1995 Pontiac Grand Am Quad 4 from North America

Summary:

A problematic car

Faults:

Had transmission rebuilt at 100,000 K.

Had rad problems at 109,000 k.

Now told that it has blown head gasket and possibly cracked head at 129,000.

General Comments:

This is a nice looking and very comfortable car.

The problems with it far outweigh any good.

Went to GM for help with the head gasket problems, and after making us take it to a GM dealer/mechanic, for diagonosis (who charged us $130 for the same diagnosis an earlier mechanic charged us $15), they simply said that it wasn't their problem and that if the car had only had 120,000 K they might have helped out with it.

They refuse to admit that there is a problem with these Quad4 engines and we are looking for, and would very much appreciate some feedback from others who have had the same type of problems with them.

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

Review Date: 1st July, 2002

3rd Jul 2002, 07:45

I feel for you. I also have a 99' Pontiac Grand Am and have put more money in repairs than payments. It is odd how so many people can have the same complaints and problems with this vehicle and GM not be responsible. It is currently in the shop for about the sixth time for many of the same reasons as before. To give you an idea the there are so many things wrong with it that the initial diagnostic fee is up to 600.00. This is without any service to the vehicle.

1995 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.1 from North America

Summary:

This car gets high marks on performance and durability, although the seats lack back support

Faults:

Lower control arm went bad around 120,000 miles.

General Comments:

My Grand Am has shattered any thoughts that I had about American cars falling apart at 100,000 miles.

Beyond standard maintenance, the lower control arm going out is the only problem I've had.

This car has been through two wrecks (neither my fault) and come through like a champ.

One wreck was in the middle of 294 in Chicago traveling at 75 mph. It came through like a tank.

It's still fast after 166,000 miles!

My housemate has a 97 Accord and just paid over $900 for his 90K maintenance. I haven't paid that much in cumulative maintenance over the life of my car.

I expect to drive take this car to at least 200K miles.

My only complaint is that the seats provide poor back support.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th June, 2002

1995 Pontiac Grand Am 4 door sedan 2.3 quad 4 DOHC from North America

Summary:

Get ready for what you pay for!

Faults:

I got my car, and I loved it. But after one week of having it, the rotors, ABS, and brakes need to be replaced.

Another week goes by and my plugs needed to be replaced.

My car was fine for a while then, but my steering wheel column came loose in a matter of days and disconnected while I was driving! From there on my car went down hill.

ABS went completely out, blinker socket blew out, brakes were gone already. Then till one day I was drving and lost almost all horse power, and my head gasket blew, once that went, the engine went completely. I did like my car, but if you want a car like that, you better be ready for what you paid for!

General Comments:

In general it was a nice car, it handled good, and rode OK! But, getting another Grand Am with a quad 4 would be stupid. Do not buy a quad 4 engine ever, I think they are junk. Otherwise, a decent car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th April, 2002

14th Oct 2002, 10:03

Hello, my name is Jason. I am a proud owner of a Pontiac Grand Am. I'd like to say the reason you had problems with the engine is because you bought the car with almost 150,000 miles on it! The car is shot! An good engine only lasts for 100,000 miles... I only have 60,000 on mine and it's running like a champ. I had it for 2 years now and I had replaced the brakes and firing coils once! The car has never given me a problem nor has my friends Pontiac given them any problems. So, I honestly think that your car has been beaten by you, or the engine was just worn out! 150,000 miles is a lot!! You shouldn't even buy a car with more than 50,000...you're just asking for problems with it! Anyone knows that! Thanks for hearing me out! bye!