Used 1999 Pontiac Grand Am Consumer Reviews
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Highly Under-rated vehicle
I have owned my car for almost 3 years now. I have only had three things in need of repair at the shop - the driver's side window, a gasket leak (caused by me), and new brake rotors. Otherwise, with regular maintenance, this car has been a reliable and consistent performer. Excellent pick- up, great handling, decent fuel- economy from a domestic V6, and styling that still turns heads. They didn't skimp on interior features either - the seats are comfortable, even on lengthy trips, and passengers aren't crammed in as an afterthought. The sound system is solid, and the A/C is still icey-cool.
My Baby Blue Grand AM!
I love my pontiac Grand Am....my only complaint would be that the window regulators in these cars have got to be recalled....other than that ITA ALL GOOD!!
- SE2 SedanMSRP: N/A350 mi away
Problems from day one...literally!
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
Get2workwithoutgoinbroke
I have had my Grand Am three years on 110102. Have had no engine or elec problems.Door panel peeled back due to sun damage,( Live in 100 degree summer weather), and was replaced no/chg under warantee, have not had a problem since replacement.Car has 49,300 miles on it and still kicks for a V4,no rattles or squeeks. Do not care for the seat releases for letting passengers out of back seat area, they stick too much,hard for older kids and adults to get in and out of, broke off both front seat belt holders from pulling on them ..suggest 4 door instead of coupe for back seat rider use.
PGT
I bought this car after my 97 Pontiac was totalled. I was absolutely in love with the look of this car and had always wanted it, so I was pretty excited to get it. The outside still looks sporty, but I have had some major problems with the body. First, I live in MN and while parking I hit a snowbank and the front bottom of the bumper broke off. Cheaply piece of plastic! Then I had someone hit me and couln't open my passenger side door, finally the paneling broke off on a drive home on the interstate. Maybe I just have bad car luck. As for the maintenance I haven't, luckily, had to replace anything major. It is almost at 140,000 and I just recently replaced my serpentine belt and tensioner.
1999 Grand Am 4 dr Sedan
I had a car reck and a 1996 Grand Am saved my life. Iwould also trust my life with a 1999 Grand Am 4 dr Sedan.
Lo kwality
Too many intermittent issues: cruise control doesn't work sometimes, chimes for no apparent reason, pillar's blind spot, transmission problems after 50k (trans oil pump). Power mirror motors died, seat sagged too early (I only weigh 140 LB), suspension issues, poor design of doors - opens half-way and closes on my leg when exiting. Poor door seals, air leak, power mirrors motor does not work sometimes, gear issues. I have kept 100% of manufactoring maintenance schedule. I was hoping to drive this car like my predecessor (same type) but I have to get rid of it after 67k. I will not recommend or consider buying again. I'm an engineer and work for automotive suppliers, I know what quality is.
Grand Am GT V6 - Going Stron
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
Not bad overall
Current Mileage: est 77,000 When i got this car it had 1500 miles. For the majority of the time i have owned this car its been a reliable. I can now start to feel it wanting to die. She sometimes needs two trys to start. She is very good in the snow and drives good. Just got to watch your foot because she will take off if you dont watch..
Just traded mine in!!
After 5 years of having constant problems with this car, I finally got rid of it. Don't get me wrong Looks great,fun to drive, hauls butt when you need it to get up & go. But I hope you have alot of $$ to keep up the constant little things that go wrong with this car. The radio was bad from the get go & I puchased the upgrade. They replaced twice still went bad I gave up. My power seat I paid extra for didn't work after the first year. Brakes constant & They rub really bad. Intake manifold $700.00 bucks atlike 50,000 miles,allternator,temperature gauge, one of my fuel injectors went bad & started mis firing $1200.00. I finally got rid of it. It only had 87,000 miles on it. Beware of This Car!
Great Car Reliable and fun
I purchased this car with 20,000 miles on it. I love it! It now has 112,000 miles on it. The idea of trading it in for a newer model saddens me. This car is perfect for a 16 year old or anyone looking for a reliable car with decent gas mileage.
good solid car
No problems except transmission just before the warranty expired (thank goodness). nice sturdy car, v6 has good power, good cornering, and fun to drive.
Something to Think About
I thought of 3 good things to say about the '99 that I own. It is a reliable car. It starts right up in the winter. It still turns heads (even for all the wrong reasons!). It has some good speed. However, I have had to bring it into the dealer 3 times for the same problem. The windows keep falling off track. Working windows are important. I have found that the apoxied plastic clips on the windows seem to come "unglued" or brittle in extreme temps. I have also had to change the brakes, rotors, and belts that should last. I am not completely dissatisfied, but I will think twice before I purchase another one. My only advise with this car is if you use your windows a lot, pass on this car.
