1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE review from North America

Wow, so many of the quirks of my car are in other postings, too!

Strange volume knob behavior on radio (since I acquired it).

Have to replace the brake pads or rotors every few months, it seems (probably every 20,000 miles or so). Vibration while braking, though that might be a service issue more than a car issue.

Replaced battery and alternator (75,000 miles or so).

Replaced serpentine belt due to evident cracking (100,000 miles or so).

Replaced water pump (110,000 miles? For the life of me, can't remember when).

Occasional trouble starting the car (ignition doesn't seem to "take"), but haven't taken it for ignition recall repair.

Dash lights starting to go out one by one (starting at about 120,000 miles).

I put lots of miles on this car, especially in the last year and a half or so (60,000 miles in 17 months). For the abuse I put the car through, the maintenance isn't bad. Of course, my previous cars were auto auction death traps, so this is relative luxury.

Good handling in general.

I thought I was the only one complaining about the seats (I'm fairly short). Not the most comfortable car.

I keep the car well maintained, with oil changes at least every 5,000 miles, transmission fluid change about once per year, and coolant flush about once per year. Also keep good tires on and brakes checked.

Trade-in value not keeping up with my loan. I'll have to put extra money down so that I don't lose my shirt should it break down.

I'd like my next car to be a small SUV with 4X4, so I won't buy this model again for that reason. Nothing serious against the car.