1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE review from North America
"Too much hassle"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
At 67,200 miles the master cylinder had to be replaced. The brakes stopped working completely and I ended up backing into a car.
At 80,000 miles rotors had to be replaced even though the pads were fine.
LCD on radio blew and at the same time the volume contoll went. I can still change the stations, but have to count the channels and the only way to change the volume is to pull on the volume control while you change it. Also when it is cold the CD player won't work.
I have had the car in the shop a total of 12 times for the service engine soon light coming on, but they say there is nothing wrong.
Change oil light comes on too soon.
Both side view mirrors have fallen off, but luckily I could put them back on myself.
Still have problems with brakes even though a tech says they are fine. I have to stop extra early because I don't trust the brakes.
The interior lights like to stay on a lot.
The hubcaps rattled so bad I was pulled over by a police officer because he thought I was dragging something. After that I took them off so I wouldn't have to go though the hassle again.
At 90,000 miles I had to replace the entire suspension, shocks, struts, and even the coils.
Have had to get a front end alignment every 10,000 miles.
The car hydroplanes at 25mph. Once while driving strait at about 35mph in the rain the car spun a whole 360 degrees.
The car is also extremely bad with New England snow. I'm pretty sure the wide tires have something to do with that.
General comments?
Before the suspension went the car handled quite nicely.
Has very nice pick up for a 4 cylinder.
I haven't messed with the performance and at 106k I can still beat a pimped out Honda.
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| All in all, I find this to be a very enjoyable car to own |
|
| Fun, but worrying |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 67000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 106000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 13th May, 2004 |