1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4 from North America
Summary:
I am happy with the performance of my car, though it requires servicing more and more often
Faults:
Volume knob may go up or down.
Drivers power window works only sometimes.
Plastic intake housing cracked, leaking coolant.
Fan only works on 3, 4, and 5.
Ignition wearing out.
General Comments:
I agree that all of these service issues seem relatively normal. I can't understand a guy complaining that he only got 175,000 miles out of what started out as a low end vehicle. I'd say that's pretty good. I have had many of these problems, which are a nuisance, but a nuisance to be expected with any low end car with 100,000 plus miles. Fortunately, I make most of my own repairs, so it isn't as expensive for me. I had to change pads and rotors, but it only cost like 100 bucks for the parts. My passenger side was getting water and I found that the side mirror assembly was cracked and water was getting in there, 35 bucks and ten minutes... all better. Don't get me wrong, I wish I had a better car, but I don't... I have a 99 Grand Am SE with 125,000 miles, so I anticipate service issues, as should anyone buying any car for a couple grand that has over 100,000 miles.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 11th August, 2008
23rd Jul 2008, 17:57
Yes, the Grand Am went away 3 years ago, and I regret it. My current 2001 Grand Am SE-1 is the best car I've ever owned, and still looks and runs as good as new.
After driving the dog-ugly, slow G-6, (the V-6 was slower than my Quad 4) I decided to drive my GA another 200,000 miles and then try to find another good used one. I love the sporty styling and body side cladding, which sets the car apart from the boring, mundane compact sedans everyone else has.
When Pontiac cheapened the GA in 2003 by dropping the cladding, it became basically a cheap fleet car. Only the sporty GT lasted until 2005.