1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

Awesome performance for the price

Faults:

Since I have bought this car I have had only one major problem with it.

The head gaskets on it began to leak about 2,000 miles after I bought it. This problem was easily fixed by $320 dollars and a little work.

I have only had one other problem with the car. That problem is of course the brakes and rotors. But that problem is only caused by my driving style. I hit the brakes at the last second possible so I end up being the reason they overheat and warp.

General Comments:

Since I have bought this car, I have had nothing, but a great time with it.

The car handles corners perfectly for me. One little twist of the wheel shows how responsive this car is.

I will willingly say that I am a lead foot for both acceleration and deceleration. This car however, every time I "punch" it bounces back ready for another round.

Even without the modifications I have performed on the car, its looks are very sharp. The car has a mean aggressive look with abilities to match.

This car was definitely worth the money I purchased it for.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th April, 2004

1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT 4 Cylinder from North America

Summary:

Great looking on the inside, very sensative motor on the inside

Faults:

Had to replace water pump.

Had to replace timing chain.

Had to replace what holds down the timing chain.

Check engine loves to come on.

Emissions leak testing proved a loose gas cap, however as soon as the sensor is reset the light pops on the next day saying the same problem however no problems can ever been detected.

Mirror loves to pop off.

Replaced tires, $420.00 which are the cheaper ones.

General Comments:

I have only had this car for 5,000 miles and have already invested over $2,000 in parts and diagnostic as well as tires for this car.

The car is a very nice looking car, and mine is in perfect shape on the exterior, but the car just keeps having problems, one after the other.

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

Review Date: 8th April, 2004

30th Aug 2005, 22:33

I thought I was the only person whose check engine light would not go off, seems like everyone has this problem with this year and model! Diagnostics never finds anything!

1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.1 from North America

Summary:

If you get past the problems it was a all around good fast car

Faults:

Since I bought the car multiply items need fixing. First the starter went out twice. The water pump went out. Then the radiator needed to be replaced. Brakes had to be replaced every 4 months. Then the transmission started to shift improperly, as well as kill the motor.

General Comments:

I liked the car it would go when it worked well. It was a good body style and handled like nothing else I have driven. The upgrades were hard to find, but well worth the trouble.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th April, 2004

1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.1 from North America

Summary:

This car is unreliable, high maintenance and a poor investment

Faults:

Head Gasket went at only 65,000 km.

Intake manifold broke down at 50,000 km and the dealership failed to advise me that the overheating was creating a problem with the head gasket. They wanted to fix the intake manifold.

The alternator was replaced at 30,000 km and again at 41,000 km.

The interior lights flicker on and off and the fog lights never worked consistently even after they were replaced.

The power windows moved up and down very slowly and then the motors died.

The air conditioner only worked up to 35,000 km.

General Comments:

Is it worth all the money I spent on it? GM did not advise me of the broken head gasket, but instead wanted to fix the intake manifold. The intake manifold should not be fixed unless the head gasket works due to engine damage. This car was a very poor investment for me. I should paint it yellow. I have a 1995 Ford Escort that runs beautifully and only needed fluid and oil changes. You can't beat that kind of quality! My next car will be a Ford Mustang or Ford Focus.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th April, 2004

22nd Nov 2004, 08:25

I think you just picked a bad straw with that car. But honestly, a Focus?