2003 Pontiac Grand Am Consumer Reviews

This is why Pontiac has died.

Written by: MDM in MD on 05/07/2009

Vehicle

2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I'm the original owner of my Grand Am GT. Bought it, and am still paying for it since October 2003. Was a great ride and reliable for the better of 4 years. Now six years out, the car is falling apart. Pads and rotors seem to be replaced often.Surprising since I don't race the car, and it is used as a daily commuter with 114,000 miles on it. Replaced ignition switch, emergency brake (broke after replacement by dealer, they had never seen that before), head gasket, and now putting off drivetrain and suspension repair. Tell myself everyday, "Why did I ever buy this car?" GM vehicles seem to have become the money pit of car ownership in my experience. I say buy foreign for better quality!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Quality, craftsmanship and BRAKES!!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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boo-urns these cars stink!!!!!!

Written by: manderz on 04/13/2009

Vehicle

2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT1 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought my 2003 grand am gt1 2 years ago. it had one previous owner. I have put so much money into this car. I take excellent care of my car, but everytime i turn around something else is wrong with it. I've had to replace the electrical box in the car. fuel pump and filters, batteries, thermostat, and now something else is wrong with it.. ABS, no trac, service vehicle soon lights are all on. For some reason I'm thinking it has something to do with the famous engine block. i've spent close to 4 grand on it in less than 2 years. yikes.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

this car should have been on recall since day one. 2 people i work with have the same cars and both of them have all similiar issues with them.... the car is a piece of junk under the hood and GM..who is know going under, should have recalled the car.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Been a great car for me

Written by: wilkermom on 04/10/2009

Vehicle

2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have had a great experience with this car. I was especially happy when I moved from to a state where it snows and my car handled incredibly well in the snow. I lived on a very steep hill and my neighbors could not get up the hill in the snow but my Pontiac went right up the hill. This car looks nice,I like how it looks sporty. Handles well,gets good gas mileage. I always thought it was pretty roomy until a car seat would not really fit well in the back seat. Stroller also takes up the entire trunk. I have only had to repair the fuel pump and that was at 125,000 miles. All other work on the car has been just routine maintenance. My only complaint would be that it's little noisy inside

Favorite Features

Sporty Look. V6 Engine feels like a good amount of power.

Suggested Improvements

If they could make it quieter inside the car.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Long-term review

Written by: Jim on 12/03/2008

Vehicle

2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT1 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I've had the GAGT over 6 yrs/70K miles. Seen many of the typical problems-replace front brakes every 15k, passlock issues, random clicking, leaking intake manifold gasket, etc. When I complained about the front brake servicing to Pontiac corporate, they were minimally helpful. Researching a bit, I found numerous consumer complaints, and several Tech Service Bulletins issues by Pontiac regarding the brakes. One additional item:(might vary by state) in MA, the GAGT is very expensive to insure-same as a BMW, due to repair cost. Many of the negative aspects of the car seem to be related to a corporate philosophy from GM, which with the recent bailout requests seem to run deeper than just the GAGT

Favorite Features

Love the off-the-line acceleration. Love the steering-wheel audio controls, and the speed-controlled volume feature.

Suggested Improvements

Pontiac finally realized that the front brakes needed to be redesigned on newer models. A higher degree of reliability is always a plus, whether it is consumable items, such as brakes, or one-time issues, such as the LIM gasket at approx $700.

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Still running like new

Written by: MadWoman on 11/05/2008

Vehicle

2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE2 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Bought brand new in 2003, and am aiming for 100,000 miles. Car is at 70,000 now, and only issue so far is the engine would get hot, but never overheat (cheap intake gasket in this car - needed replaced). I've always had maintenance done on time, cleaned it often, and simply took greater care of it than others found reasonable. It still keeps up with my lead foot, is still running and looking like new after three fairly serious accidents, drove smoothly between California and Massachusetts four times, and its fun-to-drive rating becomes "10" with the right custom suspension and engine upgrades. The electrical, engine, and mechanics, overall, have yet to fail me.

Favorite Features

The factory charcoal-gray color is gorgeous - makes the car stand out; body design is unique and attractive for an American car - has a mean stance; the stereo sound was phenomenal in its day, for being factory; fog lights assist in giving it that "import" look at night.

Suggested Improvements

The interior could have been far better, but that's typical of an economy car. The intake gasket is made of cheap steel. I could suggest the improvements I have made, but I have a different view and appreciation toward my car. As with every car they just need well taken care of.

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Fuel Pump, Electrical

Written by: ERIKKK on 10/16/2008

Vehicle

2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE2 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought this car used, with 62,000 miles on it, after i hit the 63,000 mile mark i started having this goofy electrical problem where i would start the car and the radio, Dash...etc...wouldn't turn on. I am able to cope with it, usually it all kicks on about 1 minute after starting. 2,000 miles later the fuel pump went out. I love the car, but the problems are starting to irritate me. The car handle's very nicely, accelerates very quickly and is a comfortable, sharp looking ride.

Favorite Features

Monsoon stereo, LEATHER SEATS!, Radio controls on the steering wheel, center console, the orange dash lights look awesome at night! and my fav. feature, the sun roof.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel pump, and Better ignition switch (thats what i figure is the cause of the electrical problem)

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Some problems

Written by: Thirtysomething on 09/24/2008

Vehicle

2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I had to replace two or three parts of the ignition switch assembly, the battery, the rotors, the mirror adjustment joy stick, rear main seal, engine cradle (at less than 70,000 miles!), fuel pump, struts & strut mounts, all before 100,000 miles! Even with all of these repairs I plan on keeping it for my teenage son to drive..that way if he wrecks it..it won't be a big loss..

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

make easier to pull fuse panel off to reset the oil change light, better seats,

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Excellent Choice

Written by: Justin on 06/01/2008

Vehicle

2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

My parents bought me this car for my sixteenth birthday for $11,000. The previous owners kept it immaculate and changed its oil every three-thousand miles. I have continued this care and the car has remained in mint condition. This car is very good- looking and has excellent performance for the cheap price. The many luxuries such as the sunroof and chrome rims are very nice.

Favorite Features

Sunroof, rims, stereo system, large trunk, fog lamps

Suggested Improvements

Dash design, fuel economy

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Good Car

Written by: Good Car on 05/20/2008

Vehicle

2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT1 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Bought this car with 96,000 Km. Car is reliable and handles great, looks great also. The only main problem I've had with this car is the front end but with our roads its to be expected. They only have to develop a better wheel bearing. Replaced 6 times in 1 and a half years and the wheel bearings are not cheap.

Favorite Features

Stereo, and styling

Suggested Improvements

More powerful engine, better wheel bearings.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Poor Quality

Written by: Phil on 05/07/2008

Vehicle

2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I've had this 2003 grand am for 1 1/2 years now and have had nothing but problems with it. The turn signal/4-way clicks more than occasionally. Especially when it is cold outside. I've had to replace both front hubs, a cv joint, the fuel pump, an ignition control module, and on 3 separate occasions, have had 3 rocker arms come loose on the rear head (by loose I mean they were lying on top of the head when I opened the valve cover). I've replaced the brakes and rotors twice since I bought the car and have to do them again soon due to warped rotors. I do not intend to buy another grand am. Ever. And I do not recommend anyone else buying one. Unless they like to work on vehicles a lot.

Favorite Features

Exterior looks nice and performs well. When its not having mechanical problems. Sound system is pretty decent too.

Suggested Improvements

The engine needs a design/quality overhaul.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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