Used 1998 Pontiac Grand Am Consumer Reviews
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Gauges
baybays4, 12/03/2011
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 4dr Sedan
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have a 98 pontiac grand am while driving it ALL the gauges stopped working, turned it off and let it sit for a few weeks, started car let it run for about 30 minutes, and guages still not working.
Style Great Engine Stinks
Leia, 01/13/2010
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased the car with 100,000 miles on it. Within the first year I had to park the car and replace the intake manifold gaskets and the fuel pressure regulator. A year later I had to park it again to find out why the car wouldn't go into park anymore. After taking of the solenoid from the shifter I was able to drive it again only to find the tranny leaking and a major rack and pinion leak. Over all I only got 20,000 miles out of it and sold it as fast as I could. I loved the body style and it was wonderful to drive but to fix it you have to have deep pockets. It's a money pit. I will stay a ford girl after this. Change the engine and I might come back.
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See all 0 listingsA Maintenance Nightmare
Speedracer1021, 10/30/2006
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought this car after wrecking my 97 Civic. Have only had car for a few months and it has put me down 3 times. Already replaced broken motor mount that caused car to "growl" when accelerating, bad alternator that drained battery and left me stranded in the middle of nowhere, temp sensor and thermostat because car kept overheating, front shocks b/c car started squeaking and bouncing over even the smallest bumps, keyless remote, front brake rotors and brake pads. Right now I am having numerous electrical problems with the car. I really like the car, but I have to get rid of it because I can't afford the maintenance. Wouldn't recommend buying one unless you have the money to maintain it.
Pontiac Grand Am
jessay123, 03/08/2012
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I baught my 98 Grand Am almost a year ago with 120k miles. The fitst couple of months were great. Then heater core went out, water pump, timing chain tenion thing, window motor, a rubber on the engine mount and now it's leaking either trans fluid or power steering fluid. Other than the reaccuring problems the car drives great. Also the pick up is pretty decent for a 4cyl.
BAD
dudeman15926, 12/26/2010
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Owned this car for about 2 years. Since I had it i had nothing but problems. I bought it with 93000 Miles. Although, for a 4 cylinder, this is a fast car :P but i had all sorts of problems with it. Heater Core, Thermostat, Power steering, window regulator broke, and a few others. This was only in the course of 2 years. The car wouldnt start unless i held down the gas and started it. My brother also had a 2001? grand am and also had SO many issues with it. This is not a good car. 2/2 grand ams sucked. dont get one.
Great car just needs taken care of right
amariscruz, 11/02/2010
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love my car it's a 98' Grand Am GT. Handles like no other fuel economy is great. This car is good it just needs taken care of. Sounds like the guy above who had to replace all those things on his car a month after buying it had a leak in his radiator but kept trying to drive it like that thats why it messed up his head gasket. You"ll love to drive this car fast and fun
It was the worst I ever owned
wayne, 09/03/2008
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I now drive a ford zx2, I had a 1998 grand am for bout a month, it had a 3.1 v-6 it was a 2dr. gt. When I test drove it, it was great, it was powerful and handled nicely. After buying it I was impressed with the fuel mileage, but within a month I had to replace the radiator, heater core, alternator, head and intake gaskets, battery and a power window motor. Last Pontiac I'll ever buy.
Do not buy a pontiac
Antonio, 03/25/2005
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After buying the car with around 80K miles, we were told that it was normal wear for the manifold intake to leak. This is the coolant intake. It costs around $700 to fix for a car that has a bluebook of around $4500 best case scenario. This is just for this leak, other problems common. NO LONG TERM reliability at all. Avoid Pontiac at all costs if you need a reliable car. The WORST car I have ever owned and will never, ever buy a Pontiac again, new or used.
Can't wait to get rid of it!
ImpyTink, 11/08/2005
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had problems with this car since I had it for only six months. It's always at the mechanics. I hate this car and I can't wait to lose it. I finally have a job that maybe I can lose it soon. Not reliable. Has left me stranded many times. I pray for it to get stolen.
decent
sean, 06/04/2009
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought the car about 4 yrs ago with only 20k... Ran fine for about 10k and a timing chain tensior went out. Had it replaced. But other than that this has been a wonderful car. Only think i notice is if you turn the heater on your smell coolant for a min then goes away. No leaks however.
