12th Mar 2008, 10:35

I own a 99 Grand Am 2.4L with 117,000 miles on it. Throughout the life of the car, the only problems I have had were a dead alternator (around 100,000 which is expected), a bad blower motor resistor (around 105,000), and now a front wheel ABS sensor. Other than that, this car has been an amazing car. Total repair costs for this vehicle- approximately $250. No complaints here.

16th Apr 2008, 22:59

My '99 Grand Am has a few problems, but none of the severity that had been reported early in this thread.

The biggest headache has been the power windows freezing up during winter months. I am a smoker, and even in sub-zero weather I would prefer to vent my windows to let the noxious air out, rather than allow it to soak into the upholstery. The only procedure that's been more common than repairing a broken power window regulator since I purchased this car in 2002 has been your standard oil change. Some of this is my fault for constantly testing the window during frigid weather, trying to get it to go down an inch or two, but still, it shouldn't freeze up so easily.

Other than that, I have experienced the radio volume increasing when twisting the nob to decrease it. This is a minor inconvenience, and barely worth mention.

Otherwise I have had few problems. I am growing tired of this particular automobile after almost six years, and have had probably two major repair jobs done (averaging about $1000 each) during that time span, but both of those things are to be expected, especially when driving a used model.

Taking my experience into consideration, I would recommend this model as a very early starter car for new drivers.

29th May 2008, 03:23

All you who think the car is wonderful are you a dealer? Do you really have a Pontiac Grand Am? About 70,000/80,000 miles you'll have problems with seals. You'll buy new heads and pour a couple grand into the pile of junk just to get it to run to trade it in. I wonder when you've had your cars a little bit longer if you'll be singing a new tune. Mechanics at dealerships can't tell you whats wrong with it and neither can my dad who has been a mechanic for 25 years. I've seen a lot of the mentioned problems with my car above. I'll never own one ever again.

17th Jun 2008, 23:19

There is always a possibility of problems with ANY car, but my Grand Am has been the best car I've ever owned. It is now 8 years old and still runs flawlessly. It has had no repairs other than front brake pads at 70,000 miles (the rear are still original). We were so impressed with it that we bought another GM in 2003. It, too, has performed flawlessly, and at 60,000 has had NOTHING. It even still has the original tires.

21st Jul 2008, 17:20

Lets see, I have a Grand Am GT -- 99.

Like previously posted the honking after locking your doors is a security. Push the lock button once and the car will chime.. get out, shut door and it honks then locks the doors.

I haven't had the brake problems. Coolant mixing with your oil means that your head gasket needs replaced. Where did you have this car inspected?? They took you over with the whole engine getting replaced. Overheating could be your lower intake gasket as well as a thermostat and/or water pump.

I agree the volume control sucks and settings 1 2 3 do not work as well on my car... no big deal. Replaced the window clips... man I love junkyards.

I now have to replace my speedometer sensor but it's a quick fix and a cheap part. Learning to do brakes, rotors and calipers is quite easy and will save you $300 - $500 easy cause you mainly pay for labor. I have had too replace both hub assembly's, but again... learning to do them will save you the same amount.

Cars are what you make of them. Some things go out of your control but in the end its usually the driver. Take care of your car and it will take care of you!

25th Jul 2008, 23:41

I just bought my 1999 Grand Am SE four door for 850, only because of 200k miles, but the girl that owned it before me, a close friend's daughter, told me she never had any major issues with it, but all you need to do is take good care of it.

The only problem I have is the volume control thing, which isn't a big deal, and my check engine light, which I'm assuming is a O2 sensor, but I'm taking it to Autozone to have them use a coder on it, but it seems to be in great shape.

27th Jul 2008, 11:52

I know several people who have driven the Quad 4 engined Grand Ams well over 200,000 miles with very little trouble. These are extremely good, reliable cars and a real bargain on the used car market.

29th Sep 2009, 23:21

I just have to say these cars do suck. My mom got a 99 SE 4dr with 175000 miles from a guy that got it from an auction for like $800. It's my first car and I should be happy for it, but there's so many little things that bug me. I'm guessing the person who had it before got a broken windshield, because it got wet; its curling up because of the type of material. It also caused the A beam plastic cover to come off.

1-2 air doesn't work, and there is oil burning on the motor, so it gives the air a bad smell when stopped, so I have to turn it off when I'm stopped ever.

ABS and traction control lights are on. ETS button won't work, and neither does the cigarette lighter.

Trunk gets wet, so it smells, and I had to take that carpet stuff out.

Interior is cheap and the rear cup holder is broke, and vinyl on the rear doors is curling up. Plastic trim falling a part.

The motor makes this horrible tractor noise when I go back to start it up after recently driving it. But if I wait a day to drive it, it doesn't do it. Uses 1qrt of oil every 3000 miles. Only getting 18.6 mpg granny driving.

THE SAD THING IS MY 1ST 1ST CAR, A 90 GEO PRIZM WAS 100X BETTER AND HAD 250K ON IT, but it got rear ended by a stang. 35MPG automatic!

25th May 2010, 10:09

I really cannot stand my girlfriend's 99 GT. It is a piece of junk.

All four windows are now either taped up or stuck due to dead motors and clips. $175 to fix MYSELF.

The A/C is blowing hot, her water pump went out, we are on the RD battery.

The brakes sound like the Titanic sinking, three alternators since bought in 2002, ALL the A/C knobs are broken, the dash is sticking up due to cheap cardboard, and the door panels are separating.

The head lights were yellow, but polishing with tooth paste cleaned them up pretty well. Lots of buffing!!

I have NOTHING good to say about this car except it has decent power.

I own a 2001 Honda Accord, and have only spent $1200 on regular and even unnecessary maintenance from the day I bought it. Honda has fixed many recall items and gave me new warranties on the work. I even have a new transmission 9 years later with warranty for free. My car sits in the Florida sun and still looks as good as the day I bought it.

Stay away from GM cars; they are trash on wheels. Do yourself a favor and buy a Honda, not Toyota!! A Honda will serve you right.