1988 Pontiac Grand Am LE review from North America
"Despite some negative components it's great on gas and peppy to boot"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Speedometer/odometer sporadically work.
Replaced the instrument panel, but this did not correct this problem.
Some bad wiring between EST, VSS and ESC sensors to the ECM, causing it to run rough/not start at all.
Water Pump bearing, hence water pump.
Blew the heater core, which seems to be a common problem with these cars.
Wheel bearing have to be replaced.
The engine is loud almost clanky (sometimes I swear the car sounds like a tractor), due to the exhaust manifold.
Some interior lighting problems, the dash light to be precise. A good whack and it corrects its self.
General comments?
It is good for the money I paid $500. Considering I had a 1979 Malibu before this car I have saved hundreds in gas.
The car likes to rust.
Lumber support killer on long trips.
Some repairs are god awful ie... water pump... heater core... but hey welcome to modern automotive technology... make it expensive, attach 5 sensor to it and make it's near impossible to get at the affected component.
Recommended reviews
| An excellent older car that holds up with only a few minor repairs |
|
| I'm surprised at how reliable it was |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 99000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Malibu |
| Date of Entry | 16th April, 2003 |