2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT 1 review from North America

I bought this car in August of 08 and since then a laundry list of problems.

- First thing, the line that carries the windshield washer fluid sprung a leak, and had to replace.

- Then I had a blowout in my left front tire, according to the guy at Midas, aluminum rims (especially Pontiac's) can start to bubble and form ridges leading to the blowing of the tire, had the rim cleaned and that was solved... for now.

- After about a month of no problems, Check Engine Light came on, took it to get a scan at Auto Zone, and got the printout, it said there was a malfunction in the cooling system. I then took it to the Pontiac dealership here in Ohio, I paid them $89 for them to look it over and say nothing is wrong with it.

- In mid-December the light came on again, took it to Auto Zone again, same results from the scan, a malfunction in the cooling system. Took it to the dealership this time back home in NY, and I once again paid $89 for them to tell me the car is fine.

- Now in February, this time not only does the check engine light come on but the "Low Coolant" light comes on, I check the reservoir, and it is low, but there is nothing leaking from under the car. I take the car to Midas this time, and the manager (he knows me by name now) tells me there is a leak in the intake, resulting in coolant leaking into the oil, and oil leaking in to the coolant. Had to flush and fill, and replace the reservoir and the other parts damaged. Total cost $1700.

- About a month later in March the drivers side window got stuck in place and later dropped completely in to the door. Went to Midas again, told me the window regulators broke resulting in the window falling in the door. Another $700 to fix.

- Now in April, I notice the two tires on the drivers side losing air at a rapid pace, once again go to Midas, the manager sees me walk up and has my info ready by the time I reach the counter. I tell him the problem and it was the exact same thing with the rims, he fixed the rims, and luckily there was no damage to the tires so it was a cheap $40 fix.

- Now still in April, I have noticed the tailpipes starting to rust, and it looks as if they are starting to drop out of place a little bit. Also whenever I start the car there is a loud grinding noise coming from the car, sometimes it goes away once I get going, sometimes not. I'm not worrying about yet, because being a college student I don't want to spend the money on something that might not be broken.

- Also since I bought the car, a lot of exterior problems have been surfacing. When I bought the car 6 months ago, there was almost no rust or any exterior blemishes, however now the panel between the two drivers side doors has completely rusted, the front of the hood is starting to rust, as well as some small spots on the trunk. Also some of the molding around the car has started to bow out and disconnect from the car itself.

- Also this car is tough on brakes, I've had to replace the rear brakes three times in the 6 months I've had the car.

I would not recommend this car to any college student or anyone strapped on money, as it has basically drained my funds, and I have had to start digging in to my college money, as I need a car because I go to school in Bowling Green, OH and live in Syracuse, NY, it is necessary.

However this car is very sporty looking and I love the sunroof (although it has started to leak a little bit), and the 3.6 liter V6 provides a lot of power, and is very good on gas. Also this car's handling is excellent; it takes corners perfect.