Faults:
Minor things such as power windows, radio goes in and out, and the odometer light has faded out a few times.
Cruise control doesn't work.
The struts broke in February of '05 (which I find good since the struts were over 17 years old). Easy replacement, less than $100 to fix.
General Comments:
Probably one of the better first cars someone could own. Since it's small and lightweight, it's very efficient on gas. I bought it from a guy who just wanted to get rid of it, so it only cost $100 (not a typo, one hundred) and he took immaculate care of it. The seats are comfortable, even in the back, for medium-sized people, but not for a tall person with long legs, leg room is not substantial. The interior is generic 80's style, but otherwise nice.
I have never had any problems with the transmission, and even on sweltering days, the engine temperature never goes above 220. I put at least 40 miles on it a day, and every day it starts up quick without having to hold the key turned for 5 minutes. Even for something with not a ton of horsepower, if you want it to go, it will. 0-60 time, even with mine having over 300,000 miles on it (estimate, digital odometer stops at 199,999), hovers around 7 seconds. Cornering isn't that of a go kart, but I would say it's above average and can be very fun if you decide to take it at 60 around a 35 mph corner. The ride is firm, not too stiff, but it wasn't built to be a luxury sedan anyway.
If you find one, definitely get one that's been well cared for, because obviously, if a car isn't taken care of, it will continuously have problems. It is not a car's fault for being neglected, and things aren't meant to last forever. Besides, a complete engine rebuild is relatively cheap compared to others.
I would recommend it as a family car, and even for just one or two people, it's perfect. Trunk space is good, getting groceries or other things is no problem.
It is the perfect car for me, maybe not to others, but of course, everyone's different.
20th Feb 2011, 13:59
Better look elsewhere. I'm sure you know Pontiac is dead. But I suppose you're referring to used models. I've always hated the look of the Grand Am. All that body cladding looked awful and ruined it. The G6 looked so much better. It's too bad Oprah tainted this car as a woman's car when she gave a fleet away to a screaming audience.