1989 Pontiac Grand Am SE review from North America

This car was hassle free for the first 2 years.

Had the sway bar bushings replaced once or twice early on -- but not since -- car will make grunting noises in the front end as you pass over uneven surfaces (like climbing into a driveway)

Nothing more than normal maintenance. Worse thing over this time (and to this day) : keeping the front plate attached to the bumper -- it always looks like a Beverly hillbilly hanging there at an angle.

Had a little trouble with alignment at about 40K - but that could've been the repair shop trying to sell me -- Dealer said there's no problem (and there hasn't been since except for normal adjustment).

I had the 7 year ext warranty -- used it once for the Delco radio/tape deck (one channel cut out). Yes the warranty covered that -- but it only bought me another year or so and had a $25 deductible.

Now that years and mileage are high things are happening.

Rack&pinion pressure hose leaked at 55K.

I was almost certainly "sold" a timing gear by a dealer other than the selling dealer -- Told me I needed a new timing chain -- then when did the work said: "oops. that car takes a gear - we replaced it". Gears don't wear anything like a chain - but still cost $400 installed.

At 72K replace all three belts (after one broke on the highway leaving me high and dry)

At 73K two rear shock plates.

At 84K new radiator and water pump.

At 90K replaced factory installed sunroof gasket to stop leak -- it didn't really.

At 95K new front struts.

At 104K new Alternator, spark plug wires and distributor "computer". some of this might've been "sold". Yes the car didn't start -- but this repair shop was ultimately caught for setting me up for another repair.

At 105K I complained about the alternator making a lot of noise-- "no, not the alt --its the water pump"

replaced water pump.

At 116K just under one year warranty on water pump (5 days left) -- it goes bad, possible? of course -- but the car had just been in his possession for an inspection and rear exhaust work.

The part was warrantied -- but not the labor (3.5 hours) "We'll work with you on the labor" huh.

I went to Goodwrench: yes you need a water pump - the labor? 2.5 hours. That's when I'd, at least, been gouged on labor.

Car mechanics are like dentists -- they can tell you almost anything or

set you up for almost anything.

Since that time the car only sees Mr. Goodwrench at a third dealer. This dealer/repair and the original dealer seller/repair get a 10/10.

At 128K A/C blows warm, got it recharged, but it takes about two summers before it needs recharging.

At: 141K front brake hoses cracked and replaced.

At: 148K last inspection (11/02 148000) wouldn't pass emissions -- new catalytic converter. and a broken sway bar link.

At 152K last February the heater core went.

At: 153K (7/03) two front CV boots were detached/rotted - had all four replaced for good measure

Uncountable brake sets and tires.

A word about paint. This car is now showing some pitting and surface rust around the rear quarter panels and rocker boards - still superficial. this was a New York city and now upstate car that's rarely been garaged.

For the first 2-3 years I waxed/cleaned/vacuumed it nearly once a month. Many Grand Ams of this generation had a very peculiar paint "peel" of the finish coat from the primer. I've never seen or heard an industry explanation. Some GAs peeled nearly completely -- mine? its been peeling for a good 6 years, but the total surface area (on flat surfaces only (hood&roof) is about 10 sq. inches in widely spread spots.)

Because I waxed so much? don't know. I'd like to think so. Some peel spots did start from a breech (small stone chips/dings) in the finish coat. Maybe because this car was a special order and got a little extra attention?

I firmly believe the reliability and plant performance are a result of the special order -- Manuals are hard to come by in New York City so I had to wait for 2+ months.

Still keeps up with new cars in its class. Easily hits 80+ on interstates.

Couple of years ago I had it near 100 for a few miles (busy schedule)

The Biggest Blow-away? Measured 31MPG just a couple of weeks ago. When new the car rated (I still have the EPA sticker) : 23city33hwy Try to get that out of a 2003 model! Suck wind OPEC!