2000 Pontiac Grand Am SE/1 review from North America
"Beautiful car, looks can be deceiving"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Seating is crooked and difficult to adjust. This has been causing me a lot of back pain.
The vehicle has had multiple water leaks resulting in heater blower replacement 3 times.
Front speed sensors keep making the ABS light come on. I have already replaced both fronts 3 times. Unfortunately I'm still waiting for them to go again.
Intake manifold gaskets blew twice.
Transmission sometimes has no forward gears or will try to take off in 3rd resulting in no power at all. When it shifts it feels like someone is rear ending me. Dealer states that the shift is acceptable and could not get anything else to act up with it.
This car is a rattle box. If you want to buy it, I hope you can tolerate a lot of squeaking and rattling.
The car doesn't like to start if it has been sitting for more than 4 hours.
Steering rack will not return after right turns.
Strut mounts broke, causing a really bad knock on bumps.
Right lower ball joint almost completely came undone.
Brakes, brakes, brakes! Will they ever stop pulsating? $500 every time the pads and rotors get replaced and 3 weeks later, they pulsate.
Engine makes a loud tapping noise at about 2500 rpm.
General comments?
The SE edition has mediocre handling. It likes to hop over bumps and sway on turns.
The car is fast! I give it credit for its performance. But, don't try to accelerate mid-range at about 35-45 or you'll feel like you're driving a 4-cyl.
The design is nice and sporty. The mechanical design is good (my opinion), but it just needs more attention on the smaller details. Maybe there wouldn't be as many problems.
I love the car! It is so fun to drive, has great visibility, and fairly nice sound system.
The only problem is that even though it's fun to drive, it's not fun to tear down. This car has been in pieces in my driveway so many times that my neighbors think I'm rebuilding it. I've considered putting some modifications on it, but it has enough trouble staying in one piece with factory parts.
Recommended reviews
| Lots of car for the dollar |
| I think I should sell NOW! Buy a Nissan! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.4 liter V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 30000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 54000 miles |
| Previous car | Hyundai Accent |
| Date of Entry | 23rd May, 2004 |