1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4-cylinder from North America
Summary:
The biggest mistake you'll ever make
Faults:
Replaced three sets of brakes and counting.
2 water pumps since 60,000 miles.
Air conditioning pump caught on fire and shot debris throughout the entire system, cost $2,000.
Clock is really screwed up. It makes funny shapes and never looks right.
The recall cost me a new battery.
Lights on the dash come on and off as they feel free.
Occasionally stalls right after being started for no reason.
Also, it sometimes has a mind of its own and revs up so hard that I am forced to apply the brake as hard as I can to avoid driving out into traffic.
General Comments:
This car is probably one of the poorest manufactured cars I have ever seen.
There is no room in the front seat and you can't see on the sides because you sit down so low (I have hit numerous curbs).
They lose value way too fast.
The only thing good about this car is the gas mileage (30 mpg).
The carpet on the driver's side is worn down to almost nothing in some spots.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 22nd August, 2002
10th Oct 2002, 22:45
I am in complete agreement with you. I have had ALL of the same problems except for the engine revving part... but the water pump has been replaced twice on mine as well, at the cost of more than $300 to repair each time, and the brakes, uh huh, I agree totally, what is it with those??? I knew I wasn't that bad on brakes. I also had a problem with water leaking into my driver side floorboard. Took it to the dealer and a few other shops, no one could seem to find where it was coming from. And the recall, yes, it also costs me 3 alternators and 2 new batteries.
BUT...with all the problems I had with my grandam... i do have to say, I loved the ride, the look and the way it handled. I speak in past tense because I was in an accident last week and it was totaled. SAFETY rates on this vehicle would be a 10 though... the airbags deployed properly and I was told if I had been driving a different type of car I could have been killed.
OVERALL...I loved my Grand Am and I would definitely own another though.
21st Apr 2003, 08:09
Yup, I have the same problem with the car stalling and reeving up also the brake are always going. And when I first bought it the windshield leaked. Also replaced the water pump for $500.00!!!
26th Oct 2005, 06:02
I have had the same exact problems. My 1997 Grand Am has well over 150,000 miles. I have just discovered I have to have the water pump replaced for the 2nd time in the last 2 years. It seems like I am replacing the brakes once a year (or more), the ignition switch is shot to the point that I have to mess with the gearshift and listen for the ignition to release my key. The clock also does crazy things to the point you cannot read it. However, I would buy another Pontiac. I have definitely enjoyed this car over the years and after putting 150,000+ on it, you would have to assume it would be time to start replacing parts. I just wish the water pump wasn't $300 or more.
20th Sep 2002, 09:34
Am having the same problem after starting the car stalls almost daily now.