1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.4

Summary:

Average, could be better

Faults:

Brake rotors need to be replaced once a year

Lower intake manifold gasket replaced in 2006

Head gasket replaced in 2006

Replaced water pump in 2004

Cruise control switch has fallen apart

Turn signals work when they want to

LED on radio has burnt out

Replaced resistor on fan blower motor.

General Comments:

The engine runs better now than is has in years since the gaskets were replaced. The car rides and handles good, one of the reasons I bought it in the first place.

The brakes are enough to drive you crazy- my mechanic claims the front brakes do too much of the work on this car, and the rear brakes not enough- a common problem with this model.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th July, 2007

15th Mar 2009, 23:08

I am the original poster for this car.

FYI: after continual brake problems, which included new rotors every six months in city driving (and numerous other issues), I have long gotten rid of this thing.

I have had my present vehicle for over a year - guess what? No brake problems, and I drive 30 K city to work every day.

16th Mar 2009, 18:33

I can't imagine replacing the brakes on a vehicle before 70,000 to 100,000 miles. I replaced the front pads (which were the originals) on my 2001 Grand Am at just over 70,000 miles at a cost of $17. The rear pads are still original, and the rotors are all original as well. I was actually disappointed at having to replace the front pads at such LOW mileage, as my previous car went 89,000 without any brake work (it was a Mustang).

My Dodge had TWO brake jobs in 240,000 miles. When brakes wear out too quickly the driver is either riding the brakes constantly or there is some other problem.

And comment 17:50 is 100% correct. The front brakes do the vast majority of work in stopping a car and always need replacing first. This is true of ALL cars. The comment about that being a characteristic of the Grand Am was obviously made by a less than totally car savvy mechanic. On cars with 4-wheel disc brakes the rear pads will often go well beyond TWICE the distance of the front pads.

1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE V6

Summary:

Won't buy one again

Faults:

I have owned a Pontiac since 1977. Every 4 or 5 years I would buy a new one. I have owned 3 new Grand AMS and the window regulator clips have broken many times on the 93 and 99 vehicles. Now I have major engine gasket problems on the 99. That did it, I bought Chrysler in 03 and looking at Honda and Toyota in 07. If we all did more of this, they would care about these problems.

General Comments:

Loved the car and the value. Can't stand the quality of window hardware, engine gaskets (antifreeze caused problem) and wheel hub ABS switches.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th July, 2007

1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.4

Summary:

All in all, I find this to be a very enjoyable car to own

Faults:

I'm not sure what the mileage was when it happened, but I've replaced the alternator.

I have the blower motor 1/2 problem, the volume knob on the radio. I replaced both front hubs, as my wheel bearings went out. I had to shell out about $500 for the intake. I haven't experienced the turn signal/hazards problem yet. my driver side window doesn't like to work when it's warm out. 2 or 3000 miles ago, I started having a problem with a misfire on cylinder 5. that's what the code came back as. I've replaced all the spark plugs and wires, and the ignition coil pack that runs that cylinder. it's nothing bad. it idles a little rough, but not that bad. just recently, after driving one night with no problems, I started it up the next day, and the engine knocks very badly. I haven't checked all the posts yet to see if anyone else has experienced this. no check engine light, or other warning signs, just a bad knock. I think that's about it.

General Comments:

All in all, this has been a very good car. I haven't had all the problems most everyone else has, it seems. at least, I don't find them that bad. most are minor inconveniences and that's all. I've owned the car for 6 years, and the struts, tires and brakes are just now going bad. I'm getting a lot of squeaking from the brakes when I first start driving it. after I've driven a while, you can't hear it anymore. the tires were brand new when I bought the car, and they are at the wear bars now. and the struts don't seem that bad if you do the standard test (pushing up and down on the car and if it stops bouncing after a couple times, they're good), but you can feel it on bad roads and hard turning at mid to high speeds. lot's of lean into the corners.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th June, 2007