Faults:

My red 4 door 99 Pontiac GD had no problems for about 6 years when I first bought it. Then in winter 08, all the head gaskets blew at once and that was a $1700.00 fix..

Then the tensioner and belt fried; that was a $450.00 fix.

Then the water pump went, anti-freeze leaking everywhere, smoke everywhere. That was a few hundred dollar fix.

Now I think there is an electrical problem, because if I start it and let it run, I have to roll the window down a little bit so I can reach my hand in and unlock it, because it locks and unlocks by itself, and the trunk will pop open, and the dash lights will go on and off.. even when I am driving it.

I haven't got that checked out because I am sick of putting money into this car. Seems like a lot of people are having problems with their GD.

I have only replaced the alternator once luckily. But today my service engine soon light came on. I am worried to go get this checked out.

Also the car makes a rattling noise.. everyone says it needs new struts. I have put more money into the car than what I paid for it!!!

I will not get another Pontiac!!

Faults:

It needed a new manifold head gasket right after I purchased it, but the dealer covered the costs of that.

Ever since that repair, I have not had to have anything fixed at all on my Grand Am.

General Comments:

This car has been amazing for my needs. I commute to work and school daily, putting on over 100 miles per day and it has held up great. The only money I ever put into it is gas and oil changes. I have not needed to do any other repairs on it, and I have had it for almost three years.

Faults:

A/C 1-2 don't work.

Just replaced brake lines and had to replace the alternator.

Driver's side front window doesn't go down.

General Comments:

I love my car and would buy another. Only paid $500.00 for the car.

Faults:

Alternator just went out of the car, but that's not so bad considering that the car is 10 years old. We bought it from a good friend who bought it brand new back in 99. She didn't have any issues with it and only had it taken to the garage for oil changes and tune-ups. We're fixing the alternator today.

General Comments:

One thing I've noticed people complaining about is the "airplane" noise coming from either the front or back from one side or the other. We also had this, and having some experience with cars, I was able to 'diagnose' the problem as being a ball bearing. Sure enough, we had the brakes replaced and specifically asked for the ball bearing to be checked, and it was what was causing the noise.

It's been a great and reliable car ever since, although beware of electrical 'anomalies' (e.g. idiot lights coming on at random moments then flicking off. Exiting the car and having it honk at you even though no security system is installed, etc.) This usually means the alternator is going out.

Overall, we love the car.