1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE1 3.4 Liter V6

Summary:

Extremely good, all around value in a stylish package

Faults:

Intake Gasket started leaking at 89,000 miles.

Blower motor resistor died at 96,000 miles.

General Comments:

Car is fuel efficient, gets 26 to 28 miles per gallon.

The car handles extremely well and is very comfortable.

The car is very well equipped for the price I paid.

The car is extremely reliable and has always started even on the coldest mornings.

Car is extremely stable in winter conditions.

Interior is well designed and laid out.

Instruments are easy to read and controls are well laid out.

The dealer I purchased the car from was a pain to deal with, however I found another even closer to my home which is remarkably good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd December, 2002

1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4

Summary:

A fun and reliable car, but the manufacturer should take more care in the small things

Faults:

The carpeting on the passenger side is pulling away. This has been repaired once and needs to be done again.

The back door panel replaced.

Cupholder in rear replaced.

Rotors and brakes replaced.

Alignment immediate after purchase.

Rear taillight replaced immediately after purchase.

Low beams replaced.

The dash is too reflective.

The cupholder is in the way when the car is in park.

It "dings" far too much.

The change oil light is irritating.

The difference between 3 and 2 on the heater is far too great. When it's on 3 it's too warm and when it's on 2 there is no air movement at all.

General Comments:

I have completely enjoyed this car.

It is a thorough pleasure to drive.

Handles wonderfully. It gives almost everyone else a run for their money on curves especially.

The seats are comfortable and it is very roomy, both up front and when someone is in the back also.

It is a good car to take on long trips.

The trunk is roomy and easy to get things into and out of.

The front and rear defrost work quickly.

Responds immediately when accelerating.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th December, 2002

16th Jun 2003, 08:08

I can agree with you on your message. Strange that people seem to be having a lot of problems with there Grand Am. I have a 1999 Grand AM SE and only replaced my front brakes once since I got the car. A tip with the heater for you. The numbers that you stated, 2 and three is only the fan speed and only controls the amount of air going to your car. The temp dial (from blue to red), controls the amount of heat you desire. Lowering the dial will decrease the heat. It works more like the thermostat in your home. You can increase or decrease the heat in your car as desired.

1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT Top of the line

Summary:

Nice car, but (There's always a, but) Pontiac needs to work on the molding, leaks, and noise

Faults:

Rotors replaced at 10,000 miles (how/why?)

New leather molding replaced on the rear passengers doors

Leather molding has now come out of the front and the rear doors that was fixed previous. I know that the Cali heat is responsible, but it's ugly. I tried fixing it myself to no avail.

Headlight bulb cost $14 (not bad), but took 1.5 hours to replace @ $75/hour. Under the hood has a lot of parts in a tight spot. Major unscrewing was needed to change a light bulb (Bad Pontiac!) I went ahead and changed both (just in case).

Left speaker screws needed to be tightened at 35K.

Had/have some sort of coolant leak.

A little noisy, but that's no surprise to Grand Am owners.

General Comments:

Believe it or not, I'm OK with my car. I didn't have to get tires until 43k. While replacing the headlight the security device kicked in. Fuel to the car was shut off until I used the master key to lock and unlock the door. Turns are crisp. It's always nice to have your dust eaten. The car tells me when I need coolant, an oil change etc.

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

Review Date: 20th November, 2002

8th Apr 2003, 23:09

"Rotors replaced at 10,000 miles (how/why?)"

--- Because they are too thin. No need to replace at 10,000 if you can live with the slight shudder (my experience). Didn't have them resurfaced until 50,000. Now at 56,000 and shuddering is back, but I can live with it.

"Headlight bulb cost $14 (not bad), but took 1.5 hours to replace @ $75/hour. Under the hood has a lot of parts in a tight spot. Major unscrewing was needed to change a light bulb (Bad Pontiac!) I went ahead and changed both (just in case)."

--- True, headlight cost $14, but from a little help from the internet, managed to replace myself in around 1 hour. Guess what? NO SCREWS AT ALL! Just some 'ez' clips that pull straight out with pliers. I could do the whole job again in about 10 minutes. Sounds like you got majorly ripped.

A little noisy, but that's no surprise to Grand Am owners.

25th Feb 2004, 10:34

"Headlight bulb cost $14 (not bad), but took 1.5 hours to replace @ $75/hour. Under the hood has a lot of parts in a tight spot. Major unscrewing was needed to change a light bulb (Bad Pontiac!) I went ahead and changed both (just in case)."

I replace two front lights under the hood in about 15 minutes with no books or internet help. Additionally, I thought the front halogen fog light was bad, but I found the light disconnected. The best way to get at the fog light took soom time, but it sure beats paying someone to replace a light that not broken and pay for the labor to boot.