2002 Pontiac Grand Am SE1 2.2 from North America

Summary:

Reasonable price for the great car

Faults:

Oil dip stick was replaced at 13000 miles.

General Comments:

Grand Am 2002 with 2.2 engine is a very nice car. Good performance for the price.

So far quite reliable. Only oil dip stick had to be replaced. It had only few minor cracks, nothing serious really. I just wanted to have a new one. Dealer replaced it with no questions.

I wish it would have firmer suspension and firmer and more supportive front seats. But if you want comfortable ride Grand Am is a way to go.

Very economical. First car I've seen which gives you declared mileage per gallon (24/32 sometimes 23/31 2.2 with automatic).

One advice - use synthetic motor oil and change it every 5000-7500 miles (don't wait for the oil change light). Car seems to run much better and a lot cooler with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th April, 2003

2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT 3.4 SFI from North America

Summary:

Fun car all around. Some common problems to watch out for

Faults:

All these things have been repaired under warranty:

New Goodyear Eagle RS/A tires (due to the front end rubbing noise common to Grand Ams)

New intake gaskets.

New bumper reverse lights (twice, due to water inside them)

New drivers side door hinges and alignment.

Body seal had to be repaired due to large water leak in the trunk (which included all new trunk carpeting, insulation, and a new jack)

New fog light switch.

New drivers door power window/lock panel.

New black trim applied to rear bumper (it was coming loose)

Front brake rotors resurfaced.

General Comments:

This car has had more problems than I would expect for only being one year old, but the dealer has happily done everything I asked and I have been happy with the results. It is a very fast, sharp looking car that handles and runs like a sports car. I caught some grief at first for having the 4-door model, but I like the looks of it just as well as the 2-door. The interior is quite attractive and well laid out, but the cup holders are in an odd place that won't let you get to your drink if the shifter is in park. The factory sound system is very impressive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th April, 2003

30th Oct 2003, 07:29

I have also had all of these problems with my car within the first year of owning it-minus the trunk leak. In addition, I have had the instrument panel replaced and the motors in both front windows replaced. I currently have 23,000 miles on my car and have had it for two years. It is frustrating at times since I now know the people in the service department on a first name basis. I love driving this car though and would buy one again. It is a great car for the money.

2002 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.2L L4 from North America

Summary:

A great big disappointment!

Faults:

Fuel pump relay went out causing car to quit running while driving down the road.

Service engine light comes on regularly.

Computer went out causing car to just shut off while driving.

Dealer replaced computer, new computer was bad and it also had to be replaced.

When computer was replaced, the car still would not start.

Dealer replaced ignition module, car still would not start.

Did compression check on motor, found to have no compression. Took top off motor and discovered a broken timing chain and gears. Dealer indicated it had evidently been over tightened at factory. Replaced these parts, car still would not start. Dealer did another compression check and 3 of 4 cylinders had no compression. Discovered that 10 of the 16 valves had been bent when the timing chain broke.

This was a $2700.00 repair. Luckily, we had bought an extended warranty because the factory warranty had run out 1,000 miles earlier.

General Comments:

The car handles well.

The car looks good.

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

Review Date: 26th January, 2003

14th Dec 2004, 17:45

Wish I had seen this forum earlier. My daughter has a 2002 Grand Am, and her timing chain broke as she was going down the road. Car quit, had to be towed, and now needs a whole new engine. To the tune of $6,000!

Contacted GM and they will gladly pay 1/2 of the bill. How big of them! Grrr...

GM has lost my business on this deal.