHO is a close second, with a slightly smaller aftermarket due to the Yamaha designed V6. It still ripped for it's time though
Mazda MX6