Still Blows Me Away
joser94, 11/17/2013
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for a little over a year now after getting it pretty cheap and I love it and hope to have it for years to come. First few months were okay but did a few weird things that required some work to be done to it but no problem because I do just about all of it myself. It growled when accelerating from a stop but surprisingly fun to drive and extremely cozy in the fall and winter! I got 3 months/2000 miles out of it and the engine bearings went bad, guessing the previous owner didn't keep the oil changed. Since then all has been well with it. I have replaced the brake pads and rotors, drums and shoes, mounts and alternator but it makes up for that wit it's power!
98 GT
2drGT, 10/11/2002
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good and reliable vehicle for work and play. Very economical on gasoline(29mpg highway and 22mpg city), but can use a larger gas tank. Sport-like interior.
Manual Transmissions Are Better
garfieldfreak_69, 10/31/2005
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I learned to drive a maunal on my car. I first had a 1997 Grand Prix. I loved it because it was big and easy to drive, but now I love my 1998 Grand Am because it's just right. It's not tiny and it's not too big. It's also loads of fun to shift through town. My car only breaks down because my cousin owned it first in New York and never washed the under carriage.
my second pontiac
bevrobs, 03/14/2004
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been very happy with my 19987 Grand Am SE. It still has get-up-and- go after 112,000 miles! I did have issues with the power windows - had to replace both power window motors. Otherwise, she's been great! I plan to buy another Grand Am, 2004 SE1. Happy driving!
Poor Reliability
MiaW., 03/28/2004
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car had a wonderful appearance and great reviews. However, I could not count on it to get me from point A to point B. I put as much money into fixing it over the 3 years I had it as I did buying it at 3 years old. I'd recommend to any one thinking about purchasing this car (unless you are a mechanic with nothing to do), be careful.
Good Little Car
Good Little Car, 08/04/2006
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car with only 1200 miles on it, and was always a great car. Always got me where I needed to go, never left me stranded. The AC always blows cold, and I have never had to do any major maintence besides brakes, and fluids. The engine is fast, and gets great fuel economy. But, one day we took it up town, went in the store, came out, and would not start. Car had 242,000 miles on it by then. Was a great car, and we were expecting it to go. Guy at the shop said the engine was blown, and we had the option to crush it, or rebuild it. We crushed it, and now own a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
NOT An Improvement
augidog, 12/20/2002
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After having good luck with a previous Grand Am we bought another. The car is economical and reasonably dependable. Had more troubles with this one than the previous one. Breaks went bad quickly and had to replace everything even though we caught the wear before the pads were gone. Come on GM get it together. Radio went bad twice. Problems with sensors on the ABS and the engine at times would start to accelerate and just keep on accelerating. Turn it off and then on and everythings fine.
RIPPED OFF!!!!
raecheal, 05/23/2004
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the body style of the car well pretty much everything about the car would have been great but unfourtantly I am a female and they figured that they could pretty much scew me over. But I have also learned that Pontiac vehicles not just Grand Am vechicles are notorious for engine problems if they are the 3400 series engines so my suggestion would be not to by a car with a 3400 series engine make sure you have a 3800. They are nice cars but you just have to get a good one I guess. Or maybe the manufactures just make them look nice. But that is my opinion.
Great Car
adgirl402004, 08/24/2004
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've been very happy with my Grand Am.
1998 pontiac grand am
Resstop, 10/17/2004
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reliable, plenty of power, red exterior paint has faded in some areas, paint has oxidized badly in some areas.
