1998 Pontiac Grand Am review from North America
"OK car, just get rid of it before 100K miles"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I have a 95 version of the same car. Both worked well until about 110,000 miles.
Water pump was changed on both, cost $600 dollars each. The water pump is driven by the timing chain. The 98 has not run well since the water pump was changed.
I noticed that the heater/AC box near the fan had started to crumble.
I had a lot water in the passenger side of the car. It may be related to the crumbling heater/AC box there was a screw missing just above the heater/AC box in the tray that collects water from the windshield area and there was a portion of the box missing just below the missing bolt. I have also had the AC moisture drain leak into the passenger side, but that was a lot less water. The AC drain problem happened after a heater core change.
The check engine light started flashing on the 98 car today. This car has been running poorly since the water pump was changed. Compression check is 182-195 PSI. MAP sensor had to be replaced. Still working to find the real problem.
General comments?
OK cars. Nice looking. Adequate acceleration. Comfortable. Heat and cooling are good.
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| A nice car if you have deep pockets |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4L IL4 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 4 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 125000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 5th June, 2006 |