Faults:
Not much has gone wrong with this car, but there are a few things to touch on.
April 2007- The engine had trouble starting and would idle roughly and rev on it's own. The GM dealer I took it to (and that I've taken it to ever since) told me that the EGR valve and all six of the spark plug wires (since it's a V-6) needed to be replaced: $750.00.
December 2007- First, an exhaust leak had developed. Smoke was seen coming from the engine. Turns out there were some loose bolts: $320.00. Second, battery needed to be replaced: $125.00, no problem.
April 2008- Mirror broke, drunk teenagers on my street in the middle of the night: $220.00.
October 2008- Needed new tires, other ones were bald: $750.00.
Overall, it has been a very reliable car for me. The 3.1L V-6, other than those few problems, is indestructible.
General Comments:
I bought a 1998 Grand Am, after looking at Toyota and Honda's vehicles. Those cars failed to impress me as much as the Grand Am did. This is my first car, and for $5000.00 I got a V-6 engine, automatic transmission, CD and Cassette player with six speakers (stock, except for four of the speakers which I wanted to replace), sunroof, power seat and most of all, a good looking car that even turns some heads. The Grand Am handles very well, and has more than enough power to get from A to B quickly. Overall, the Grand Am is a very reliable car, when cared for. The sound system is great, and very easy to use. This Pontiac has taken good care of me, and in the future I will most certainly buy another Pontiac.