1993 Pontiac Grand Am SE review from North America
"Absolute money pit"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Each year I save enough money to take this car into the shop to have something fixed. The latest, a head gasket. This makes the 2nd head gasket on this car. The first head gasket went at 65,000 miles, the second just occurred at 108,000.
Between the head gaskets, I have had all sorts of problems with the car stalling, poor idling, overheating, and the car has eaten up brakes. Also had the front struts replaced.
We have also had problems with a plastic overdrive piece getting hot and warping. This caused the car to shudder when slowing down. The car would eventually stall and not start until it cooled down.
The driver's and passenger front power windows do not work. The knobs have broken off the temperature gauge.
Overall this car kills me each year in repair bills. Luckily its paid off. I would feel too guilty to sell this to anyone!
General comments?
When I first got the car, it was the best. Ran great, looked great. I have not had the best "servicing" schedule, but it is nothing outrageous. Once I hit 50K the car was never the same, and has gone down hill.
Very disappointed in this car. When I talk to mechanics, they just laugh when the find out is a Grand AM. This car is nothing but a money pit. The mechanics have seen so many of these problems that they know exactly what the problem is. How pathetic is that, to describe a problem and have the car diagnosed in two words or less.
Will never buy another GM product.
Recommended reviews
| 1993 - Grand Am SE 2.3L Quad 4 A good deal for what I paid for it |
|
| A great car for someone wanting to learn mechanics |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1993 |
| First year of ownership | 1994 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 1 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 18000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 108000 miles |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Calais |
| Date of Entry | 30th October, 2001 |