2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE review from North America

Had problems with the brakes at about 3,000 miles and dealer replaced the rotors under warranty.

Idle problems in the summer months, dealer had to make computer adjustments.

Transmission needed to be rebuilt at 86,000 miles.

The emergency flasher switch had to be replace at about 95,000 miles and this was a factory recall about 6 months after I had this service done, GM reimbursed me the money for the repair.

The blinker "controls switch" had to be replaced, which involved taking the steering column apart, so this somewhat simple repair, cost more than I expected. This cost was on me.

The manifold gasket needed to be replaced at 105,000 miles. Even though there is a GM service bulletin about this problem and instruction on diagnostics and repair procedures, GM refused to pay for this repair. This was expensive, $650.00 but the dealer gave me a discount and charge me $400.00.

I just had a major brake job and had to replace the struts (which is not abnormal at this high mileage --115,000), but I didn't realize that this car has 4 struts, no shocks, so the repair was expensive.

This is the 3rd Pontiac Grand Am that I have owned. All were purchased new. The first two were great cars, I recommended it to all my friends, as reasonably priced and good highway transportation. I drive approximately 110 mile a day round trip commute for work, so 40 to 50 thousand miles a year is not unusual for me.

I am not sure what GM did to the 2001 model, but I did not recommend this car any more to any of my friends.

I did end up buying a Pontiac G6 in December 2004 only because of the GM loyalty rebate and I do not like the car, I'll explain my reasons at a later date. I also still own the 2001 Grand Am, but not for long.