1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4 from North America
Summary:
I love this car, and will be sad when I trade it in for something newer
Faults:
The only major problem I have had is the internal housing unit needs to be replaced every so often. I've replaced it twice in the past 3 years. Cheap and easy fix. I'm female and did it myself.
There was this clicking noise coming on and off randomly, sounded like the blinkers. I took apart the steering column, cleaned the grease off of the points of contact, and it stopped.
There have been minor electrical problems: the cabin light chooses when it wants to work, and the stereo volume button doesn't turn down unless you pull out on it as you turn.
The driver seat has worn badly, I attribute that mostly to my rather large uncle, who previously owned it. All other seats are in good condition.
I've replaced the struts, rotors, calipers, brake pads, etc all a cheap fix, thank god for GM's.
General Comments:
I got this car after I crashed my first car, so this was really a learning car for me. GREAT to learn basic maintenance. Oil is easy to change, as long as you have a filter wrench. Brake system is really simple, and I could remove everything on my own if I needed to replace anything.
I've NEVER broken down in this car, and it has always been a cheap fix whenever I've heard a strange noise or found an issue with maintenance. I have never put more than $200 into this car at one time, and that was only once on rear struts.
I would definitely buy another Pontiac or even another Grand Am. Maybe I would go with an extended manufacturer's warranty, if at all possible for minor problems.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th September, 2010