1996 Pontiac Grand Am SE review from North America

I bought this car with 135k miles on it, so general upkeep had to be done along with replacing some parts that had simply worn out over time (control arm bushing, the CV is going bad...) but nothing like an engine or a tranny, or even a battery or alternator for that matter.

The check engine light went on around 136k, and has faithfully stayed on for the past 3 years. I fix a small problem and it goes off long enough to pass echeck, and then comes right back on within a month. That works the opposite too though, it'll be on, I'll do nothing and it will click off by itself. Definitely a known problem with Grand Ams, but if you don't have an E-Check in your county, it's no problem, there has never been anything seriously wrong.

Also, Grand Ams are notorious for their window motors going out. Not only have all 4 of mine needed replacing, but everyone I know with a Grand Am has had to replace at least one. Aside from this though, nothing else really wrong with the inside... oh, the AC doesn't work, but I bought it like that (wasn't a problem until the windows died on me). Many people I know though have a problem with the AC going out as well. Heat works great though.

I've had to replace O2 sensors and things like that, even a spark plug or two... but it really hasn't had too much else than that. Aside from normal things you would expect from a car of her age and wear.

The seat are horrible, they're bucket and I don't know if an overweight person drove my car before or what, but the front seats are a horrible experience for long trips!

Overall, I am going to buy another Grand Am (in a week or so hopefully...) because I have had such great success with this one. I spent about $1300 on it 3 years ago and have probably spent 8-900 to do maintenance (but that includes oil changes, tranny fluid change, brakes, etc...) which $2000 for 3 years and 70,000 miles isn't bad, it still runs great actually.

I am just getting a new one as a back up only because I think it's ready to kick the bucket within the year unless I spend a decent penny on her (lots of little things from me neglecting her when I first bought her)...so I just decided to go get another Grand Am, newer, for about the same price and treat her better than I did my current one!