Faults:
Oil changed religiously every 3,000 miles.
Idle speed motor at 36,000 miles.
Alternator at 63,000 miles again at 121,000.
Thermostat about 3 times in 9 years.
Torque Converter lock-up switch replaced at 88,000 miles.
Transmission replaced after 9 years at 128,000 miles.
Rear shocks and rear wheel bearings replaced after 10 years at 148,000.
Mufflers and Tailpipes replaced after 11 years at 150,000.
Air conditioning stopped working after 8 years. (Never Repaired).
General Comments:
This car is still my daily commuter (as long as it is not too hot outside) and it has done a phenomenal job.
The suspension of the GT is a little too tight for my preference, most small bumps in the road jar the entire car. While not hazardous in any way, the whole car jarring for little bumps and potholes does get old very fast.
The 3.3L is an extremely reliable engine I have had no engine related expenses with this car. The engine has good low end torque, but lacks high end horsepower of today DOHC engines.
Unfortunately, Pontiac mated a 3 speed automatic transmission with this engine, which robs the car of the ability to really move.
For many years, I used this car while employed as a service technician, driving to my customers location with 600 lbs. of parts and tools in the trunk. I lived in the Chicago area, and had to make regular trips to rural Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, and Michigan to service customers, I am happy to report that this car never left me stranded on the side of the road.
Till this day I still love the styling of the early 90's Grand Am's. It is a very clean look that is distinctly Pontiac.
This was the first car I bought out of college, I paid $10,000 when I bought it in 1996 with 32,000 miles. I have since gotten married, started a new career, bought a house, put my wife through college, and nine years later my Grand Am has yet to let me down.
15th May 2006, 00:23
I can definitely feel your pain about the brakes. I have to get something on the brakes fixed every six months. Right now I have a bent brake disc. Not fun!