Faults:

Over the past five years that I have owned this vehicle, I have had to replace the rotors every six months. I had to turn the rotors each time between replacing them. They are currently warped as I am writing this. Absolutely ridiculous.

In 2000, I had to have the evaporator replaced (Air Conditioning). The cost was close to $1000.

The alternator has given out once, which is understandable, but it is also not a cheap replacement.

Recently, the engine coolant system started to leak. Two weeks ago, I had to have the head gasket replaced ($320), and I had to have the water pump replaced today ($235).

I have also had to replace the driver's side window motor once ($300).

Current problems not fixed yet:

-Squeak at the bottom of the steering column

-Paint chipping from side mirrors

-Radio volume knob doesn't know the difference between increase and decrease.

-Dash squeak.

General Comments:

Do not get me wrong. I absolutely love my 1997 Grand AM GT, but the maintenance is unbelievable. I have had it since I was 16 years old. I am very lucky that I bought an extended warranty that is soon to run out at 60,000 miles. It has been well worth the $750.

Even though I love my Grand AM, I am not willing to put up with all of the repairs after I graduate from college. So I will be looking to buy a car that doesn't pose this many maintenance issues.

If you ever decide to buy a 1997 Grand AM, I would only ask you to ask yourself one question: Do you have enough money to keep it running?

Faults:

I've replaced every window motor in my car once, and I'm about to replace the driver's side window motor again.

I've also replaced the alternator twice (once under warranty), and the carpeting had worn bare in some spots before the warranty was up (luckily that was covered).

The air conditioning also quits working about every 3 months. Apparently there is a leak, because every time I take it in, they put a pound of freon in and can't find any leaks; I don't believe in gremlins, it has to go somewhere.

My radio also went bad; the volume knob would randomly decide to increase or decrease. I was going to replace it anyway, but geez.

General Comments:

Currently the car barely has 60,000 miles on it.

Not counting anything else, I've probably spent 2,000 dollars in window motor replacements and air-conditioning refills alone. I only paid 10,000 for this car to begin with.

As far as driving goes, I think it's great; I love how my car drives. The engine is only a 4-cylinder, but it is peppy and maneuverable.

If I could only strip the accessories off the drive train and replace them with something else, I might buy a Pontiac again.

Next time I'm thinking German, maybe a Saab or a Volkswagen...

Faults:

Water pump had to be replaced at less than 10,000 miles.

Radio is defective - audio blares when you attempt to turn it down. This resulted in the radio being replaced TWICE. The model is clearly defective.

Horn works only intermittently.

Brakes wear out easily.

Window motor on driver's side died before 40,000 miles.

Major problem: Alternator has been replaced 5 times and it is still not working properly. The car has stalled in busy intersections, creating very dangerous situations. Repeated attempts to fix it have failed, racking up enormous labor hours. The inconvenience of having the car in the shop all the time has been a major hassle.

General Comments:

If you must, for some reason, buy a Pontiac Grand Am, then you must absolutely GET AN EXTENDED WARRANTY.