1996 Pontiac Grand Am review from North America
"The cars had some problems, but overall it's been a great little car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
A couple years back I bought the Pontiac Grand AM GT. I've had some problems with it, however most all of them have just been general maintenance issues. I've had to have the alternator replaced at about 120,000 miles. I had a waterpump at 140,000. The car is a 4 door, and 3 of the 4 window motors have gone out. That is the worst thing with the car. Pontiac I'm sure is well aware of this problem, and I feel should have recalled the cars and replaced the motors. However I can't complain, for less than 200.00 I bought 2 new window motors and had them installed.
I've had to put breaks on the car of course and I've had to replace the rear drums. That however was really due to my lack of respect to the vehicle, and allowing the brakes to get so bad.
The car has had the heater core replaced, however that was done under warranty, and by the previous owner.
General comments?
I've read a lot of comments from people who are really knocking there Grand Am's, however I haven't seen one person mention mileage on their cars. The car can really only be as good as it's owner. If the owner takes care of the car, the car takes care of the owner. I understand that sometimes a car does come from the factory preloaded with a huge amount of problems, however that's what warranties are for! When buying a used car you have no idea how the previous owner cared for the car. If the car hasn't been cared for of course you're going to be buying someone else's problems.
Yes the problems with the power window motors should have been addressed by Pontiac, and it is a little troublesome that every single Grand Am from at least 95 to 97 had garbage window motors the are sure to stop working. However, new window motors can be bought at AutoZone for 44.99 with a lifetime warranty, so go buy a couple window motors, spend a hundred bucks getting them installed, and stop complaining about it. For 180.00 I have new window motors, and installation of them. And I might add, it's really nice to have working windows again!
For a car with 148,000 miles, my Grand Am has been a great little car!
Recommended reviews
| 1996 - Grand Am SE 2.4L 4 cylinder You have to try to make junk this bad, parts anyone? |
|
| What a headache! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1996 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4 liter 4 cylendar Automatic |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 82000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 148000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Grand Am |
| Date of Entry | 31st May, 2005 |