1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT 3.1 from North America

Summary:

I don't think I'll ever buy a Pontiac again

Faults:

Tires were bald when I got it. Replaced those for about $400.

Power Steering Hose had a leak, had to replace it. $80.

All of the brakes and pads have been fixed 4 times since 2001. $700-$800 combined.

Driver Side power window motor went out, fixed it myself for $45.

Water Pump went out, was causing the car to die. The dealer fixed the spark plugs and that didn't work and eventually found out it was the water pump. Spark Plugs and Water pump $500.

Alternator went out $200.

New battery, $50.

A/C and heat aren't blowing as much anymore. Have to fix that next. Had the A/C recharged which lasted about a week. The guy said it wasn't leaking before he recharged it, I'm guessing he was lying or didn't know.

Now my brake warning light has come on. It actually goes off and on. It goes off when I turn the wheel and make 90+ degree turns. Also goes off when I hit large bumps or curbs. I think its just the sensor.

General Comments:

Really has good pickup.

Good looks.

Quite pricey for repairs though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th February, 2006

1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Reliable car best suited for shorter people

Faults:

Around 60,000 miles I had to replace the alternator.

Around 80,000 miles I had to replace the driver's side electric window motor. The one of the passenger side is very sluggish.

I have had to replace both fog lights and they are somewhat difficult to access.

The power steering pump leaks and groans constantly.

General Comments:

This car has been very reliable for me. I have put very little money into keeping it running over the past 5 years/61,000 miles.

The seat is terribly uncomfortable. I'm 5'10", but I feel this car was designed for somebody 5'4".

The sun visor is too short to be of any use.

The car gets good gas mileage.

A strange quirk of this car (I test drove several of them when shopping) is that you smell anti-freeze for a few seconds when you first turn on the heater.

The headlights are always on. The day time running lights rarely work. Instead the car uses the full headlights day or night.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2005

22nd Mar 2006, 13:57

Built for someone short? I'm 6 foot tall, and I fit into my '97 Grand Am SE perfectly fine. Mind you, I had the seat all the way back, but I wasn't smashed against the steering wheel like I was in my '88 Ford Ranger.

1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4L Quad 4 from North America

Summary:

Wish it would have had the V6

Faults:

Motor blew twice. Once at 74000, and again at 123000.

Replaced alternator twice.

Knobs fall off radio.

Power locks sometimes don't work.

Paint flakes off mirrors.

Trunk and hood lights don't work.

Replaced battery a couple times.

Constantly changing control arm bushings.

General Comments:

It seems the less preventive maintenance I did, the better the car ran. As soon as I would fix one of the little problems, something major would go wrong. Interior and body have held up OK.

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

Review Date: 22nd July, 2005

1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT V6 from North America

Summary:

I don't think I will purchase another one anytime soon

Faults:

Rotors had to be replaced.

Replaced bushings on A Frame.

Engine light is constantly on.

It sounds like the front right tire is flat, it is not flat.

Tires were replaced.

Brakes were replaced, again.

Checked the lug nuts, nothing.

Replaced motor on driver side window.

Passenger side window motor is going out.

Passenger seat moves back and forth. It doesn't lock into place.

General Comments:

The car drives well.

Gas mileage is good.

However I am afraid to be stranded due to the physical problems.

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

Review Date: 11th July, 2005

1997 Pontiac Grand Am V6 from North America

Summary:

I will never recommend this car to anyone!

Faults:

Replaced Alternator twice.

Replace battery once.

Volume knob does mysterious things.

Clock display goes dark once in a while.

Key-ignition switch now broken.

New transmission at 115,000.

New tires, brakes.

Carpet is very worn.

Seats uncomfortable, worn.

Transmission fluid leaked.

Driver side window-roll knob falls off.

Light in trunk does not work.

Gas cap door release sticks often.

General Comments:

Though my car has a lot of pickup and power it is very unreliable.

I take a lot of long trips because I am in college and the seats are terribly uncomfortable.

I feel like I have had nothing, but problems with my car. I will never buy another Pontiac again!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd July, 2005