1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE review from North America

Alternator at 55,000.

Bought this Grand Am from 93 year old original owner 1 year ago @ 49000 miles.

There's nothing too special about the style. My girls call it "OMC" - the "old man car".

So far the only repair I've had is an alternator. I also did brakes and fluid flushes. Everyone complains about this - but it's just regular maintenance folks.

Here's the good... overall, it seems reliable. Engine runs great and transmission shifts wonderfully. Power is adequate (it has the V-6). It gets me where I need to go and I don't worry about breaking down. A/C works decently. Gets good MPG.

On the down side... the fit-and-finish of this car is terrible. I too have the same issues as others - Power window problems - mine still work with the help of regular applications of silicone spray lubricant in the window tracks.

Radio volume knob is possessed.

Daytime running lights have a mind of their own - I just turn the headlights on all the time so at least they're consistent.

Seats feel like your butt is in a bucket - it's the way they're designed, they're not worn.

There is a loud scraping noise when accelerating hard on a right-hand turn (no sound when turning left). Not sure what it is, but it doesn't hurt performance.

Brakes were done 10K miles ago. They're wearing normally, but feel weird, like the rears aren't in synch with front - "grabby" at low speeds. They've been adjusted to no avail.

I'm not sure how to rate this car, but will probably keep it for now.