Faults:

Like many of you, my 1996 Pontiac Grand Am has had many problems. Just a few days after I bought my car, it started to stall and loose power easily. I took it to the dealer about six times, but they couldn't figure out what was wrong. That cost me $35 each visit.

Then my SDM module went in Feb. 2001 at a cost of $260.

And in January of 2002 my Oxygen Sensor went and the set me back $222.

And in the next year I had the Axle shaft replaced and Control arm bushing/sway bar for a total of $700.

And over the past two years, I have had the ER Valve replaced, and Transmission Crossmember (didn't help) replaced fora total of $404.

And in just the past six months, I have replaced the Driver Side Power Window motor replaced twice, and the Alternator. And that total was $650.

And most recently my heater core went. Haven't got that fixed yet.

By the time I get all the cost totaled up, other than just basic upkeep, this car has cost me around $4500 and I only paid $6000 for it.

General Comments:

It would seem like I hate my car, but I actually love it. It handles turns real good, fast, powerful and being only a 4 cyl. I.

T gets better gas mileage. Sometimes on the highway I can get 40+ mpg and the city is around 25 mpg. I am impressed.

I will miss my car when I get a new one.

Faults:

Bought my '96 Grand AM GT full power everything, leather... all seemed good.

2 weeks later, the gasket cracks. The engine is overheating, leaks, leaks, leaks.

Car looks great, bought it with two performance exhausts...that's right... quad exhausts, which makes it sound absolutely awsome...but...

2 weeks later the radio fizzes out. Had to replace it with aftermarket.

Now for the good things: amazing handling, bucket seats are amazingly comfortable, the car feels like an extension of your arm. Looks awsome in black and best thing is that there are few out there on the road (apparently few made in canada).

All other problems have been age related rusty gas tank, rust etc, leaks into the car whenever it rains or the road is wet.

General Comments:

This car has great handling, is comfortable. The wide rims add to the great look. Get it, but remember that the engine does overheat often.

Faults:

Paint was faded a bit on front right fender- bought a quart of paint and sprayed it.

As for engine there have been no problems except for my own modifications and riding it hard.

General Comments:

This baby is fast now. after a new: Computer, Cam, Flowmaster Exhaust, K&N cold air intake, Sneeky Pete NOS system, and hi-performance torque converter... it beats any ricer out there along with the local mustang guys. Oh and even though its teal, picking up girls is still no problem in this sexy beast.

Faults:

Replaced various sencors.

Replaced the water pump.

Replaced Ignition module.

Replaced coil housing.

Replaced brakes.

Now I have what I think is a bad alternator.

General Comments:

The car handles quite well, but it's quite hard on the pocket.

The car wasn't too bad until it hit 80,000 miles then everything started going on it.

Faults:

It needed a full brake job at 40,000 miles. (pads and rotors)

I had problems with the oxygen sensor at around 50,000 miles.

The water pump had to be replaced at 75,000 miles.

The ignition switch had to be replaced at 80,000 miles. (this was free, covered under a recall)

It had a small leak in the head gasket at 99,500 miles.

There were a few other minor interior things that happened over time. The radio knob busted off. The mirror adjustment switch fell inside the door.

General Comments:

It was my first car, and I got it at a relatively good price. ($7000 had 35,000 miles) It ran for 6 years without any major repairs.

Finally at 99,500 miles, I took it in for a routine oil change, and was told there was anti-freeze mixed in with my oil. Although this was a serious problem, I continued to drive the car for another 4 months, while I shopped for a new car. The leak was very small, and the engine just kept going. (If I wasn't afraid of getting stranded somewhere, I probably would have driven it into the ground, and maybe even had it for another year)

Grand Am's are not known for quality and craftsmanship, but as a college student, it was the perfect first car for me. It was affordable, sporty, and got decent gas mileage.