1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 3.1 V6 SFI from North America

Summary:

Great

Faults:

Brakes were bad when car was purchased at10,6000 mi.

Tires were rubbing and grinding on wheel base at 10,6000 mi.

Belt went at 120,000 mi.

Steering pump went at 150,000 mi.

Exhaust and pipe needed to be replaced at 170,000 mi.

A/C (currently fixing)

General Comments:

I have never had such a great car! This car has been there for me through thick and thin. Anyone who complains about this fine machine is a sucker. I will say this car is high maintainence and needs attention at all times. Other than that, it has 179,000 miles on it and still runs like brand new. It has no rust and I live in Michigan; you do the math. If you take care of it, it will take care of you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th November, 2006

1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 3.1 Litre 3.1 V6 SFI from North America

Summary:

Sporty good looks

Faults:

My doors hold water, and when you open them after a hard rain, it dumps water all over your feet and pants. (Very aggravating) Coincidentally, my trunk deck lid holds water too! I don't know if this is common, but rust HAS to be an issue so she has a date with the dealership.

I have only had it since April 2006 and I am a teenager so I don't put too many miles on it (to and from friends houses.)

I have noticed that although the interior is of decently high quality, the plastic bits seem very cheaply made. For example.. The seat back adjuster broke when my pants got caught on it and I got out of the car. Also, the triangular box the tweeter is mounted in is falling off on the passenger side (and I think its from door slams, the doors of this car seem kind of weak.)

Will update if any problems arise.

General Comments:

This car is fast! I and quite a few others believe that Pontiac underrated the Horsepower on this car! I'm 16 and I love every minute I'm in it (if your my age reading this, be responsible with her, it is fast enough to get you in some serious trouble, or even worse.)

Honda Civic stomper. It hits 7000+ RPM in 1st gear and definitely makes good use of the back of your seat! Low end acceleration is violent. Midrange is admirable.

But, on the highway when overdrive has kicked in, it sometimes has trouble kicking down to passing gear.

Still, it is a sporty car, with that signature body cladding that tells everyone with out a doubt you are driving a GT model Pontiac.

When your in it, the interior is very welcoming and appropriate, not excessively contoured, but more than adequate. Everything is within reach and placed pretty conveniently, not to mention well lit if needed. The red glow of the instrument panel is a racy plus. Some complain about back seat room, but compared to a Chevrolet Cavalier or other Coupes.. it seems sedan-like. Also, cockpit noise is nearly non existant.

The 8 speaker stock sound system is unrivaled in almost any car around today. The bass is boomy and the treble is nice and clear.

Trunk space is big compared to other cars in its class.

This car is great on gas. It gets mileage comparable to a lot of 4 bangers. 19-24 in city and 30+ on highway.

Overall, it is the perfect blend of creature comfort, sportiness, and not at a hateful price either.

Take your time and find the right one, there are tons of worn out cars out there. 1998 Pontiac Grand AM GT's are absolutely no exception. Just because others didn't do any research and bought themselves a piece of crap doesn't mean you will! Just be patient, get a professionals opinion on the car. Once you get the right one, you treat her right, and she'll treat you right. All that wait will have been worth it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2006

27th Oct 2009, 23:22

I have this car, also. There have been a few problems, but I expect some after 170,000 miles. Anyway, I wanted to say that you're an excellent writer. Especially, at only 16! You could really go far with that skill, and you're original, not cliche. Sorry, I had to say something. :)

29th Oct 2009, 22:06

A great review. Thank you. You are right on about checking out a car well before buying it. As a mechanic I've found that the best used cars to be had are rental fleet cars. These cars have all recommended servicing done on time and are generally in A-1 condition. Last year we sold a 1977 Buick LeSabre that was bought in 1978 with 23,000 miles on it. It never required a single repair and was sold with 277,000 miles on it. My current 2001 Pontiac was bought from a rental fleet at 28,000 miles. It has been totally flawless (it now has 85,000 miles). It is bright red and fully loaded, including the spoiler. Rental cars are NOT (contrary to the widespread myth) "strippers". Most are fully equipped. You can even buy a Mustang Shelby GT former rental car.