1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.1 liter V6 from North America

Summary:

Better bought new than used

Faults:

Four months after I got it (thank God I bought the extended warranty) the transmission started skipping.

The carpet started to wear last year, mainly from the floor mats rubbing on it.

Right after the transmission went the alternator and battery had to be replaced.

The fog lights had to be replaced often, they last about a year each.

Sometimes the clock on the radio scrambles.

Both control arms had to be replaced at 98,000 miles.

The driver's side door lock only unlocks.

The plastic molding around the passenger side door handle comes loose.

General Comments:

I'm currently having the lower manifold gasket replaced because it's leaking coolant, which will be setting me back about $500. Aside the from a few problems here and there, it's the best car I've owned, out of four I've owned so far. It has great pick up and I feel very safe and secure riding in it.

The last car I owned was like riding in a tin can (a 1985 Honda CRX), so it was important to me to find a more secure car.

Not many people can say this, but this is the car I wanted from the moment I got my license when I was 16. I suppose it's more of an emotional attachment, but I love it -- it's my baby!! I have thought about trading it in lately, only to realize how tense I became thinking about it. Overall, I don't regret buying the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th March, 2003

1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2.4L DOHC from North America

Summary:

It is the best vehicle I have ever purchased!

Faults:

Water pump went after about 45,000 miles.

Seats started to wear after about 50,000 miles.

General Comments:

This is probably the best car, besides my old 1971 Chevy Nova SS, that I have ever owned. I read the other reviews and do not understand why people are complaining about this vehicle. I hope that they realize that a car is only as good as the owner is to the car.

I have replaced the oil and do basic maintenance every 4,000 miles or so. I give her, since she is my baby, synthetic oil every 15,000 miles or so. I constantly keep her clean and well maintained. I have the original clutch, after 92,000 miles, and she still has the same pickup with no clutch slip as she did in the beginning.

Since the vehicle has been so good to me, I am beginning to rebuild, or upgrade as you will, this vehicle. Yes, the paint did chip on the side view mirrors a bit, but keep it clean and waxed and you will have no problems.

I am 6'3" tall and I have plenty of room.

If you do have engine problems, you may want to take a look at who is maintaining this vehicle. Like any car, a well maintained car is, usually, a great car. There are cases where the Lemon Law should be used, but they are far and few between.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th March, 2003

1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.2 Liter V6 from North America

Faults:

I bought this car from and auction.

It ran perfect for 30000 miles.

It came with some minor interior damage. The carpet on the driverside was worn out.

It now has 118000 miles on it.

I just put new brakes on myself.

I then put on new rotors and calipers.

First major repair besides alternator (expected).

Now everything broke at once as if there was a timer.

Transmission failed (no reverse).

Car leaks rain into the cabin from the windshield wipers.

Driver seat broke.

Alignment went.

Suspension went.

Tires wore out, front driver only.

All within 5000 miles of each other.

Engine light comes on, goes off, depending on what day.

Bye, Bye...

General Comments:

I really liked this car and it treated me well. I kept up on routine stuff and don't mine alternator breaking and brakes and stuff, but to have everything fail at like 120000 miles is somewhat odd.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th March, 2003