1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE2 review from North America
"Buyer beware"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Well it all started when the car begin cutting out and back firing, come to fin out the spark plug wires were not retained properly and melted to the exhaust manifold, twice in six months. Have since decided the dealer couldn't fix it so I had to use cable ties.
The plastic guides that hold the windows on the track broke first driver side, then the other, costing over $400 each. It seems the dealer doesn't sell just the plastic guides you must purchase the entire power window assembly.
Seat belts are horible, you would think the factory could install them without them being twisted, and you would think they would retracked, I have since unbolted the belt at the floor and turned it around, the do retracked a bit better now.
The left turn signal indicator only works when it wants, and always when I took it to the dealer.
The car eats brakes like I eat chocolate.
The front suspension, more snap, crackle, pop then a cereal we all know of, yet no one can find a problem.
The radio volume knob, why is it even there, if I didn't have steering wheel controls I would never be able to turn it down.
The lumbar knob cable broke, so I replaced the cable, then the lumbar mechanism itself broke.
The dash over the instrument pod warped after the car was only 2 1/2 years old. And now the defroster cover is warping.
The cruise button on the steering wheel will not stay on, had to pull the button of and wedge paper in it and shove the button back on.
The second fuel pump I've put in is now making a load buzzing noise. It's OK it only costs about $300 for the pump alone.
The clear coat on the spoiler is flaking.
In 2001 the headlights begin to get this yellow film like something on them and has got worse, can find nothing to remove the film. Had to put in silver stars just to see the road.
The rear speaker covers rattle when even a small amount of bass is played.
General comments?
This car uses more gas then my dads 2002 Cadillac with a v8 northstar,
I wish I still had my Trofeo it got 35mpg highway.
If you own one of these you might consider a full synthetic oil, it has helped with my mileage.
These cars look great.
They drive fairly well, unless you have four people in it, feels like the front end is lifting up.
Inside is very nice, styling and such, mine has an SC1 interior package, giving you hallo headrest, leather sets and steering wheel, and a few more creature comforts.
One odd thing is about the location of the ignition switch in the dash, don't get me wrong it is very retro and cool, but if you have long legs, holes in your jeans and happen to have a need for a skeleton key for an old house, you WILL turn of the car while driving, or if you sit to close, these should be up a little higher on the dash.
The heat & AC work very well, never owned a car that blew so much air out of the vents, even the side defroster vents actually work very well.
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![]() ![]() | A Great Car at a good price!!! |
![]() ![]() | Honey, I love ya, but you're trying my patience! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.4 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 46971 miles |
| Most recent distance | 104389 miles |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Toronado |
| Date of Entry | 19th March, 2004 |

