1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2.4-liter DOHC 16v 4 cylinder

Summary:

Don't judge a car by the way it looks

Faults:

The water pump went bad 2 months after we bought it.

The timing chain messed up while getting the water pump fixed.

The heater coil formed a hole, and that had to get fixed.

The window motors in both of the front doors went bad.

The thermostat went bad.

General Comments:

This car looks great, but has been one hectic car to keep on the road. It breaks about every two months, and if it wasn't for the warranty I would be broke. It is a sharp car if you are willing to spend lots of money on fixing it every time you turn around.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th February, 2002

2nd Mar 2002, 20:39

Most of those problems seem pretty minor, you could have fixed them yourself with a minimal amount of money and some elbow grease. (you're complaining about a thermostat? You've got to be kidding. It may cost, what, 10 bucks at the most at an auto parts store?) Looks like you just got ripped off by whoever fixed your car, who also obviously did shoddy work, considering he probably didn't re-install the timing chain correctly after he installed your water pump in your 2.4 liter engine, which is what you obviously have. This year and make car happens to be one of the best cars I've ever owned, btw.

1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT 6 cylinder

Summary:

A new headache every week

Faults:

Brakes went out immediately after the car was purchased new, but were not covered under the warranty.

Many different engine problems and constant oil leaks.

Electrical and computer problems misdiagnosed on several occasions.

Gaskets, fuel pump, and alternator recently fixed... again.

Too many things have gone wrong to even remember them all!

General Comments:

Not only has this car been a constant headache, but if I can convince even one person not to buy a grand am I have done my good Samaritan deed for the year! This car is a death trap as it has broken down twice in the last couple of months in the middle of the interstate. I only wish I could sell it, but it is such a lemon no one wants it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th December, 2001

10th Feb 2002, 14:30

Learn more about cars.

2nd Mar 2002, 20:34

I happen to have the same year, same model. Has 72,000 miles, never broke down, its on the same set of brakes since I bought it a year ago, the black paint is in immaculate condition, and the only thing that ever went wrong was the alternator (those all go out eventually, they're wearable parts, you knw.) Its the best car my family's ever had. I think you just had some bad luck. Every make of car has a few lemons that come of the assembly line.

29th Jul 2002, 06:57

My neighbor has a 1997 Grand Am and it is now in the shop having a new engine put in. This should not happen to a car that has not be abused has had regular maintenance and is only 5 years old. Where is the justice???

26th Jun 2003, 18:14

97 Grand Am- 8 Alternators in the 3 years we have had it. Currently broke down with the same problem. runs for a while and then lights dim and car shuts off. Can't even get the key out or it out of gear to push off the road. No one can find the problem, obviously electrical and they put in a new motor, which did not change anything. There have been other problems too numerous to list, less significant, but problems just the same. Mostly tho, it just won't stay running.

1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.1

Summary:

Overall very satisfied

Faults:

The volume control on the radio sporatically malfunctions. They cannot just replace it. They will rebuild it. Don't know why.

Just put it in the shop to replace the alternator.

Paint peeling off the mirrors.

Computer module failed and caused the engine to rev slightly high when in park or neutral.

General Comments:

Excellent acceleration!

Great fuel ecomony.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd June, 2001