1999 Pontiac Grand Am Review

Grand Am GT V6 - Going Stron

Written by: GMA on 11/02/2009

Vehicle

1999 Pontiac Grand Am 4 Dr GT Sedan

Review

Bought from a friend in 2005 who bought it new; it had ~50000 miles when i purchased it. Now has ~130000 on it. Replaced window motor, head gasket, alternator, brakes, rotors, rim leaking, shocks, etc... Typical for this car and similar to other posts. But, car drives great and if you keep RPMs under 2000, you can expect 'ok' gas mileage. Everything still works, so no valid reason to trade it in, although it isn't work too much now. Will keep driving until the wheels fall off. If you are considering buying, try to get it cheap and make sure you go through these reviews to determine if any of these typical problems have been fixed. Mine is red, so looks good still when it is buffed

Favorite Features

Power, handling, looks,

Suggested Improvements

Doesn't matter, Pontiac is no more and car is showing its age. Have put ~2000 in repair costs on top of the $5k purchase back in 2005, so $500 per year is a bit of money when you break it down, but mechanic time and parts aren't cheap these days.

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I love my car!!!

Written by: Connie on 09/22/2009

Vehicle

1999 Pontiac Grand Am 4 Dr GT Sedan

Review

I have always wanted a 2000 GT. Bought it used and now have 110,000 on it. It is wonderful and I get compliments on it all the time. I had the passlock problem that Tons of others have had but luckily my husband does alarms, remote starts and other electrical on cars for a living and he solved it no problem. I think a car depends on the person driving it and how they take care of it. I am super protective of my cars. Especially this one.

Favorite Features

Body style, handling, comfort

Suggested Improvements

They really needed to address the passlock problem. It also has poorly designed cup holders.

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Problems from day one...literally!

Written by: From Atlanta on 08/24/2009

Vehicle

1999 Pontiac Grand Am 4 Dr GT Sedan

Review

I loved the look of this car when I first bought it May 2004. Outside and inside had great looks, but found out how cheaply made it is over time. The dashboard is pealing up by the window, the bumpers are very flimsy...able to move when washing car! About a week after purchased i moved the seat higher and would not go back down. Car overheated 2 times within first 3 mths! Thank goodness for warranty! My blinker has been blinking for over 6 mths now non stop. The light isn't on, just the sound, the mileage display and clock/radio are messed up. The display shows distorted numbers. The gas mileage is horrible...about 220 miles per tank! My AC broke 3mths ago $1,000 to repair, not even worth it

Favorite Features

Radio is slightly facing driver, comfy seats, big trunk and looks good.

Suggested Improvements

This car is poorly made. I know a few other people with the car and similar problems. Now I understand why nobody wants American cars. My mom has a Camry, a year older, more miles...NO problems! Hopefully the G6 won't be so bad.

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Problems All Over

Written by: Really? on 08/07/2009

Vehicle

1999 Pontiac Grand Am 4 Dr SE1 Sedan

Review

Where do I start. I purchased this car in 2000 and was initially happy with it. Then after 8000 miles the front brake pads were worn and badly warped. With brand new ones installed, I lasted another 22000 miles,while the rear shoes and drums never wore. The dealers response was don't ride the brakes. I downshifted every opportunity and with 90% highway miles, that never really was a problem. So after about 6 adjustments and rotors I purchased slotted rotors. 48000 miles and no problem. Brake bias problem some engineer overlooked I assume. 2 water pumps, starter, intake manifold gasket,etc. With all the preventative maint. done one can wonder what would happen if you slipped on one service.

Favorite Features

The gauges look nice.

Suggested Improvements

Brakes need major improvement. Reliability with very important gaskets should be a priority on GM's list. I would wipe the slate clean and start with a whole new platform cause this just needs a major overhaul.

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A FUN DRIVER

Written by: Mike on 07/22/2009

Vehicle

1999 Pontiac Grand Am 2 Dr GT Coupe

Review

I was amazed at the power of the 3.4 V- 6 and yet it gets me a constant 29 miles per gallon on regular fuel. It is comfortable to drive and handles great. The 4 spd auto trans. is great for the miliage, but you need to use the 3rd gear to get the car to hold back on steep down hills or you will use up your brakes. In the 105,000 miles we have driven it I have replaced the front brakes once and checked two weeks ago still have 90% and the rear is still at about 40%. The car just turned 250,000 and the engine & trans. work great. I change the oil every 3,000 miles and I still have no need to add oil in between oil changes. For trips it is great with all of the room in the back.

Favorite Features

Performace and handling are great. The 4 wheel disc brakes are great for stoping even if it didn't have anti- lock. Sterio is great to lisen to. The moon roof is a great option. Best a/c system I have ever had.

Suggested Improvements

The cup holders are in a poor location. Maybe some door pockets would have been nice. Don't stop making Pontiacs!!!

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