1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Be prepared to fix it... a lot

Faults:

I have replaced the thermostat, brakes & brake calibers, fuel pump, both of my side mirrors have fallen off for no apparent reason and they are screwed on- My interior lights and the lights on the radio quit working, when you try to turn the radio down the volume goes up, my power steering belt is going out- I have replaced the alternator, the seals around the driver and passenger side doors and windows are loose, I have also replaced roders (sp?) - my brake and service engine lights stay on all of the time. When I bought the car it had 98K on it and now it has 149K- I have done some damage to it myself and I need a new headlight bar. It has been so much trouble, but I have never really owned another car to compare it to.

General Comments:

I like the interior of a grand am still- the cars do not cost very much and with the problems everyone has with them it is obvious why, they are not put together very well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th February, 2008

14th Feb 2008, 19:45

There's a fuse that controls the interior lights and the radio combined. Try checking the fuses?

1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE from North America

Summary:

Only good with a warranty

Faults:

Alternator at 36,000, wrecked battery too.

Water pump soon after.

Poor traction light coming on always.

Radio quit working 60,000.

Window not operating 45,000.

Engine work 60,000.

Whining steering always is now wrecked.

General Comments:

We loved this car for ride inbetween issues.

I was fortunate enough to have an extended warranty when I purchased this vehicle. That saved me thousands in repair bills until now.

I complained about the steering several times, but they kept saying this vehicle just does that. This week they told me it needs a complete power steering replacement About $600. When I brought up their previous comments they said there was nothing on file. I said, there wouldn't be, you told me they all do it and never worked on anything.

We are now told it also needs extensive transaxle work. Gee, really? Looks like that's not an uncommon issue. Since I had the extended warranty, this is my first big expense, but it would have been covered had they looked into it when I asked them years ago. Owning this car without an extended warranty would have broke the bank and made it unable to sell as it is now. I guess my 75 year old Mom shouldn't drive it any more.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th February, 2008

1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.4 single cam from North America

Summary:

I still like Pontiac

Faults:

I have a 99 Grand Am SE with a 3.4 SOHC. I bought the car with 140,000 miles on it and I now have a 149,252 on it.

I came home from the old lady's house the other night and the temperature gauge kept on climbing until it red-lined at 260. I pulled off the road and got to a gas station to find the problem; no visible leak other than overflow from coolant bottle. A mechanic checked it and said it's showing symptoms of a head gasket.

I have replaced the water pump, alternator, brakes, and battery in this car already, and now the head gasket is blown. I also have the fan switch problem; that is just a blown resistor on the blower motor itself. I also had the security light issue, but I found that if you don't leave the keys in the ignition, it should be okay. I still have my dealer keys at 149,000.

I really love these cars, but I wish they were a little more reliable. But I still love my Pontiac!!

General Comments:

My GA handles really good, it's quick, and looks good. I'm hoping after this head gasket issue I can get to 175,000 with no more serious problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2008