1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT 5 Speed review from North America
"Awesome car; would have been better if past owner had been caring"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
O2 sensor - 30 bucks (GM employee discount).
Window molding (someone broke the clips).
Head bolt stripped (once again, someone before me managed it).
CE light and check oil light are inoperable (someone tampered with them, I do believe).
Otherwise, nothing more than catching up on normal maintenance.
No window problems (not power). Minimal electronics; a basic car.
No A/C, but I'm on that bad compressor.
As long as the engine holds out, it's strong now, but the twin cam makes maintenance a time-consuming nightmare, but nothing a week and some wrenches couldn't fix; I'd just rather not have to.
General comments?
It's a relatively quick car; fun to drive with the 5 speed, and also rather fuel efficient; I get 27 mpg trolling around town. The interior design is good, but could use better coloring instead of dull gray.
Keep up on your maintenance and take care of your car, and it will do the same. Don't bash something when you don't take care of it.
Oil change every 3k (a lot of internal failures happen because people neglect this). Tranny flush at every 50-80k, fuel filter every 40k (cheap insurance for the fuel pump).
Most normal maintenance can be done by an average person. Spend the extra time on the weekend, and your car will take you well beyond 200k.
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| Driving Excitement Pontiac - Yeah Right |
|
| Its holding up admirably considering how hard I run it |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2008 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4L Twin Cam Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 126000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 130100 miles |
| Previous car | Buick Century |
| Date of Entry | 28th June, 2008 |