Best Eight Years Ever and Still Running Strong
jake0886, 05/08/2011
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my 1998 Grand Am SE 3.1L since 2003 and am still driving it today, for an amazing 8 years! I have all installed options as well. Best of all, I've had zero issues with it. Considering this was my first car during high school, that's quite a feat. Originally it had 48K miles and was a salvage title that cost me $2800 + $700 in parts to rebuild. It survived my pizza delivery days in high school, college days and 8 years later...I'm still driving it as it just won't die like many friends and family predict it would. Currently still running with zero issues at 178K. Best $3500 investment ever! I absolutely love this car and would gladly a new Pontiac if they still existed!
Engines bearings go bad
animalpals2, 09/30/2005
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
after 100,000 miles the engines main bearings go bad. they are very quick cars though. i'm a female and even dodge trucks can't keep up with me , hehehe overall its been very reliable to me i take care of the maintenance on the engine and the bearings still went. it's the only downfall in grand ams either the bearings go or the timing belt.
Mecanically sound GrandAm
Allen59, 08/21/2002
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife drives this car daily... It gets about 27 MPG regardless of how you drive it in the city (I have a heavy foot) Interstate is 32 MPG And it has excellent pickup at all speeds (3.1 V-6) After over 3 and a half years we have put 50,000 miles on it and have never experienced a mecanical problem. This car handling is exceptional in turns with the Firestone 720's Very reliable car.
Reliable, economical car
Karen, 11/11/2005
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car since it was new and have never regretted the purchase. It has only required general maintenance and some tires, belts and hoses - which don't last forever. The only thing I don't like is the fact the engine runs hot when driving slow in heavy traffic - this car likes to keep moving.
a eulogy for my first car
It is dead, 09/18/2003
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought it with 75K, and things went well for the first year. Then had transmition problems. Had that rebuilt for $1000. Things went pretty well for the next couple years, just regular stuff (brakes, catalytic converter, sway bars)happening. Then the head gasket blew, warping the block. That happened out of the blue and at one of the most inopportune times. Had to find another quad four engine to put in it. This one sounded funny. It was in a collision, now it is dead. It was a fun first car to have. Interior was compfortable enough for two, more than that got tough. Decent for hauling stuff on road trips, the gas mileage was usually around 30.
performance of my 1998 grand am se
Karen Kirby, 12/03/2005
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I would have to say in the 3 years Iv'e had my car, it's been reliable. Brakes need to be replaced often. And it seems that some places have a problem getting the brakes to work correctly. almost exclusively the rear brakes. They tend to brake uneven, like your car is tilting. After having gone to about three different repair shops, the problem was finally resolved when they changed the rotors as well. Struts need to be reolaced, and power windows are going out, but I have never been stranded.
The Worst Car Ever!
GrandAmSux!, 10/24/2002
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have nothing but problems since I have owned this car. Nothing too major but some quality issues. Drivers windows will roll down but not up, sunroof motor went bad, the brakes on this car are terrible! I will be driving down the road and it will just quit, like it is out of gas. Cannot find the problem. This will be the last domestic manufactured car I will buy. Also own a '97 Honda CRV and at 75,000 miles it drives and runs like a new car. The pontiac was worn out before 50,000!!
Loved this car.
NYCGirl, 08/26/2006
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really did love this car. I purchased the 1998 SE Coupe in 2001 with 28k on it. Drove it from NYC to Florida, to Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland (love the roadtrips), and never had a problem save normal wear and tear. The engine was ridiculously fast (and it was cherry red.. yes, I got many speeding tickets), and it STUCK to the road. I hated to get rid of it, because it was still in excellent condition, but I couldn't afford to park it in Manhattan anymore ($400 a month.. ouch). Really do love this car, though.
SUCKS
Pontiacbad, 03/13/2004
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The first week I had this car the alternator and the battery went bad. Know with many more miles, The car won't shift correctly, it sits in first gear (this is a automatic) and I don't even have to step on the gas to go, it is idealed to high. The worst car I have had looking for a Honda.
My Granny Am
Kayla M, 08/28/2009
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since getting my Grand Am in 2004, it has been an overall great ride. Although it may not look sporty or "cool", it's reliability is pretty good. Thus far the fuel pump, and shifter are the only real problems I have had. In winter, it is pretty amazing, especially since I live in the country and do lots of highway driving. The car is fairly fuel efficient as well.
no more american made cars
curlydoo, 03/21/2004
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have 120,000 miles on this car and just had to replace the motor mounts,which in turn necessitated intake manifold and transmission service. It is now blowing blue smoke. Don't buy one of these.
