1994 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.3L Quad 4

Summary:

Nice, Expensive to repair, a lemon

Faults:

When I first got the car, I had to replace the hub bering. That was about $60 dollars. Then a week later the brakes failed. I got those replaced for about $150 dollars from a friend. I put a new thermostat in it and it still stays over 220 Degrees. One day I was driving down the road when the rear view mirror fell off. One day I was at the store and my car would not start. I had to go get a new timing chain. Maybe about 2 weeks later I was at the car wash cleaning out my Grand Am, when I got done and I went to start the car I started making a REALLY LOUD knocking sound. I drove it home (witch made things worse) and the car would not start. I got it check out and I blew the head on it. That was about $800 dollars to fix it. One week later to that day I went to the grocery store and came out and the new head blew on it so I had the tow truck take it to the junk yard.

General Comments:

I only had this car for about a month and it was nice comfortable and gas was good. I will NEVER purchase another Quad 4 again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th November, 2004

1994 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2-Door Coupe V6

Summary:

Comfortable, with a good fuel economy, but more money went into repairing than buying the car. : (

Faults:

Passenger window motor died, and had to be replaced.

Transmission gave out, and had to be replaced.

Converter overheated beyond recognition, and had to be replaced.

Muffler blew open, and had to be repaired.

Spark plugs had to be replaced, along with cover.

Bad alternator, had to be replaced.

Car has problems starting, doesn't want to run more than half an hour at a time, leaving relatives stranded on highways and roads.

ABS goes out and the brakes fail.

General Comments:

I got the Pontiac Grand Am because I was blown away by the car's beauty, honestly. It had an impressive fuel economy for a V6 engine, so that added to my interest in it. However, if I knew how much work would later be placed into the vehicle, I would have never even glanced in its direction. It is a wormhole for money. It is unreliable, uncomfortable for short drivers, and has cost more to repair than what went into buying the car itself. It was not worth the purchase at all, and I would never consider it an investment.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th November, 2004

1994 Pontiac Grand Am SE Quad4 OHC

Summary:

If you find one for a good price then buy it, they make great beaters

Faults:

Before I purchased the car the previous owner had replaced/repaired:

Ball-joints.

Brakes.

Redone the wiring for the lights (signals, 4-ways and headlights/tail lights)

4000 kilometers later:

Brakes need to be replaced (rotors, calipers and pads)

The wiring for the lights need to be redone again.

The front struts are gone.

The even-gear synchros are shot.

General Comments:

In general this is an average car for the average person with above average salary.

I'm used to modified Spoon engines and a stock GM 4-banger just doesn't cut it for me (this car is the slowest thing I've ever owned).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th October, 2004

1994 Pontiac Grand Am GT 3.1 SFI V6 (3.1L)

Summary:

Great little speedster!

Faults:

Driver's and passenger side window controls have malfunctioned and no longer work.

Battery died at 107,000. Believe the last time the battery was changed was at 85,000.

General Comments:

Grand AM GT, it just sounds mean with the name! But with this car, it also has the power and reliability to back up such a great name. I've owned the car for approximately 5 months and so far no problems. I have all the service records from the previous owner and they had also experienced no serious problems with the vehicle (with the exception of the brakes, which had to be replaced).

Even with the most harshest of punishments, this car has been very resilient and bounced up to the challenge. From racing, to autocross, this car has followed me through thick and thin and has really shone brightly.

The only thing you have to watch out for with this car is the ride. Bumps are taken hard and the car does not seem to like them.

Another thing to watch out for is with the GT Ground Effects, they may scrape against sidewalks when parking, so be sure to watch out! :)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 2004