2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT review from North America
"Just look, don't drive"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Shocks squeaked.
Power Steering Gearbox replaced.
Turn signal switch malfunction caused clicking in radio, naturally.
Power window assembly replaced on driver's side, naturally.
Wheel baring replaced because Trac off, SVS, and ABS warning lights went on, again a normal Pontiac excitement thing.
Back light in the radio display went half out.
Driver seat has become warn out and less comfortable than the others.
Other baring replaced due to same lights.
Brake pads and rotors replaced prematurely.
Control arm bushing wore out, causing the arm itself to become dilodged from the chassis, this caused the steering wheel to rock wildly over small bumps.
Intake manifold gasket broke because the factory bolts became loose on the manifold and caused the gasket to crack, this is causing a slow oil and coolant leak. I bet the head gasket is next.
Washer fluid pump stopped working for a day and then came back online.
The back light in the radio will eventually go completely out, it did today then I punched it and it came back on, but it's never that easy is it?
General comments?
Let me tell ya, kids. This car sucks! Why does it suck? Well, this car really is not as great as it looks. It was just another excuse for GM to keep building on the N platform for another 6 years. It was abundantly clear to GM that this car had some pretty stupid and dumb design flaws, yet GM decided to continue building the cars incorrectly and just call it wear and tear. And why shouldn't they? This is America right? What good are you if you don't have the money to buy a few dozen new window regulators? I thought my Malibu was bad, but this car is even worse. I remember when I bought this car, I felt so damn cool, until I pulled into my school parking lot and discovered everyone already had one. I remember back in 2003 they had this stupid commercial for the car "What would you do if someone gave you the keys to a Pontiac Grand Am for a day?" I'll tell you what I'd do... nothing, because I can't start the car because the security light is on.
Recommended reviews
| 2002 - Grand Am SE 2.2L 4 cylinder. Ecotec A great car without everything extra |
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| A joy to own and drive |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2002 |
| Year of manufacture | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.4 V6 Ram Air Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 4 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 53138 miles |
| Most recent distance | 87167 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Malibu |
| Date of Entry | 10th January, 2008 |