1996 Pontiac Grand Am SE review from North America

Right Strut failed at 70,000 miles

ignition switch failed at 80,000 miles

intake gasket failed at 90,000 miles.

I loved this car when I first purchased it, and I still enjoy driving it. The gas mileage is very good considering the performance of the v6 engine. The car handles beautifully on the road and is fun to drive. This is a two door coupe and the styling and design still gets attention from people.

My biggest problem with the car has been the dealership. I have learned that any repairs are painfully expensive. The dealer has turned out to be highly dishonest. I took the car in for a recall on a defective overheating ignition switch. General motors warned that the switch may be bad due to a current surge when starting the vehicle. I had the dealer perform the recall only to have the switch go out two weeks later. The dealer charged me $168. to inspect the switch and informed me a new switch would be $745. I told them not to touch the car, but when I went to get it I found the steering wheel removed so that the car could not be towed. I had a former student who owned a wrecking yard haul the car there. A mechanic at the yard offered to check it over for me. I came back the next day to find my car fixed, the mechanic spent twenty minutes switching in a used ignition switch. The wrecking yard charged me $40.

From this experience I would not buy another Pontiac, because I would again have to deal with these people who are the only dealers in town. I no longer trust "Mr. Good-wrench" or the recalls that are sent out.