1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT 3.4 V6

Summary:

A lot of bang for your hard earned bucks!

Faults:

Replaced leaky manifold gasket at 70K.

Replaced right front hub bearing at 75K.

Radio volume knob doesn't always work (I have to use the volume control on the steering wheel).

General Comments:

This is a lot of fun for the money.

Very quick and corners like a slot car.

0-60 is also very impressive.

For the first time in it's history (since being reintroduced in the mid-80's), the interior and exterior styling are superb.

The Grand Am looks and handles like a far more expensive automobile.

More than adequate passenger and trunk space.

Nice, throaty exhaust tone that adds to the "sporty" feel of the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 2004

1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4L

Summary:

Too much hassle

Faults:

At 67,200 miles the master cylinder had to be replaced. The brakes stopped working completely and I ended up backing into a car.

At 80,000 miles rotors had to be replaced even though the pads were fine.

LCD on radio blew and at the same time the volume contoll went. I can still change the stations, but have to count the channels and the only way to change the volume is to pull on the volume control while you change it. Also when it is cold the CD player won't work.

I have had the car in the shop a total of 12 times for the service engine soon light coming on, but they say there is nothing wrong.

Change oil light comes on too soon.

Both side view mirrors have fallen off, but luckily I could put them back on myself.

Still have problems with brakes even though a tech says they are fine. I have to stop extra early because I don't trust the brakes.

The interior lights like to stay on a lot.

The hubcaps rattled so bad I was pulled over by a police officer because he thought I was dragging something. After that I took them off so I wouldn't have to go though the hassle again.

At 90,000 miles I had to replace the entire suspension, shocks, struts, and even the coils.

Have had to get a front end alignment every 10,000 miles.

The car hydroplanes at 25mph. Once while driving strait at about 35mph in the rain the car spun a whole 360 degrees.

The car is also extremely bad with New England snow. I'm pretty sure the wide tires have something to do with that.

General Comments:

Before the suspension went the car handled quite nicely.

Has very nice pick up for a 4 cylinder.

I haven't messed with the performance and at 106k I can still beat a pimped out Honda.

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

Review Date: 13th May, 2004

11th Jun 2010, 15:17

You have to reset your cars computer in order for the change engine oil light to go off. It is very simple and you can find out how to do it in you car manual!

I have had my 1999 Grand Am SE with the LD9 motor (2.4L) for four years, and have not run into a major problem yet. The car has 118,000 miles and it runs strong.

I have added a custom intake, pacesetter catback, strut bar, and new headlights.

My only advice is to keep up with routine maintenance and change your oil every 3000 miles! I use Valvoline 5W-30 high mileage synthetic blend and prolong engine treatment, and have never had any major engine problems. Proper maintenance is KEY!

8th Jul 2011, 12:39

I also have a Pontiac Grand Am 1999. I have the same issues that the oil change and service engine lights pops up, even if you are just coming from garage after getting all this job done.

Otherwise it's a very nice car. Runs great, a bit bad on fuel, but it's OK for any 2.4L engine.