Faults:

Engine manifold replaced at 148,000 miles.

Ignition coil replaced at 148,000 miles.

Front brakes replaced at 148,000 miles and again with rotors at 158,000 miles.

Clutch replaced at 152,000 miles.

Both head lights blew out at 153,000 miles from stopping too fast.

Ignition module replaced at 161,000 miles.

General Comments:

I love the car appearance, speed, handling and fuel efficiency.

Faults:

Alternator went out 1st year I had it 1998 car had only 37000 miles on it.

Sensor light replaced this year 2004.

Ignition lock key replaced it was on call back 2003.

2004 I have a very loud sound coming from car while driving it sounds like an old fashion radiator heater that used to be in apartments.

Calipers replaced this year and I am told I need rotors.

The black molding around the back window is sticking up at the corners.

General Comments:

This is a very good driving car overall, the manufacture just needs to work on parts that last more than a year.

It's a good car for expressway driving, gets very good gas mileage.

Faults:

The transmission leaks from the passenger-side drive shaft seal.

Front brakes have worn almost down to the metal.

Water pump needs to be replaced.

Driver seat is crooked in its track.

General Comments:

I would really like to fix these problems so I can drive the car, but the more I read other peoples' woes the more I think I should trade it in quick.

Faults:

The driver's side window stopped working.

A week later the passenger side window stopped working.

An engine coolant leak that required disassembly of the rear cylinder head.

The front brake rotors warped and had to be replaced. Based on advice from mechanics and information I found on various websites, it's not recommended to cut the original equipment rotors.

General Comments:

Every independent mechanic I talked to was aware of the continuing window motor failures, but the dealer claims it is an uncommon failure.

There will never be another Pontiac in my future.

General Comments:

I have owned my Pontiac Grand Am for 5 years, And after reading all the comments on this page I don't feel so bad about the few problems that I have seen. However, The problems that I have read in these reviews sound all too familiar.

The performance end of the car is great. Wonderful pick-up and handling.

We should have know when we first purchased the car that there could be problems because just looking at the engine we could not locate even the spark plugs and wires.

1. I read that most people have had to replace the alternator. I feel that this is common maintenance with any vehicle.

2. I have not have a rear power window for about 3 years now, and I'm beginning to lose my driver's power window now, and when it goes out in the up position, you are just out of luck.

3. The air conditioning is now out and trying to find the "low side" to recharge this creature has been a headache.

We are giving this car to our daughter now. I just hope that it will be something that she (or we) won't be throwing a lot of money into.