1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE II review from North America
"You get what you pay for"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Brake pads and rotors were replaced at 8K miles.
Interior parts are of terrible quality: Have had 3 left door panels replaced due to air bubbles forming under the material (needs a 4th one now plus the 1st right one is bubbling).
Gear shift knob broke.
Right door glass replaced due to scratches from the guides.
The carpet was cut too small and slipped out from under the door plate on the right side.
Windshield moulding came loose.
Wind noise around the left mirror.
Outside mirrors are black moulded plastic and continue to fade.
Car has very little paint: When the light hits it just right, you can see the bare metal underneath it (under the gas cap, door jams, etc.)
Cruise control module failed at 13K.
Rear sway bar bushings wore out at 25K.
Battery failed at 32K with no warning.
General comments?
This is a great car other than the cheap interior/moulding. It performs great and gets great mileage. My dealership has been super in handling all the problems, no fuss.
I will probably buy Japanese next time though, due to the lasting quality and durability of their vehicles. I own 2 rice burners now: a 93 Nissan 4X4, and an 86 Chevy Spectrum (127K miles). I never worry about these 2 letting me down.
The Grand Am interior needs a complete redesign: the seats are the most uncomfortable I have ever encountered on a trip.
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| Offers everything you need, but with risk |
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| A nice car if you have deep pockets |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4 DOHC 4 cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 3 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 14 miles |
| Most recent distance | 37000 miles |
| Previous car | Nissan Hardbody Pickup |
| Date of Entry | 6th September, 2001 |