1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT 3.4 HO from North America
Summary:
Junk, never buy another one, a Pontiac is an experimental car
Faults:
Let's see...
Bad intake gaskets replaced, $830.
Bad head gaskets, $1865.
Constant brake work rotors/pads calipers, totaling around $1400.
Transmission pressure valve, $589.
Annoying service vehicle soon lights, no way to keep them off!!!
Mechanics rebuilt the bottom end of the motor at 170K miles, because it spun a rod bearing and started knocking, replaced crank shaft and all bearings, $2150.
Motor turns over easy when cold, but once at running temperature, turns over hard, but always starts, undiagnosed. Alternator was checked several times, charging great. Battery replaced 2 times, starter replaced 2 times, still the problem persists.
Radio screen went blank one day, never came back on. Dealership wants $480 to replace the radio :-(
General Comments:
This car looks great and very sporty, but is built very poor, and unless you are made of money, leave Pontiac's alone.
The seats are comfortable.
Some interior parts are falling off "CHEAP".
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 15th May, 2009
19th May 2009, 22:52
I totally agree with commenter 09:29. People buy battered and beaten cars, have not the slightest idea how to do ANYTHING to them, then scream about them having problems.
I'm a mechanic and I drive and work on all kinds of vehicles. One of my personal vehicles (we have 4) is a near-mint 2001 Grand Am with the bullet-proof Quad 4 with mild modifications. After 9 years this car looks, runs and drives BETTER than new. I've been out a whopping $27 on this car in 9 years. I spent $17 replacing my front brake pads (the rear are STILL original) and $10 for a headlight bulb. This reviewer obviously does none of his own repairs, as you could replace EVERY PART IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM in one afternoon for less than $350 yourself. I replaced my front pads in 15 minutes on my lunch break!!
People buying older cars need to learn a bit about auto repair. It would save them a ton of money.
My guess is that this car had been overheated at some point, as most drivers are so clueless that they will drive a car after it overheats, oblivious to the fact that this warps engine surfaces and makes the car forever totally unreliable. To blame Pontiac for someone else's abuse is silly.