1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT review from North America
"A high-maintenance vehicle"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Over the past five years that I have owned this vehicle, I have had to replace the rotors every six months. I had to turn the rotors each time between replacing them. They are currently warped as I am writing this. Absolutely ridiculous.
In 2000, I had to have the evaporator replaced (Air Conditioning). The cost was close to $1000.
The alternator has given out once, which is understandable, but it is also not a cheap replacement.
Recently, the engine coolant system started to leak. Two weeks ago, I had to have the head gasket replaced ($320), and I had to have the water pump replaced today ($235).
I have also had to replace the driver's side window motor once ($300).
Current problems not fixed yet:
-Squeak at the bottom of the steering column
-Paint chipping from side mirrors
-Radio volume knob doesn't know the difference between increase and decrease.
-Dash squeak.
General comments?
Do not get me wrong. I absolutely love my 1997 Grand AM GT, but the maintenance is unbelievable. I have had it since I was 16 years old. I am very lucky that I bought an extended warranty that is soon to run out at 60,000 miles. It has been well worth the $750.
Even though I love my Grand AM, I am not willing to put up with all of the repairs after I graduate from college. So I will be looking to buy a car that doesn't pose this many maintenance issues.
If you ever decide to buy a 1997 Grand AM, I would only ask you to ask yourself one question: Do you have enough money to keep it running?
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.1L V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 507 miles |
| Most recent distance | 54862 miles |
| Date of Entry | 24th May, 2002 |