1999 Pontiac Grand Am review from North America

From the time this car was purchased until about 30,000 miles, small problems here and there would occur. The volume knob either does nothing or turns the radio up loud, squeaks started happening more and more frequently, and for whatever reason, we constanly go through bulbs for the tail lights. The display for the radio also decided to show random characters instead of the station or time.

Around 36,000 miles, the transmission decided to go no further than 2nd gear. The dealership said the transmission did that because the car was in a minor bump-up of no more than 15 MPH.??? They did give us a freebie transmission but charged a nice price for labor (it was three months out of warranty).

From then on, gas mileage started declining and it started losing coolant. My mechanic, after taking it to him a few times, told me the intake gasket was leaking and the fuel pressure regulator was also leaking. It also wobbles like Jell-O when you reach 65 MPH and the front squeaks when you pass over small bumps.

I know I've missed some other things here, but I've simply lost track of all the repairs we've had to make.

It's a sharp-looking car. In fact, it's an excellent car when it's not in the shop and if you can tune out the squeaking sounds coming from the front. It has "get up and go" and plenty of storage space in the trunk.

What's really a shame is it is a very nice car with regards to its features, but with all the problems we've had with it, you constantly have to worry about what's going to happen next. My wife and I always have concerns in the back of our minds when we take it on trips. Sometimes, we just stuff everything into my '00 Chevy S-10 (92,000 miles w/no problems ever) so there are no worries.

We'd sell it, but it's paid off and I don't wish these kind of car problems on everyone.