1996 Pontiac Grand Am SE review from North America
"Worst car we've ever owned"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Transmission failed at 1,000 miles.
Needed brake replacements after 5,000 miles. Have had to replace the brakes 6 more times in 5 years. Rotors were replaced after 2 years.
Air conditioning blower fan failed after 6 months.
Hazard lamps did not work.
Remote control mirror assembly fell into the door during first attempt at adjusting the side mirrors.
Alternator failed at 6,000 miles.
Coolant pump failed at 12,000 miles.
Water pump failed at 13,000 miles.
Automatic shift control and assembly failed at 30,000 miles.
Radio control buttons show excessive wear after 2 years.
Constant velocity joint replaced on the front left side after 60,000 miles.
Air conditioning system developed leak after its second season. System requires a re-charge annually.
Muffler brackets corroded after 3 years.
General comments?
Poor design.
Poor quality control.
Poor service.
Poor customer relations. We contacted Pontiac on numerous occasions regarding our problems. They offered nothing in return.
Recommended reviews
| A fun car not worth the pain of upkeep |
|
| Fun Car, but you better be mechanically inclined |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 4 cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 20 miles |
| Most recent distance | 60000 miles |
| Previous car | Plymouth Laser |
| Date of Entry | 5th May, 2001 |