1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT review from North America

Brake Rotors @ 20K (Living with it... apparently nothing "wrong")

Transmission Fluid Gasket @ 45K (Leaks into Fuel System)

Spark Plug Wires, Ignition Coil @ 55K (Misfires)

At the time, this was the first decent looking car Pontiac had produced in years. The GT was thankfully ignored when the usual Pontiac plastic trim/ground effects were slapped on everything that rolled off the factory. So looks were a plus.

Generally, it is clear that this was a new model, and tweaks should have been made which I don't believe have been. Example, the brakes on the car leave something to be desired. Larger rotors would be nice.

As for reliability, it's an American car, and I have had it. I owned a Chevy Cavalier as my first car, and for 12K, I got what I expected... a decent entry car for a college student on a budget, some repairs over it's lifetime, but all in all... I was neutral on American cars.

I traded in and up to a Chevy Tahoe, hoping that the truck-division has been getting it right. Family have owned several Tahoes for years with minimal repairs... mostly insignificant items.

The Pontiac was a second car in the family as the family grew... and after 55K miles it has been disappointing. It isn't a lemon, but it just isn't worth it.

I receive a GM discount through my employer, which made the difference in price up front... but the amount of money you have to pour into the vehicle for repairs more than offsets the price of a comparable Japanese vehicle. From now on, it is Honda/Acura, Toyota/Lexus.