1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE review from North America
"Reliable car with excellent power and pep"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Alternator just went out of the car, but that's not so bad considering that the car is 10 years old. We bought it from a good friend who bought it brand new back in 99. She didn't have any issues with it and only had it taken to the garage for oil changes and tune-ups. We're fixing the alternator today.
General comments?
One thing I've noticed people complaining about is the "airplane" noise coming from either the front or back from one side or the other. We also had this, and having some experience with cars, I was able to 'diagnose' the problem as being a ball bearing. Sure enough, we had the brakes replaced and specifically asked for the ball bearing to be checked, and it was what was causing the noise.
It's been a great and reliable car ever since, although beware of electrical 'anomalies' (e.g. idiot lights coming on at random moments then flicking off. Exiting the car and having it honk at you even though no security system is installed, etc.) This usually means the alternator is going out.
Overall, we love the car.
Recommended reviews
| This car was good for the first 100,000 miles, but after that it should have been pushed off a cliff |
|
| Worthless, Unreliable, and Poorly Built |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 62000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 73000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 5th July, 2009 |