Faults:

Before the warranty ran out the alternator along with the driver's side window motor and switch needed replaced.

After the warranty: both motors needed replaced, the alternator again and the battery.

The water pump went at 25,000 miles and the very expensive heater hose between the heater core and the block. I have had to replace the heater core (that was manufactured with the plastic lines) once.

The carpet and the seats are worn out now at 78,000 miles.

At 62,000 miles the connecting rod broke at the base of the piston and shoved the rod through the block and broke the starter in half. I called the Pontiac/GM hot line to see if there was anything they could do for me or any recalls on the rods for the 97 year. They said not on the 97's but on the 99's. They refused any help since I did not buy the extended warranty over 60,000 miles. Now before I can sell or off load this car I have to replace both motors again and the window extending arms because they bent when the motors fell off the frame.

The cost of this car has not been worth the monies in repair of the replacement of a motor and window parts. The design stinks. Every time I spend $100. For a part for this Grand Am I laugh at the lyric GM came up with: Driving Excitement Pontiac...

Faults:

Windows are junk, have replaced the motors in both 2 times each, days after the warranty expired.

Alternator, battery - all went out. New brake pads, all this and the car is rarely driven!

General Comments:

Never know when something else will go wrong.

Faults:

Front and rear brakes were replaced twice.

Alternator.

Water pump.

O2 sensor.

Fuel rail seal.

Steering knuckles.

Brake rotors twice.

Power door lock actuator.

Battery.

Various outside lights.

Driver's sun visor.

General Comments:

Overall a decent car with a comfortable ride and plenty of power for most situations.

One of the smoothest automatic transmissions I've ever driven.

After 62K all the accessories and standard equipment are still working fine.

Faults:

AC condenser replaced, brake pads, catalytic converter replaced, coolant line leak, starter, all fixed under warranty.

General Comments:

Nice quiet smooth ride, comfortable seats with good lower back support. Dependable. No rattles.

Faults:

Needed transmission replacement AND a water pump at 56,500 miles! Front brake pads rarely lasted more than 18,000 miles! Such repairs are hard to imagine on a car that's driven primarily on the highway (45-50 minute commute).

General Comments:

Good stereo! Nice handling. Traction control a definite plus. Unimpressive gas mileage with the 2.4L 4-cyl. Should have opted for the V6. Dealer service is horrible. If I could do it all over, I'd buy a Saturn.

Faults:

Brake pads.

General Comments:

Good overall value. Need to improve seat comfort.