1992 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.3L OHC from North America
Summary:
Not a wise decision
Faults:
The head gasket blew at 70,000 miles.
The water pump broke.
The thermostat needed to be replaced.
The brakes needed to be redone twice.
The alternator needed to be changed.
The starter needed to be changed.
The radiator needed to be replaced.
The head needed to be machined.
The exhaust is going to need to be replaced very shortly.
The interior rattles very badly.
The car idles rough.
It hesitates off the line.
Have actually had it stall on me before in an intersection (it's an automatic).
General Comments:
This car seemed like a nice buy before I discovered the evil that lurks around this vehicle. I learned my lesson and will take proper measures not to make the mistake again. I will definitely buy a Japanese car next time. They are more economical than this car and they also last much longer with little or no repairs, unlike this car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 27th September, 2001
25th Aug 2002, 19:27
I have the same car with the same engine. (1992 grand AM SE 4 cyl. 2.3 liter OHC) It runs great and looks nice too. I think all of your problems are from a bad mechanic who is guessing at a problem and not getting it right the first, second, third,...hundredth time. I fix my car myself and take good care if it. I check all the fluid level every week (under the hood not from the computer inside the car), and if it is going to be sitting for a long time I like to start it every 2-3 days to make sure the engine gets oil run through it. Maybe my car has not been a problem cause of all the time I take to make sure it is in proper order.
19th Aug 2002, 19:10
I have a 93, V6, automatic (wife's car) which has had the same engine problem:
Idling rough, stalling at the intersection as well.
Hint: I replaced the harmonic balancer, which was all, but gone. (100k+ miles)
Now it purrs like new.