Faults:

The only major problem I have had is the internal housing unit needs to be replaced every so often. I've replaced it twice in the past 3 years. Cheap and easy fix. I'm female and did it myself.

There was this clicking noise coming on and off randomly, sounded like the blinkers. I took apart the steering column, cleaned the grease off of the points of contact, and it stopped.

There have been minor electrical problems: the cabin light chooses when it wants to work, and the stereo volume button doesn't turn down unless you pull out on it as you turn.

The driver seat has worn badly, I attribute that mostly to my rather large uncle, who previously owned it. All other seats are in good condition.

I've replaced the struts, rotors, calipers, brake pads, etc all a cheap fix, thank god for GM's.

General Comments:

I got this car after I crashed my first car, so this was really a learning car for me. GREAT to learn basic maintenance. Oil is easy to change, as long as you have a filter wrench. Brake system is really simple, and I could remove everything on my own if I needed to replace anything.

I've NEVER broken down in this car, and it has always been a cheap fix whenever I've heard a strange noise or found an issue with maintenance. I have never put more than $200 into this car at one time, and that was only once on rear struts.

I would definitely buy another Pontiac or even another Grand Am. Maybe I would go with an extended manufacturer's warranty, if at all possible for minor problems.

Faults:

I work on all my vehicles. I paid 3000$ for the car, and have owned it for 5 years now.

The first owner did not take care of this car, I found a squirrel nest in the air box.

To put it on the road it needed brake lines (severely rusted). They must have parked this thing in a field. Brakes all around, serpentine belt tune up (air/fuel/oil filter, spark plugs) and tires.

Last year battery and alternator.

This year starter (rebuilt $ 100). Intake was leaking from the date of purchase, I had to add coolant every 2 months. A spring rolled around and had to add weekly. I did the complete job for $400.

Lots of info on the net for the do it yourself-er.

Brakes all around $180.

This week hit a monster pothole (pothole capital of Canada) and broke the strut spring. Went to the scrap yard 75$ for 2 used ones.

General Comments:

The car has never left me stranded. Parts are cheap and very easy to work on. The car has lots of power. Total investment in the car with all maintenance done is under $5000. It should last another 2 years and the car will be paying me back.

Faults:

I purchased this car used; man was I dumb! I had the car 1 week, and at 140000 all the lifters went. In the same month the alternator went, both brake lines broke, and the parking and ABS light suddenly came on and have stayed on.

I have had this car towed 12 times in the 5 years I have owned it. All the pulleys went at the same time. Had to replace the serpentine belt 3 times. The starter twice. The radiator, the power steering pump, new gas tank.

General Comments:

This is the worst car I have ever owned. What a money pit! I will never EVER again buy another GM product, what a hunk of crap.

I do not recommend this car to my worst enemy. Please do yourself a favor and don't buy a 1999 Grand Am.