1995 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.3 liter Quad 4 from North America

Summary:

I don't know if it was really worth it..

Faults:

Well, when I first got the car, it was already 8 years old, it was purchased for $2000.

The engine was gone, which had to be replaced.

When the winter came, the car began to overheat, we replaced numerous thermostats, several water pumps, a brand new radiator, and many new hoses to try to correct the problem, none of them worked, the car continued to overheat. We then replaced all the valves in the 16-cylinder head, along with head gaskets.

We later found out that the heater core was blocked solid on one side with dirt and solicon from a sloppy job done earlier in the cars life.

Later, the timing chain slipped, which caused the valves to be bent, meaning along with the timing chain kit, we had to again replace the cylinder head.

I found this car was very sloppy in the snow and sleet, and often fishtailed.

Also, the passenger side power door lock refuses to work with the lock switch, and the driver's side door does not unlock from the outside...

I still have the car now, but it is sold, I got $2200 for it, not really worth my time or money if you ask me.

General Comments:

Although this car has had many problems, there are some nice features.

This car is very roomy and can comfortably fit 5 adults.

The paint is factory original and flawless.

Handles nicely and it very quick, perfect for highway or city driving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd March, 2005

1995 Pontiac Grand Am GT Sedan 3.1L V6 from North America

Summary:

Good ol' American Made Quality

Faults:

What hasn't gone wrong with this car!!

New Heater core 60,000 Miles.

New Alternator (3 times).

New Starter 75,000 Miles.

New Battery (3 times).

New brakes every year at least. heavy ol' girl let me tell ya'.

Drivers side power window (3 times) haven't fixed the 3rd time yet...

Passenger side power window (2 times)

Rear passenger side power window 1 time, still haven't fixed.

Both front lower control arms 80,000 miles.

Windshield wiper motor 80,000 miles.

Wheel bearings driver and passenger 90,000 miles.

Front struts 90,000 miles.

Rear shocks 90,000 miles.

Power steering went out 90,000 miles. kinda works when it wants to.

New Engine 117,000 miles, never use synthetic oil!!

Front windshield, damn semi-trucks.

New aluminum rims, OUCH$$$.

Speakers were great for the 1st 6 months.

Leather is starting to wear thin.

The cars performance shows it is 10 years old.

Now its in the shop for fuel injectors!

General Comments:

Overall I can't complain about this car. It is American made, what more can you say. American cars break down more often, and usually cost less to fix. Japanese/foreign cars break down less often, have lots of exhaust problems, and the parts are more expensive. I would rather pay $100 everyother year for a new muffler, and every 2 years for 1 or 2 parts, then everyother month replacing a part on an american car.

I have put more money into this car, then all the other cars I have ever owned. It's a nice looking car, don't get me wrong, it handled well when it was still young, and I have taken this car to hell and back. I am mechanically inclined so I have performed most of the work on it myself. Parts are relatively cheap, until you get into the performance parts, injectors, alternators, starters, etc...

I owned a 81' Pontiac J2000, sripped down sunbird for those of you who don't know what one is. complete piece of crap. I then owned a 84, and later 85 Mazda 626, great cars, still made in japan, as opposed to Ford owning them now. I had a 94 Grand Am that was great, but really only drove it 20,000 miles over a year. Then I had the 93' Eclipse, another fine japanese car, and now this 95 Grand Am. I will never buy an american made car again. Going back to get a new Eclipse!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th January, 2005

13th Mar 2005, 18:35

Ahh, a Mitsubishi. The same company that brought you the Zero and dropped bombs on the Arizona.

1st Nov 2009, 12:10

How can you knock this car? I have a 95 Grand Am GT 3.1l with 177,000, original transmission and engine, although I had to do intake gaskets several times, but that's common. The alternator is still original, my evaporator core for A/C leak, but I don't feel like pulling my dash apart. The car is 15 years old and looks new. I did have to replace window motors, a belt, belt tensioner and starter, but otherwise a great car.