Faults:

Leased brand new;

Transmission 2 weeks later. Factory GM replacement 35,000 miles later.

Alternator & belt

Delco battery leaked acid on the brake lines located directly under the battery tray, causing the brake pedal going to the floor. This is due to the positive terminal end corroding and leaking acid. Seen it many times on the factory freedom batteries.

Intake gaskets

Gloss black on the driver's door window frame was peeling off.

Dashboard started warping on the corners.

General Comments:

Thankfully this car was a lease that covered the repairs at ridiculously low miles.

Probably the best looking of the Grand Am since the A body rear drive Colonade style in the mid 70s.

Real striking body design and a radical looking dashboard inside.

Good power from the V6.

Ride was a little bone jarring.

Too much cost cutting on these cars. Many are now gone, but even at the time I wouldn't recommend this or the Olds Alero/ Chevy Malibu from this era. Intake gaskets on the V6 were almost routine maintenance.

This is the late 90s, a time when GM really started to decline. If you wanted something that lasted you were better off with a large truck/SUV, or a Buick Park Avenue/LeSabre or Pontiac Bonneville.

Faults:

When I first bought it, the head gasket and intake were done.

It has ran like a pearl since I got it.

At this date, all I've put in it:

- Catalyser was clogged, put in a new one.

- Ball joints, tie rods both sides.

- Brake pads, brake discs every year.

- Oil and Prestone changed every 6000 km (a little trick for head gaskets!) shhhhh!

- About 6 inches of gas pipe... had a leak!!

... That's it!

General Comments:

Looks good, runs good, and is SO comfortable! It's hard not to fall asleep in it!

I put in a 1200 watt Clarion sound system in it! The sound is good in it! Big car, big motor! Big sound system!

It's the best car I've had since the day I owned one! And I've had a few!

Faults:

When purchased, it was in need of a head gasket. I replaced it, and it has ran fine.

I was having a clicking noise until I replaced the combo switch, and the tank sender went bad.

My transmission has a shutter every once in a while, but it comes and goes.

I am in need of a rear head gasket, which is well worth my time.

The spark plugs and wires are all original and are starting to go downhill, but that is the cost you pay when you need regular maintenance.

The power steering pump switch is noisy, and sometimes stalls the car. But with 235000 miles, it is expected.

General Comments:

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS CAR! At first I bought it, and wanted to sell it, but after driving it, I decided that this car was right for me. I bought it from a woman who drove the crap out of it, and took very good care of it while it was in her possession. There were no cracks in the dash, seats, or dents or scratches. It starts up every day for me with its still-climbing high mileage, and it does not scare me to drive it up the street or cross-country. It DOES NOT use oil, and is very comfortable. I am used to driving a manual transmission, but quickly got used to the automatic.

I do not like cloth interior, so I went in search of leather at the local wrecking yard, and found immaculate seats to install. This car has done nothing but awe me every time I drive it.

For those who call these cars "junk".. Maybe it was not maintained or was abused by the previous owner. Or, maybe there are people who just like to complain, and agree with everyone else that their car is crap. Even though it had a poor crash rating, I still find it very appealing and reliable. If you take care of the car, it will return the favor. Maybe for those who actually take care of their vehicles and make sure it is in the correct running order, it will take care of you. But in some instances, it is not always true. I guess it just depends on what condition it is in when purchased.

My Grand Am has a lot of miles, but was taken care of, and I will continue to do so as the previous owner did. Everyone has an opinion, and to the people who receive relief by dragging others down, shame on you. I love my car and so do many others. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone. It is very reliable and comfy. I give it an absolute ten, and give props to GM for making such a great vehicle :)