2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT 3.4

Summary:

This is a great car if you do not keep it long, so if you can afford it, get a Grand Prix

Faults:

Rotors warped.

Paint on hood bubbled.

General Comments:

Great car, but it did not feel like it would be reliable down the road. It felt as if there would be many service issues and a lot of brake work once the warranty was up. I put 20,000 miles on it in a year, most were highway miles.

AT 15,000 miles the brakes started pulsing when braking intermittently. It became more evident as time went on. Rather than mess around with a car that had warped its rotors so early and probably would for its remaining life, I traded it in. I might add I do not drive my cars hard. I don't have a lead foot and am sometimes called grandpa.

The paint on the hood began to bubble and was getting ready to peel.

Overall, the feel of the car declined steadily, did not feel as tight a year after I bought it, I did not have confidence that this car would be trouble free at 50,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd October, 2004

12th Nov 2004, 13:55

I recently bought a 2000 Grand Am Gt I enjoy very much I have not had any problems yet and has been a great car so fare.

19th Feb 2005, 16:12

Seems like everyone I know with a 1999 Grand Am has had the same 2 problems, Warped brake rotors and heater fan blower not working at all speeds. Many replaced alternators also. Other than a few problems a great little car!

18th Aug 2006, 14:45

My 6 year old Grand Am is the most trouble-free car I have ever owned. At 52,000 miles I've had not one single problem.

I just checked my brake pads (I do all my own maintenance) and they don't show any appreciable wear at all. They will easily go 80,000 miles, which is the earliest I've ever had to do a brake job on any of my vehicles.

The paint on mine is still showroom fresh, and I get comments on what a great looking car it is when I clean it up really well. There is also not so much as one squeak or rattle, and the interior (which is fabric) could pass for new.

2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT RAM AIR V6

Summary:

Looking Nice

Faults:

The brakes on these cars for some reason are a problem. I bought this car used and when me and my wife test drove it she noticed a sound from the back rear. Well, we addressed it to the dealership. They said they GM Certified the car. I was happy with that until I drove it for a day and had to return it. I realized that the GM Certification is sort of a joke. They replaced the back rotors under warranty. But still, that may be a sign of things to come. As well, the rubber trim does not stay on. Had to do some glue work.

General Comments:

I fell in love with the car. Outside the brake issues and a little cosmetic complaints, I find the car wonderful to drive. I like the look. Not to sporty, but you feel like your in a sports car when your in it. I like the acceleration and the handling which is most excellent. Every thing is in a good place on the dash. Easy to read. Classic Pontiac dash and orange lighting. The seating is decent and road noise is low.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd September, 2004

29th Mar 2009, 11:50

I hope you have deep pockets buddy. You're in for a low speed hell ride, Pontiac style.

30th Mar 2009, 19:02

My 2001 Grand Am has been the best car I've ever owned. In 8 years I've spent a TOTAL of $27 on it for repairs. That includes ONE light bulb and replacing the front brake pads at 70,000 miles (a 15-minute job on my lunch break). The rear pads are STILL the originals.

This car is very peppy. I've blown the doors off V-6 Grand Prixs easily (mine is the Quad 4). It is fast, sporty, and rides very well.

I don't care for the ones built after 2002, which don't have the nice body cladding, because they look too bland for my tastes.

I'd recommend a Quad 4 Grand Am to anyone wanting a really solid, reliable used car. They are one of the best bargains on the market because car magazine writers HATED them and always trashed them. Most of the problems with these cars can often be traced to owner abuse, so take care of it and you'll have a great car for a VERY long time.