1996 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.2 from North America

Summary:

A rolling (sometimes) junkyard

Faults:

Fuel pump quit.

Replaced several oxygen sensors.

Check engine light on since 60000 miles, no amount of money can shut it off.

Replaced throttle position sensor.

Catalytic converter stopped up, replaced.

Front passenger power window rolls up fraction of a inch at a time, you must allow several minutes of cool off time in between.

Glove box latch broke.

Alternator quit 75 miles from home one NIGHT.

Air conditioner quit.

General Comments:

I have owned several Pontiacs, this one must be from the Pontiac plant in hell.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th March, 2004

1996 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2.4L Twin Cam from North America

Summary:

Overall a great car and buy!

Faults:

Trunk leaks water very badly. I fixed some of the leaks, but it still fills with water every time it rains. My 90 Grand Am did this also.

Bolts that hold drivers side manual window crank assembly to the door all broke. Fixed, but window still will not seal correctly.

Rivets that hold the door proping assembly (device that hold the door open) broke.

Front passenger side weal joint is going bad. Last time I lubed the car, it wouldn't take any grease.

Every time it rains, my drivers side floor has a few inches of water on it. This problem just started, so I haven't had a chance to fix it.

General Comments:

Overall a great car. Mine gets 30 miles a gallon on the highway, and the engine never burns oil. The engine on my old Grand Am (A earlier version of the 2.4L) had 175000 miles on it when I got rid of it, and it never burnt any oil.

So far, all of the problems have been stuff that I can fix myself. The main factor in your cars performance is maintenance and the way you drive it.

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

Review Date: 4th March, 2004

1996 Pontiac Grand Am from North America

Summary:

It was money well invested

Faults:

About three months after buying the car, the alternator belt broke. It was easy and cheap to fix (about $15 for the belt).

Now, a year later, my water pump is broken. I don't blame the dealership for this problem. It is just the chance that you take when you buy any car, new or used.

I am upset because it is an expensive job to fix, but it's no one's fault.

General Comments:

For anyone who says they will never buy a Pontiac again, you are going to have problems with any kind of car. Replacing parts on your vehicle is just one of the "joys" of owning a car.

I have had my car, which is now 8 years old, for just over a year. I am very impressed with my Grand Am. When it is time for me to get a new car, a newer Grand Am is definitely at the top of my list.

I love the way my car handles, especially on icy roads, it's got great heat in the winter and great air conditioning in the summer. I really have no complaints about my car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 2004

1996 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2.4 DOHC from North America

Summary:

A money pit

Faults:

Two weeks after I bought the car the engine blew in NY and the dealer said I have to tow it back into NH to have it replaced.

At 100,000 it seemed like the car fell apart. The computer needed to be replaced and programmed. Cost $1,800.

The fuel injectors needed to be replaced at 101,000. Cost $800.

The water pump went soon after the computer work. Cost $700.

At 110,000 the gas tank needed to be replaced. Cost $110.

The car is always in the shop for the check engine light.

General Comments:

This car is always in the shop for the check engine light.

The grand ma is a lemon.

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

Review Date: 30th October, 2003

2nd Oct 2004, 15:51

If you paid 700 for a water pump you were ripped off bad. I replace one on my gt today and it cost me 31.99.

26th Oct 2004, 09:07

There is no way you paid 700 dollars for a water pump.

Your mechanic ripped you off. I got mine for $45. If you take the mufflers off of a V6 GT and put on straight pipes, it sounds awesome.

20th Mar 2005, 13:17

700 is about right at the dealership. On the v4 they have to take the entire engine out to get to the water pump. That is about 8 hours of work. But if you have the skills to do it yourself then $50 dollars is all it would cost.