26th May 2004, 17:28
Overall I think the solution may be to replace whatever fails with high-quality AFTERMARKET parts. Get some drilled and slotted rotors and carbon fiber brake pads instead of the obviously bad GM OEM parts. And do some of it yourself. Get a Hayes Manual... they tell you how to fix EVERYTHING, they pull apart and rebuild the entire vehicle, step by step, with pictures diagrams etc etc.
24th Aug 2004, 12:32
Hi, I can't believe I found a site like this... I currently own a 99' Grand Am SE, both of my rear mirrors fell of when I went to a Car Wash thats near my house, the Manager said that this problem was very common in this car, when I went to the dealer they were asking for $450 plus labor... I ended up getting 4 screws and I drilled through the whole thing, a little bit extremist, but at least now they are solid as a rock.
Since I bought the car it has been making a really annoying sound, I believe that is the timing belt, but every time I put a belt dressing, after a day, the sound comes back, very frustrating actually... this is my 3rd timing belt.
Last but not least, very frustrating noises coming out of my front wheels, this is the second time I have changed my breaks, including: calipers, disks, and pads. The noise is still there... Overall, I just can't wait to get rid of this car.
2nd Jul 2007, 13:38
I own a used 99 Grand Am SE and had a coolant leak fixed while still under warranty (between 50-60,000). I replaced the water pump 80,000 (not a big deal, $20). My brakes do make funny noises, a clicking sound when you brake. I took it in and the auto shop who disassembled and cleaned, but the noise returned shortly. Also the noise only seems to appear if the car has been rained on or washed. The gas gauge does not work anymore since about 70,000. The windows are scratched, they scratch inside the door when I roll them down. The dash is coming apart (bad glue, too much sun). Recently the car died during a flood in about 3ft of water. We did a lot of work to get water out of the engine and I am not sure how much water got in. The belt is squeaking (it wasn't before), there is a loud clunk when I turn left or right, the brakes are making clicking noises again, and we changed the oil and checked all the fluids for water, but didn't see any. I find it hard to believe that I have to climb under the car to check the transmission fluid. I think the volume on the radio and honk after locking are security settings and can be changed. The owners manual should be read on those. I just keep praying that nothing else happens to it, its only got 88,000 on it.
19th Nov 2007, 16:23
I just looked at a 1999 Pontiac Grand AM SE, at a car lot. I found it curious that both front windows were scratched on the insides. There was also a lot of road noise and I was nervous about the brakes. Over all the car drove and handled decently with 109K. But there was something that held me back from buying it. I felt I should check the reviews first, and I am glad that I did!! Thanks everyone for posting!
17th May 2004, 10:42
I'm glad I found this site... I thought I was somehow being too rough with my car or something because, yes, my driver side window also is busted due to broken clips. Furthermore, the radio volume control is broken--any way your turn the dial, the volume increases. The wheels make funny noises when I brake or make turns. The coolant somehow started leaking into the manifold. The brakes always feel tight and need to be replaced constantly. I love the car, but it seems like I'm always having to take it in for something to be fixed.