1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4 quad 4 from North America

Summary:

A cheap fun ride

Faults:

Car eats oil like there is no tomorrow. When I did my last oil change at 2750 miles, there was only 1.5 quarts in the system, and no signs of leakage. Any one have any ideas? Check engine light comes on and off, changed O2 sensor, but seems to be the CAT. Still under warranty so I'll take it to back to GM.

General Comments:

Fun to drive, has lots of pickup compared to Saturn's or Honda's, responsive throttle, good gas milleage, and stops on a dime.

Pretty easy to work on, stereo systems are easy to put in. Pontiac should have gone for the 6.5" rather than the 4x6" in the door speakers though, would sound a lot better.

Car is getting 32 miles a gallon of regular, running on Mobil 1 synthetic, and riding on Goodyear Eagles. Hope it lasts me a few years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th January, 2003

1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2.4 from North America

Summary:

I love it and I hate it

Faults:

When I first purchased the vehicle, I noticed a lot of brake noise. Five days after I purchased the car, the manual window would not close. I have had to replace the brake pads and rotors. Once again the rotors are warped.

I need to replace the oxygen sensor. The check engine light is constantly coming on. I have also noticed the traction light, and the ABS light come on often.

Per the ignition recall, my key gets stuck in the ignition all the time. It sometimes takes four or five times, to get the key out.

I love the look of the car, but I am beginning to kick myself for buying it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2003

25th Aug 2004, 12:02

I love my Grand Am SE too. It is a 1997 model. I have had lots of problems also. The check engine light has been on ever sense I got it, but it wouldn't come back with any codes. I have had the oxygen sensor replaced 4 or 5 times, but this last time I will get it from the dealer instead of one of the many part stores who are cheaper. It has 168,000 miles on it and I had to replace the fuel injectors last year along with the computer. It is a fast little car, but when one thing goes wrong it seems everything else falls apart too.

1997 Pontiac Grand Am from North America

Summary:

Not a good buy for your money

Faults:

Car was putting out white smoke.. Has an oil leak.

Carpet wore out water, leaks in the front floor.

Seats are very uncomfortable.

General Comments:

The car has a real serious problem - it's expensive to fix and not mechanic friendly.

The engine has been boiled 4 times to remove oil that has cooked into every hole that an engine has. Has new gaskets, has new rings, has new everything and is still leaking oil. I have spent 2,600 to have it fixed and 3,000 in a rental fees, because I have been without my car for all the trips when it goes back to the mechanic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd January, 2003

1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.1 from North America

Summary:

Average American V6 coupe

Faults:

My car seems to have a little transmission slippage going from 1st to 2nd gear.

Transmission vibrates at certain RPMs.

Passenger side power window is currently inoperable.

Oil leak from an unknown location.

General Comments:

I like the looks and the power I get from the V6, however it's a typical GM with all the chronic problems.

The front seats are very unsupportive on the legs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd January, 2003

1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4L from North America

Summary:

Runs well when it runs, expensive to maintain

Faults:

Recall for electrical component.

Replaced battery at 50k miles.

Replaced alternator at 51k miles.

Replaced water pump at 53K miles.

Radio volume knob has mind of its own.

General Comments:

Pretty car that has given good service while making the payments.

Now that we own it problems have cropped up. Biggest to date is the water pump. The design of the engine (quad four) makes this an expensive job, with replacement of the timing chain and tensioner recommended while in there. Took 3 tries to get the timing right.

The shop had the nerve to call and ask if the car had a slight miss at idle before I had brought it to them. Got the car back and there was a very slow oil leak. Took it back and the shop said it needed a head gasket. I refused to okay the job. They said they would run dye through the system. They called back to say they could not be sure if it was the head gasket or the timing cover gaskets. But they had checked the inner cover for a crack (common problem with that job), made sure all the gaskets were good and resealed it. The service guy said it looked good, but wouldn't come out and say they had screwed up the first time around. If it continues to leak oil I am trading it in on a Saturn.

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

Review Date: 17th December, 2002

3rd Apr 2005, 14:24

What did you do to fix the volumn problem with the radio? Mine just goes up and up and up. Till it gets really loud. Do I need to get a new radio?