1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE from North America - Comments

*Alternator died

*Serpentine belt needed to be replaced

*Brake system replaced very soon after the car was purchased; brakes seem to need frequent work in general

*Gas gauge died... whole gas system (don't know what it's called) needed to be replaced at $800 (warranty paid for it)

*Ignition problems (key stuck, etc.)

*Radio volume dial has never worked properly; clock also seems to be giving out

*Power locks have died twice... I stopped having them repaired when it became apparent that the repairs lasted a year at most

*Balance/alignment problems... car "shimmies" at high speed

*Possible problem with the heater core (defroster wasn't working properly--problem was never officially diagnosed)

*Worn carpet.

I bought my 97 Pontiac Grand Am SE when I was 2 months out of college. I really should have done my homework better. If I had known anything about cars at that time, I probably would have just bought a Honda or Toyota and saved a little money on the frequent repairs.

Even with all of the problems I've had (see above), I still consider myself lucky. For the most part, my Grand Am gets me to work every day, and the problems I've had have not left me stranded on the roadside. But I've still had plenty of problems and I'm always waiting for the next "thing" to blow out on the car. My warranty expires in 2 months and I'm pretty nervous about that. My car is reliable--for a Pontiac--but that's not the same as having a reliable Toyota!

Sorry Pontiac... you manufactured my first car and it will always be special to me for that reason. But I would recommend this car ONLY if you really don't have the cash upfront for a more reliable vehicle. If you do have the cash, find a car that will be a better investment for the long term, instead of bleeding you dry at the mechanic's.

Hi...this is the writer of the original review. I just wanted to mention that the electrical system on my car went haywire this morning, with my dash lights blinking and my gauges going up and down. I got into work 2 hours late because of this. I'm afraid this is the last straw...I'm trading my Grand Am in for a Toyoto ECHO very, very soon. :-( :-( :-(

I am also a owner of Pontiac 97 Grand AM coupe. I have had all the problems this author has described here. This is a poorly put together car. RA.

I own a 97 Grand Am that was given to me upon graduation from college. I have been left on the side of the road frequently with this car, most recently on July 4th. I had the mechanic identify all obvious problems later that same week, as I was trying to determine if it is worth fixing at all.

To bring this car up to par, I would have to replace the heater core, passenger side CV joint, A/C hose, front and rear brakes (again), front tires (from uneven wear due to CV joint), a piece on the engine a hose connects to (sorry, can't remember what he called it), both power window motors, radio (the volume control and on/off switch rarely works and the LED display is not functioning properly), and all three temperature control knobs.

I also replaced the alternator shortly after a recalled item in the steering column caught fire while I was at a gas station. I recently received another recall notice about being able to remove the keys without putting the car in park.

I have decided not to repair this car again.

I have a '97 Grand Am SE. At first I was happy with my purchase, until things started to go wrong. First I had to replace the motor, then I had the struts replaced, I have had to have the ignition replaced, the light for the clock stopped working, the volume button does it's own thing, I have suffered full engine failure on more occasions than I care to count! I have had to have one of the power window motors replaced and the coolant hose kept falling off, the belt has been replaced along with other {under the hood} things. I am still having problems finding out why my Grand Am SE, will all of a sudden have a full engine failure at any given moment day or time.

I must make a correction on my last comment. It was the washer fluid hose that kept falling off and not the coolant hose. I have also had to have the alternator replaced twice now. I am not so sure that I would ever want to purchase another Grand AM of any type of style or year!