1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE review from North America

Recall for electrical component.

Replaced battery at 50k miles.

Replaced alternator at 51k miles.

Replaced water pump at 53K miles.

Radio volume knob has mind of its own.

Pretty car that has given good service while making the payments.

Now that we own it problems have cropped up. Biggest to date is the water pump. The design of the engine (quad four) makes this an expensive job, with replacement of the timing chain and tensioner recommended while in there. Took 3 tries to get the timing right.

The shop had the nerve to call and ask if the car had a slight miss at idle before I had brought it to them. Got the car back and there was a very slow oil leak. Took it back and the shop said it needed a head gasket. I refused to okay the job. They said they would run dye through the system. They called back to say they could not be sure if it was the head gasket or the timing cover gaskets. But they had checked the inner cover for a crack (common problem with that job), made sure all the gaskets were good and resealed it. The service guy said it looked good, but wouldn't come out and say they had screwed up the first time around. If it continues to leak oil I am trading it in on a Saturn.