Love My Grand Am
ricknj56, 11/20/2002
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have 102,000+ on it and it still runs almost as good as the day I brought it home. Power Window and Alternator had to be replaced at my expense, but that's all the expenses I have incurred other than normal maintainence (Oil, brakes, tuneup, etc...)
Not bad
Sam, 01/26/2009
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for over a year and it so far hasn't caused me too many problems except new brakes and a new alternator. It's fun to drive but I would still like to see a little more power.
Not too bad
abspideygirl, 01/13/2005
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall this has been a good reliable vehicle, with a some exceptions. I bought the car with 64000 miles on it and I've had to replace the alternator, battery, brakes twice, intake manifold, heater core, and replace the spark plugs, the car now has 104000. The only other problem Ive had with it is that the power window on the left side has fallen off its track. It starts right up though and does well in the city as well on the interstate, and it does during long distance travel.
Love my car
Wendy, 11/28/2006
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car used with 32,000 miles on it. I have put on a little over 40,000 in the past four years and have had NO problems with my car. It has been perfect in the snow, perfect in wet weather, nice and cool in the summer. I have only had to replace a few things, but I have a wonderful mechanic who takes good care of the car; I haven't needed any expensive work done. I love this car and were it not for an expanding family, I would never sell it. Two-doors aren't very car-seat friendly!
Fun but big problems
Danfish85, 06/02/2004
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's been a fun car that i'm forced to get rid of. It's been plagued with random problems since i bought it. Lots and lots of electrical problems. I've replaced alternator multiple times, battery countless times, starter, random sensors and wires, ball join, etc.
My Favorite Car!
calmann, 02/27/2009
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Tough car! I have always taken care of it and it has done the same for me! Bought it with 57k on it and it now has 135k. For the money, the best car I've owned! I've spent 400 bucks on it besides reg maintenance. Been back and forth between coasts and would still trust it to go right now! Windows are slow, has a water leak in the interior. Has never been in a garage since I have owned it. I still beatrun it to work and don't ever have a problem! I would buy another in a minute. I have had people ask me to sell it more than a few times!IE. A note on my window after being in a store! Not selling! Gonna keep her till she drops!
It's just as good as Honda or Toyota
Rob, 12/29/2007
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first car and I love it. I did do some window shopping at the Camry or Accord, but those cars are fairly bland. The Grand Am, especially in GT form, can get you anywhere you need. Read any review and you will likely see "piece of crap" and "unreliable" associated with this car. This is not the case. Treat it like gold, and it will last. Since Feb 2007 i have had only two problems. The EGR valve and an exhaust manifold leak. The car runs like a dream and the 3100 V6 is as fast as a V6 powered camry or accord, but for far less money. The car is safe, too, with dual airbags and ABS. I strongly recommend getting one fairly well equipped with the CD player, power equipment, etc.
Couldnt ask for better so far
yomama4, 02/05/2008
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owned this car for 10 years now, bought it brand new, and it still runs awesome, going to give it to my neice for her first car. Only real problems I noticed over the years were the brakes wear easy, the radio volume changes sometimes...weird, and the ac clutch rattles like crazy. overall good though.
wehatesit
sickofit, 10/30/2003
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
At first sight we loved it, after a year we hate it! The alternator went out twice, along with the battery. This will cause the motor to shut down sei zing your gaershift and ability to retrieve your keys.Fuel pump, fuel injector, abs sensors, four rotors with pads,swing arm all replaced. Trans mission also runs noisy in lower gears.Radio is going bad now and my side view mirror even fell of while washing the car one day! Overall pontiac made a loser when they put this hunk of metal together.
