4th Aug 2009, 21:24
"If you take care of ANY car (even less reliable Japanese cars) they will last much longer."
Less reliable Japanese cars? Yeah right! Every American car I've ever owned has crapped out at just over 100,000 miles, and I'm a mechanic as well! So yes! I DO take care of my cars! All of the Honda's I've ever had have made it well past the 180,000 mile mark with the same maintenance I gave my domestics. Japanese cars are more reliable!
5th Aug 2009, 21:28
We took immaculate care of our family's Honda Civic. After 40,000 it was one problem after another. The CV joints went out at 60,000 miles. The ones on our Dodge made over 280,000 miles. We finally sold the Civic to a scrap dealer when the engine blew up at 99,000 miles. To me that is NOT very reliable. Fords for us from now on.
27th Sep 2009, 17:50
I have had my 1996 Pontiac Grand Am for 2 years.
Lots of problems! Sensors, heater core, A/C, brakes, cracked vacuum hose made the car shut off when at a stop. It would start right back up no problem. Finally found a bad hose when replacing the starter (hard to do, it's in a bad place, no room) and the key not turning off. Thanks to whoever posted about the button, now I can get key out easy without playing with thing for 5 10 minutes.
NEVER AGAIN BACK TO FORD.
12th Dec 2009, 19:26
Bought a 96 Grand Am SE for 550.00. I now know why they sold it the theft light shuts it down after 3 seconds. 96 Pontiac really messed up! I feel sorry for you all who paid more. Mine won't make it to a shop, it's going to a yard, with only 90,000 miles on it.
16th Dec 2009, 10:19
Obviously you didn't test drive the car, because starting the engine and putting it in gear takes more than 3 seconds. Also, the anti-theft system can be disabled. There is information available both in these reviews and on the internet detailing how to do this. It is a matter of simply cutting a wire and bypassing the system. It costs nothing, and only requires removing the radio.
26th Apr 2011, 19:36
It sounds like your O rings are cracked. Mine did the same thing and now I have to get a timing belt. I've only owned the car since February, I have put all new gaskets, O rings and brakes, also a sway arm links.
Definitely check your intake O rings.
4th Aug 2009, 09:12
I was about to buy a 96 grand am se for $2500 with 81000 miles on it. It's a beautiful car but after reading all these reviews I changed my mind and fortunately have not given him the check yet.