1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT review from North America

Wow, where do I begin!?!?

I've replaced the radiator 3 times (finally put a metal aftermarket in, since the cheap plastic GM ones kept cracking).

Replaced the water/coolant pump (again, cheap plastic GM part).

Had to replace the heater core, whatever that is (I suspect another plastic part).

Replaced the alternator 4 times (I think there's a short in the electrical somewhere).

Replaced the battery with an Optima Red Top, because when the alternator dies, it kills the AC Delco batteries almost immediately.

Windshield washer fluid pump died, but not replaced.

Intake gasket has started leaking, about a Class 2 leak.

Had to have nearly entire coolant system ducts and hoses replaced because there was a leak "somewhere?".

Had to have portion of coolant system replaced because it was dripping onto either the exhaust manifold, or the transmission gearbox, and getting hot enough to ignite (yes, there was fire in my engine compartment.)

Replaced coolant reservoir twice.

Power steering lines ruptured, causing loss of control of vehicle (luckily I was only going about 8 miles an hour in a parking lot) and had to replace.

Brake calipers have gone bad, but can't replace because I'm broke (meaning half the time the brakes are only about 40% effective).

Fog lights leaked somehow, filled with water, and shorted out, both of them. Not replaced yet.

MAF sensors have gone bad twice, had to replace.

Check engine light is on, has been on for a few years now, but no one can tell me what's wrong; not the dealer, and none of the mechanics I've taken it to.

Fuel tank has a leak, but can't replace because I'm still broke.

A month or two ago it started sputtering while at idle and while in motion, and stalling out sometimes at idle (again, no one can tell me why).

And just yesterday the check engine light started flashing, and I think I blew out a cylinder, because now it barely accelerates, even with accelerator fully depressed; is making a horrible sound when pressing accelerator; entire vehicle vibrates violently on ignition, at idle, and when accelerator is depressed; exhaust smells like straight gasoline being expelled.

Car looks really good; '97 GT body styling is great.

Handles fantastically. I did put a front strut tower brace on, and that stiffened the turns a little, but handled really well before that.

Very spacious inside, for the front. I have a 2 door, so the back seat is very cramped. But the front is really roomy (I'm also 6'5 tall).

I have an aftermarket stereo system, which sounds good, but the acoustics inside this car aren't that great. Lots of vibration.

Great visibility, very minor blind spots.

Is an overall great car, as long as it's working properly :-P.