Enigma
PONT98, 03/24/2005
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has only stranded me once and that was 6 mos after buying it for a shift interlock problem that cost 350 bucks. Aside from that I personally fixed the intake manifold leak the v6s are prone to that would have cost 550. The clear coat is coming off on the spoiler and one window frame. The seats are pretty rotten. Power is good and so is the tranny. Brakes need frequent replacement due to small size. The seat and paint might be my fault, but crappy plastic and intake manifold problems as well as the common front suspension creak are all normal issues with this car. By the way my car has 11200 miles on it and I have owned it for 5 years. I would not recommend this car. I am stuck w/it.
Dependable transportaion
Mr. Jones, 09/01/2003
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased new in May 98. delivered with zero defects. a couple of minor problems in first 5000 miles,(cruise control switch and a plugged injector) both fixed right the first time under warranty. No further problems until 40000 miles, fuel rail was leaking and replaced. Replaced front brake pads at 42000 miles (lot of city driving) but other than than no problems, a fun to drive car that give good fuel economy and good road handling. A strict maintenance schedule is adhered to and car is always kept in good mechanical condition.Nothing fancy but just good wife car.
better than expected
tmister, 10/01/2003
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been surprisingly reliable. Maintenance has been non existant with the exception of routine upkeep. With about 160000 miles, it is still running strong. the v-6 has plenty of power to spare. She always starts with ease. I bought the car as economy transportation, but it turned out to be much better than expected. I have passed the car on to my kids. I would recommend this car to any friend.
nice little car
red98grandamse, 12/12/2003
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No real problems as of yet, other than the ABS sensors getting dirty...
Don't every buy one of these!!!
DCPontiac, 09/25/2002
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car stinks. I had to take it in for minor repairs and fixes about 10 times within the first year. 49,000 miles on my car and the brakes have been changed 3 times. Once in rush hour traffic my brakes just plain went out. Last month both of the power windows fell off their tracks within a week of each other. Other troubles too numerous to list. The ability to have fun driving this car is limited. Don't even think of trying to use the manual shifting capability on the automatic models. Remotely sporty driving results in a foul smell every time. However, the downshifting option is nice for slowing in traffic when you don't have your brakes.
llllllllooooovvvvvveeeeee it!
ruby718, 01/01/2004
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just recently my Grand Am was totaled. I am quite sad to see it go. It had 103,800 miles and was still as reliable as the day we got it. We never had a problem with it. We even had a trailer hitch put on and would tow a trail every summer vacation. Still no problems. I just hope I can find a car as reliable as that one! I hope to stick with Grand Am. The only con seat could be a little more comfortable and a little more leg room in back for the kids in car seats.
Still runs
mememe, 08/27/2007
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it in 2001 with 17k miles on it. The 6-cylinder engine gives it decent speed pickup. There is no rust except on the underside, which is pretty good after this many years for Minnesota. It had never stalled on me. The numbers of problems I've run into keeps growing though, even though I don't drive it much. Power windows dying a slow and painful death, one of the fog lights going out periodically due to bad wiring, the cd player display malfunctioning and it wouldn't play cds for about a year (I was about to have it replaced when it magically started working again), fan/ac giving off a high pitch noise, and the all-to-common leak problem.
Car is ok for gas mileage.
katie, 07/21/2007
1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my Grand Am when I was almost 17 years old. I am now 21 and have had all the known Pontiac problems, like the coolant leaks, trunk release latch breaking, window motor going and the seals in the engine going. I have put numerous rotors and pads on this car because GM did not make brakes big enough. I also had the usual car probs like tires and belts and so on, but the car is very zippy, and compared to the pickup I drove recently, gets great gas mileage. It also has nice styling. All used cars have problems, and either way I guess I would recommend this car.
Great Low cost car
Esteban, 09/09/2005
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been driving a 2D SE pontiac for a couple of years and havent had any problem its a very good car for the price
Unreliable
luminitam, 09/27/2002
1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
New car was bought in 1998. Despite being very well maintained and with less than 26,000 on board, the car has experienced ongoing problems with the radio/cassette player, wiring and more recently, serious problems with defective ABS system and rear end motor, all which need replacing, costs exceeding $2,000.