1996 Pontiac Grand Am SE review from North America

I bought this car from a Carmax. It was under $7K and seemed like a good car to get me through my next few years of college. Wrong.

In the first month I had it, the check engine light came on 3 times. Twice it was a generic misfire, so I was told. The third time, my ignition wires got fried and apparently there were other problems because they also cleaned my fuel injection and throttle body, replaced the fuel pump and replaced some spark plugs. I think the first month, the service people had it more than I did.

Ever since I bought this car, it squeaks badly underneath. Everytime I go over even a slight bump or incline, it squeaks and groans like mad. The dealer told me it was just the age of the car, and wouldn't do anything about it except add some lubrication. That helped for only a day or two.

The PCV Valve was replaced at about 80K

along with the air filter.

I had to replace the waterpump at around 85K ($100)

Needed new brake pads at 87K. ($100)

Replaced radiator at 88K ($250)

I'm told (by Jiffy Lube) I have a minor transmission leak.

The speedometer is psychotic. It'll work fine one day, and the next it goes crazy skipping around and finally dies for the remainder of the trip.

Fuel gauge does something similar, but on a lesser scale. If I allow the gas tank to be 1/4 or less full, the gauge will go up and down, and sometimes it will rest on "full" when its in fact, near empty.

The trunk light has never worked. I tried putting a new lightbulb in it, but that didn't help. The wires look shot.

It squeaks inside as well as out.

It's a very bumpy ride unless I'm driving on a smooth freeway. Even then, wind can knock it around easily.

Drivers side seat is really worn down. It feels like I'm sitting in a sinkhole.

Getting parts for the car is cheap and easy, which is a plus. But it's still not worth it.

I will NEVER buy another Grand Am or GM of any kind.