1996 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

A fun, reliable, and great sedan

Faults:

The water pump was going to be needing replacement, but I totalled the car first.

General Comments:

This was a fun car to drive with the snappy little V6. It started to really get on the cam around 3500 rpm, after that it pulled really good, and I stayed with a Mustang GT in a straight away; this is no joke!

I actually liked the interior with the red gauges and how the interior lights would dim to off.

The other thing I really like about these cars is the push button traction control system on the shifter. This car was actually one of the best vehicles I have ever driven in the winter.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th July, 2004

1996 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4.2L from North America

Summary:

High performance

Faults:

I did not start having problems till recently (2004). I have had to have the motor rebuilt and the timing reset, along with the 02 sensors having to be replaced as well. The dash said that I am driving 140 miles and hour sitting still. Figure that one if you will. And the ac unit stop blowing cold. When it rains it pours.

General Comments:

The car handles excellent. Hugs the curve very well with out sliding. Great on gas. Handles quick stops and turn with ease.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th July, 2004

1996 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.1 gazoline from Switzerland

Summary:

A mixed bag of mechanical problems

Faults:

Dashboard light went off and nobody was ever able to repair it... even the official agent.

Front brake disks had to be changed every 20'000 km.

Head gasket blew at 120'000 km and again at 170'000 km

Lost front left wheel on highway at 150'000 km (broken bolts)

Had to change alternator at 125'000 km.

General Comments:

This car is rather nice to drive on good roads, with enough power and a decent handling.

On Switzerland's narrow mountain roads, it is another story. This car hates bad roads (jumps and bangs) and the engine overheats quite fast (in summer).

On the positive side one can mention a reasonable fuel consumption.

On the other side I would say that this was the less reliable car I had in all my life.

I sold it for 300 U$ to a car exporter who intend to bring it to Irak. A good place for this piece of junk!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th July, 2004

1996 Pontiac Grand Am GT 3.1 from North America

Summary:

A decent reliable car

Faults:

Have not had any major problems with the car for the 7,000 miles I have driven it. It had been in a front end accident so I had to replace the front fenders and hood. I also had to get an alignment, but that is all the major work that has been put into it. I am starting to feel a little slipping in the transmission going from 1st to 2nd though. The drivers seat is very worn and the power windows often get stuck.

General Comments:

This has been a great car for the $350 I payed for it. It has gotten me through a few long road trips without any problems. I can't complain about the gas mileage at all either. If I am driving on the highway, it still gets about 28-30 mpg.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2004

1996 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

High mileage shows fast on this beauty

Faults:

Where to begin...

Front brakes needed to be changed every 10,000 miles Back brakes were only changed once since I've owned the car.

Radio LED went out at 70K, radio still functions fine otherwise. Front Pass speaker is blown at, just puts static through speaker.

Check Engine light went on at 50K, was misfire on Hole #6, fixed by replacing plugs wires, and a fuel injection cleaning.

Alternator went at 75K.

Trunk/gas door handle binds up, not allowing to open either.

Ignition locks up randomly usually in cold weather not allowing me to take key out of ignition. Then works fine for 2 years with no problems 60-85K.

Replaced motor at 82K, partially my fault, low coolant light came on was winter time, I was 40 miles from home put some water in the radiator, Engine froze over. Replaced intake gaskets and thermostat. 3 months later Heads went, so I totally replaced the engine.

A/C now doesn't work after motor change, not sure if theres a leak or compressor/condenser is bad.

Since about 80K both pass side windows motors are blown, or guide rails are seized up, not allowing me to move the windows.

102K and for the past 15K miles the front seems to shake a bit, but only at speeds from 40-50mph.

Gas mileage is decent at times, but is poor lately due to an EGR valve on new motor not functioning properly. also Car seems to eat coolant, but from where I have not a clue. There is no leaks; only thing I can think of is another head gasket, but no white smoke comes from exhaust during cold starts.

General Comments:

When I bought the car, it was great, 1 previous owner who was a salesperson. Car had 35K on it, but was only on the road for 8 months. Tires were a bit worn, breaks were in decent shape, a few stone scratches in the paint, but nothing to be overly concerned about. Car ran great all the way up to 50K miles. Then slowly minor problems began.

At 102K miles... I feel the car doesn't' handle as it should, suspension isn't solid, gas mileage could be a bit better. But over all I've totally enjoyed the car, it's a dark green 4dr. Only draw back of the car is it didn't come with a rear spoiler :- (I've come to accept that part of it. The power windows problem is annoying especially with the duct tape on the window.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th May, 2004