1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE review from North America

From the day it was bought, the fog lights would come on on their own (or if they were turned on, go off on their own). While it was still on warranty, I took it to the dealer I bought it from (three times) and by the time the warranty was up, still no fix. Pulled the fuse and now have no fog lights.

The radio volume control goes louder when turning the knob down. Every once and awhile, the radio display shows a nice array of lines and dots, but no time or radio station.

Fan blower settings 1 and 2 have not worked since 60,000 Kms (when the warranty was up).

The car honks every now and again, shortly after turning it off, as though it has a key-less entry or alarm in it. It doesn't have either of these features. I had it in while the car was still on warranty for this to no avail. The dealership couldn't find the problem, and offered no solution. It still does it at random to this day.

I replaced the front brake rotors/pads with after market items. Severe squealing occurred that led to being pulled over by the police for noise infractions. I spent about $1000.00 (Can) working with GM to get rid of this. First I was told that the problem was the after market products, so I removed them and installed GM rotors/pads, as well as had the brake cylinders honed. Two days later, my wife refused to drive the car as the squealing had returned. I spoke with GM and was informed that the brake pads that they installed were susceptible to squealing, but for a mere $150.00 more, I could buy the ones that were less susceptible to noise. (To this day I still can't figure out why I was sold brake pads that may be prone to squealing when that was the problem I brought it in for in the first place.) So I paid to have the quieter pads installed. The result: squealing brakes. To be fair, the pads/rotors have worn normally, they are just loud. I have drove this car with howling brakes now for the last several months, and am attempting another change as it is time. Keeping the fingers crossed and bought some after market pads that are designed for noise reduction.

The fan blower motor went around 75,000 Kms. Suppose that could be normal, if it weren't for all of the electrical problems.

When the car is below 3/8's of a tank gas level, the gage begins to jump between right empty to completely full. I tried adding gasoline additives (cleaner) and lost the fuel pump.

The power control for the drivers side seat has problems. One time it will move up and down completely. The next time it will only move up/down partially.

The rear window defrost has not worked well since I bought the car.

The car handles well in all weather; rain, snow, ice, dry. I am very happy with the anti-lock brakes and the control I feel when in rainy/icy conditions. I've actually never owned a vehicle that handles as well as this one in rainy/icy weather.

That said, I can't overlook all of the problems with the car. It has been one headache after the next, and as soon as I can afford to, I am replacing the car. Preferably with an import.

I will definitely research the next vehicle I buy a lot more than I did this one.

Not a lot of satisfaction for the money I paid to buy it and very little help from the dealership I bought it at.