2000 Pontiac Grand Am GT 3.4 V6 from North America

Summary:

Fine car to have owned for 12 years

Faults:

Nothing really expensive unless you use a dealer. Intake gasket leak for 6+ years now that hasn't gotten worse; I just top it off in the winter, only leaks about 3-4 cups during winter, none in the summer.

Power window motor went, or should I say the plastic clips broke. Easy to fix myself for $40 on eBay.

Passenger side power lock stopped working. Again, a fairly easy fix for a do it yourselfer.

Should you take these to mechanics, yes they would be expensive.

Blinker switch got dirty contacts and wiper switch stopped working. Replaced that for cheap with replacement from eBay... 30 bucks. No big deal.

The most annoying thing about the car is the tendency for the rotors to cause vibration after a while. Not a huge deal though. The most expensive things on the car have been tires and tie rods, but overall remarkably little spent on repairs over the car's lifetime.

Just don't let dealers perform unnecessary repairs and tackle electronics yourself.

General Comments:

Smooth, fast, attractive, handles well, decent gas mileage on the interstate. Fairly comfortable seats.

Has never not started, even in 30 below weather.

I'll probably drive it until there's some catastrophic expensive failure, whenever that might be.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st May, 2012

2000 Pontiac Grand Am GT H.O. 3.4 V6 from North America

Summary:

Second GA GT, and won't be my last!

Faults:

OK, let me start by saying these cars are GREAT. This is my second Grand Am GT V6. The first one was a four door GT, and the second was a sportier red 2 door GT.

Let me tell you these 3.4 motors are unbeatable! Once you change the engine gaskets (intake, head, etc..), you are good to go for thousands of miles.

I never had to do this, because both of my cars had already been done by previous owners.

IF YOU TAKE CARE OF THEM, THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU.

I drive my car ANYWHERE. If I want to drive to Florida from New York tomorrow, I wouldn't bat an eyelash, thinking it won't get me there!

One thing I will say, is they aren't that easy to work on. Did my plugs and wires yesterday (not because they were bad, but they were still original at 131k, so it was time), and believe me, that was a real BIT**!!

But all in all, these cars are great, fast, fun, stylish, good on gas, and reasonable to fix unless you get raped by a garage!

This is my second GA GT, and most likely won't be my last.

My front strut is starting to squeak, and the back ones are getting worn out too. But I'm not complaining; that's part of normal maintenance.

General Comments:

I highly recommend someone this car, unless you buy one from a teen or someone who just beat the crap out of it; then I'm sure it will be a money pit.

If the car has been maintained on time, it will treat you well!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th April, 2012

2000 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.4 from North America

Summary:

A fast stock car with family in mind

Faults:

I have had to replace the driver's side front window transmission.

Other than that, just routine things (oil change, tune ups, and so on).

General Comments:

Car has been excellent for my family. My wife drove it for a while, then I traded in my Jetta for a new car for my wife. So I now have the Grand Am.

For a complete stock car, they are pretty quick.

The car has never left me stranded anywhere.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th September, 2011

2000 Pontiac Grand Am GT 3.4 from North America

Summary:

Great car if you like to fix things

Faults:

When I first bought the car, it looked good and ran good. Less than 2 weeks after that, it made a warbling noise in the front, and the wheel shook violently on the highway. Turns out it was just a wheel bearing, which was no big deal.

I have only had the car a couple months, and a few times I would try to start it, and the security light would flash and I could not start it. After reading posts, I tried the leaving the key in the on position for 10 minutes, which seemed like a good fix, except when you wake up and leave at 6am. But it was only maybe once every two weeks or so that it would happen.

I was like, OK now, what's next, then while I was driving, the ABS, traction off and service vehicle soon light (the bad one) came on. Really freaked me out. I drove it to the mechanic, but when I turned my car off to go into the office, they came out, started my car, and the light did not come back on. This has happened a few times now, but only seems to happen when it's raining or snowing where the roads are wet.

After reading lots of blogs and posts about people experiencing the same issues, and what people have tried and can't seem to find a fix, I have narrowed my problem to the body control module. This is the main control to all the sensors ie security light flashes, meaning there is a problem with my pass key anti theft system. ABS light and traction light coming on and off are all signs that this module is malfunctioning. Good news is it's a $200 part. Bad news is that you have to have it installed at a dealership, as they have to be programed to your particular vehicle and learn the coding, and most mechanic shops do not have the right tools for the job.

I am waiting for my part as it's on order, then into the dealership I go. They will probably charge me a couple hundred in labour, even though it's a small job, but for the amount of stuff I could try that probably wouldn't work... seems like the best option. I'll keep you posted.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th March, 2011