2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE1 4 cylinder

Summary:

Way more than what I expected for the price

Faults:

A few rattles here and there. Had to replace the battery in February, but not surprising considering the -40 degree weather we were having for a few weeks. Other than that its been running super smooth.

General Comments:

Really impressed with the vehicle so far. The ride is very smooth with great accelleration for a 4 cylinder. Road noise is minimal and the stock monsoon sound system is beautiful.

Interior is very spacious, seats really comfortable especially during longer commutes, with more than enough room in the back seats.

I find the exterior of the SE1 is better compared to other grand am models without those strips running alongside the door panels.

The trunk is absolutely massive.

I was slightly skeptical going for GM, but I really enjoyed the service at the dealership.

Would definitely recommend.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2007

25th Apr 2008, 12:29

2.2 liter ECOTEC timing chain failure at 93000km.

I've heard that GM finally admitted a problem with these model engines but only recalled a small amount for 2001 Saturns!

If anyone has more info or updates on this please send to robkat1971@google.com.

2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE1 3.4L V6

Summary:

Very unreliable. Get a G6. That's my next purchase!!

Faults:

Ha!

Brakes

Power seat

Radio

Strut

Wipers

Keyless entry

Motor.

I hate this car it sucks. I'm sooo angry. I'm a student, thought I had a good car.

Yeah. Right. Just found out today both intake manifold gaskets have blown and the head gasket is going.

General Comments:

The only thing I liked was the fuel mileage and the power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd January, 2007

24th Jan 2007, 10:54

I won't dispute how reliable a Grand Am is, but what makes you think a G6 will be better?

Also, your review could have been more specific with mileage on when things went wrong so we can know what was normal wear and tear and what was sub-par reliability.

24th Jan 2007, 14:00

At 60,000 miles my 2001 Grand Am has not had a single repair (not even brake pads). It is the best car I've ever owned. As for the G-6, I've driven 2, both of which had the V-6, and neither was as fast as my twin-cam 4 Grand Am. I'm not at all impressed with the G-6 in any way and will probably go back to Ford for my next car.

2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT 3.4 Ram Air

Summary:

Stay away from the grand am

Faults:

Backup lamps fishbowl constantly.

3 Rocker arm bolts have come loose and stripped out of the head.

Multi-function switch has gone on the fritz twice.

Headlight lets in water.

Sunroof occasionally stops halfway opening or closing.

General Comments:

This car has been nothing but a nightmare for me. All the problems started 1 month after warranty. I opened up a complaint file with GM, which got me nowhere. The car looks good, and it performs good (as long as its running). I am a student and purchased it hoping it would be a car i could rely on for the next few years......WRONG.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th December, 2006

2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE1 3.4 V6

Summary:

Beautifully styled car with great performance

Faults:

I needed to have the fuel pump assembly replaced at 66,000 miles.

I have trouble with the power windows. It seems that the circuit breaker responsible for controlling the power windows keeps overheating and tripping. After the breaker cools off, the windows become operational. This could be the window motor(s) over-amping or a weak circuit breaker. Will replace circuit breaker soon and update this site.

General Comments:

I bought this car used. I was first impressed by the look and color of it. My car is bright red and has the spoiler on the back.

The engine is "peppy" in my opinion. Also gets great highway gas mileage. I recently made a trip from South New Jersey to Boston, Massachusetts (about a 600 mile trip) before needing to fill the gas tank. City gas mileage isn't very impressive, but that's the case with almost any car.

Interior is comfortable and everything is easy to access. I have satellite radio and ran the antenna from rear of car to front. The rear folding seats came in handy and it was very easy to pull inside paneling to run the wire. Heat comes out strong and warm. Air conditioning, like my last car which was a Pontiac, comes out ice cold. Seats are comfortable to sit in for long periods of time and backseat is very roomy. One thing I love about the interior is the color of dashboard lighting. It's a very warm orange, almost red. Not as blinding as bright white lights that I have seen in other car makes.

One thing I don't like about this car is the lack of illumination that I notice from the factory fog lights. I have never owned a car with factory or after market fog lights so it may be my inexperience talking, but I don't notice much of a visibility difference when they are turned on.

I have had this car for a little over a year and have had no major problems with it. Tire tread on front is running low so I will need new tires soon. Short of recently replacing the fuel pump assembly, I have had no other mechanical issues.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th December, 2006