1996 Pontiac Grand Am 1996 V6 from North America
Summary:
Sad
Faults:
Valve body needs replacing on the transmission, no help from Pontiac or the dealership where I purchased it even with such low miles on the car.
General Comments:
It still looks good and runs good except when the transmission starts to slip in drive. They know there is a problem but there is no recall.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 31st October, 2000
3rd May 2001, 23:39
4 out of 10 mechanics will not work on the quad 4 engine. It should be illegal to sell them. Don't get caught in this money pit.
22nd Jun 2001, 18:56
I agree as well. My car had been through 2 alternators within the 5 years that I have owned it. Not only that but my nephew has a Pontiac Grand Am as well and he has replaced his alternator twice. Never again will I buy a Pontiac. Do not make the same mistake we did!
22nd Aug 2002, 13:52
I've purchased a 2000 Grand Am 4cyl and my transmission is slipping as well as noise from rear when I go 75-80 mph
I think they know these cars are no good that's why they only offer a 36000 mile warranty,I think that's when all the problems started after my warranty was up. I will never purchase a Pontiac again.
2nd May 2005, 07:56
With regard to the above comment about the Quad 4 engine:
The 1996 Grand Am has what is called a "Twin-Cam" engine. It is similar to the Q4, but different in that it (1) has counter-rotating shafts to reduce vibration, (2) was stroked, and (3) changes were made to the design to solve the head gasket problems.
The water pump for both the 3.1 V6 and the TC have problems and are difficult to replace because of their proximity to the exhaust manifold and because of how they are driven. Ditto with the alternators. Other than those items, the TC engine is actually quite reliable... more so than the 3.1. Check the reviews and see for yourself.
5th May 2008, 22:08
I owned a 1996 grand am, with the quad 4 motor. I loved my car until the water pump went out twice, at about 125,000 miles. I had no choice than to get rid of it. That was years ago, but that car will still always be my favorite car, it handled great and looked great. But watch out for those quad 4 motors.
19th Mar 2001, 18:47
I Agree. I hate Pontiac. I have had similar problems.