1996 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2.4 inline 4 cylinder

Summary:

An excellent car for the money

Faults:

The factory brakes wore out at 63,000 miles.

The water pump went at 92,000 miles.

The fuel pressure regulator broke a seal and sprayed gasoline all over the engine compartment at 94,000 miles.

The alternator went at 98,000 miles.

The factory clutch went at 110,000 miles.

The factory door panel speakers rattled.

The glove box latch broke.

The driver side window crossbars bent.

General Comments:

I bought the Grand Am GT in 1999 with 60,000 miles on it and it ran excellent.

The car is extremely reliable, even after two pretty bad accidents (neither my fault).

The Grand Am GT as of now has 128,000 miles, and it runs as if it were brand new.

I love this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th February, 2002

26th Dec 2002, 00:00

Glad to hear you have had good luck with your 1996 Grand Am GT. I just bought a used 96 GT with 60,000 miles on it and like it quite well. However, the check engine light is on and when I start it on cold winter days the fumes just about make you pass out. Also, smoke continues to come out of the tailpipes even after the car is shut off.

1996 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4L twin cam

Summary:

96... Beware of what you are getting in to

Faults:

Before I give anyone the wrong impression, the car was very nice... ran good sometimes. Well... now that I have gotten that out of the way, this Grand AM was nothing short of a nightmare. This car was terribly designed and the mechanics that put this thing together new should be FIRED!

Transmission granny shifted.

Oil sensor bad... replaced twice.

Both O2 sensors replaced twice.

Water pump replaced 3 times and still leaking when I got rid of it... running a cost of ($697) to get it fixed.

Brakes and pads... replaced so much I quit counting.

Car was fine when everything worked right.

Probably would not ever buy another Pontiac that is not under warranty BY THE DEALER!

General Comments:

Would not buy another Pontiac unless under the manufacturer's warranty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th September, 2001

11th Dec 2002, 10:01

If you would like to send me your name and an e-mail address, I am compiling a list of Pontiac Grand Am users who have had problems, especially with their water pump and/or electrical system (especially the ignition system, which includes spark plugs, ignition switch and ignition coil).

My e-mail is jgalecke@hotmail.com.

1996 Pontiac Grand Am 3.1L V6

Summary:

I will probably buy one again! It's a good car

Faults:

Until July of 2001 a serpentine belt was the only thing I replaced. Now in one month I have put in a water pump, upper and lower hoses, alternator, battery, another serpentine belt, and I am told the CV joint is bad.

General Comments:

Other than the problems of late, it is an excellent car. Not much room for the other passengers but it has decent power and rides fairly smooth.

I will probably buy another Grand Am. This is my second one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2001

1996 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4L Twin Cam

Summary:

Student/ work car

Faults:

The dome light at times will not go off, the check engine light blinks on and off like a christmas tree. Not very comfortable. Every part on the car is expensive.

General Comments:

The car doesn't run too bad for a little 4-banger.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th July, 2001

1996 Pontiac Grand Am SE

Summary:

I love this car!

General Comments:

This car is both efficient and sporty. I love it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th May, 2001

1996 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4 cylinder

Summary:

Worst car we've ever owned

Faults:

Transmission failed at 1,000 miles.

Needed brake replacements after 5,000 miles. Have had to replace the brakes 6 more times in 5 years. Rotors were replaced after 2 years.

Air conditioning blower fan failed after 6 months.

Hazard lamps did not work.

Remote control mirror assembly fell into the door during first attempt at adjusting the side mirrors.

Alternator failed at 6,000 miles.

Coolant pump failed at 12,000 miles.

Water pump failed at 13,000 miles.

Automatic shift control and assembly failed at 30,000 miles.

Radio control buttons show excessive wear after 2 years.

Constant velocity joint replaced on the front left side after 60,000 miles.

Air conditioning system developed leak after its second season. System requires a re-charge annually.

Muffler brackets corroded after 3 years.

General Comments:

Poor design.

Poor quality control.

Poor service.

Poor customer relations. We contacted Pontiac on numerous occasions regarding our problems. They offered nothing in return.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th May, 2001

2nd Aug 2002, 10:45

I have had several of the same problems on my car including the rotors, water pump, control arm, etc. I will NEVER buy one of these cars again and I recommend no one else does as well.

11th Dec 2002, 10:10

I have had similar problems with my Grand Am and am looking to gather names of people with problems, especially with their water pump and/or electrical system (Including battery, alternator, ignition switch and ignition coil problems).

Any information you can send me would be helpful. My e-mail address is jgalecke@hotmail.com.

Thanks,

Jeff.