Never Again
This car was trash almost from the start. Brakes always noisy. Replaced 4 alternators. Drivers window regulator replaced. Water pump replaced twice. Front wheel bearings replaced. Now the intake gasket is leaking. This car and my family will soon part company. I will never buy a Pontiac again. I will think very hard about buying ANY GM product.
So-So
The Grand Am SE is a beautiful car and it handles great on dry roads. It doesn't perform the greatest when the roads, or especially RR tracks, are wet. I've had a lot of little things wrong that have cost about $400 to fix with 30,000 miles on it, which I think is too much.
Great car
I have had this car for over 6 years, and I have put over 125,000 miles on it. The car is a great buy. we are looking to buy something bigger with our 3rd child on the way. I did go through a lot of brake pads, and replaced the drivers window regulator 1 time. The dealer did tell me about the aggressive braking system before I bought the car. All other repairs were normal (oilchanges, battery 1 time, tires). Easy to work on for the do it yourself person.
The best car ever
I bought this car with a 113k on it. The engine still purrrrs and runs perfect. The transmission does not even miss a beat. It runs beautifully. And the ride is excellent. It is difficult to explain, it rides soft and quiet enough to not get bounced around but also the ride is stiff enough to feel the road. I like this car inside and out. The 3.4l engine in the car is one of GM's best(next to the 3.8L of course) and I know the transmission in these cars are solid. I expect to easily get over 200,000 miles out of this car without spending a lot of money and/or something major going on. Thanks
Great car
Great car but the cupholders need some help
Grand Am Cup Holders
I absolutely hate the cup holders...the design makes no sense at all (in front of the gear shift). When the car is in park you cannot have a cup in the cup holder. In addition the cup holders are so shallow that everything tumbles out and spills on the carpet. I also hate the sun visor...they are so small, they are of no use! I went to edmuds.com to book out my car and the resale is very poor. I also have a 2002 Honda CRV with 100k+ miles and the value is 6 times higher than my pontiac. We have had continuous problems with the tail lights. and the..we keep replacing bulbs ..there was a bulletin on this also....The radio volume no longer works...
My baby blue!
We have enjoyed this car so much! We haven't had any major repairs, only regular maintenance repairs.The car has get up and go!......Love the hum when accelerating! Feels like I'm driving a more expensive sports car. Downside: noisy, interior is cramped, cup holder is behind gear shifter, and it won't go into park with a large size drink in it .... bummer!
I have a question.
I have only had this car about a month. I love it a lot. The low traction light comes on even when it is dry out. It is only brief, it doesn't stay on the whole time, but it comes on when it has no reason to. It still works when it is supposed to. I just need to find out if I should have this checked or if it is normal. Can anyone help me?
Birthday Gift
So I got this car for my 16 birthday and with 150,000 miles on it. It now has 185,000 miles on it. I love this car because its kinda fast and has great styling. However, it is not practical for me because I commute 40+ miles a day and there for it uses way to much gas I find this to be a very durable car due to the three wrecks in a month span and its still going strong however I cant wait to get a different car hopefully with better gas millage to bad Pontiac didn't work on that
Love it!!
bought this car about 2 years ago, first car i've ever held over a year. well past the 75,000 mile mark now. I keep it on the highway. it handles well, it hugs curves and corners. i must say you should be an experienced driver to own one of these or else you can't fully appreciate it. great braking even when brakes are needed, and even for a 4-cylinder, great acceleration. i've only been beat by a really souped up cobra w/manual transmission (i have automatic). the body design has made my friends envious, and one of my enemies had the nerve to buy one after seeing mine! he got a 2002 though, which isn't as cool.
Could Be Better
Power seat went out after 15 mos (why up/down power but forward/back manual?) Have replaced 3 window motor units. Intake manifold gasket blew. Finish on plastic bumper and spoiler is flaking badly. Rear view mirror fell off after 1 year. Rear light assembly leaked and bulb bases corroded.
99 Grand Am... love it, and hate it.
The car looks fantastic. Drives great, and it's fast...it's gotten me a ticket or two. i fell in love with it until about a month after i had it. it hit 100,000 miles about a month ago. it over heats, leaks coolant,and has a security light problem. Often, it only starts when it feels like it. I get stranded on a weekly basis. Also, when the car gets hot, it goes haywire; i lose power steering, i can't accelerate the car, and although the car is still on, it appears to shut down completley....while i'm still driving it!
I love it!
I may have just bought it, but it had 100,000 miles on it and was in pretty much imaculate condition. (except the PCV hose had been broken and was ducht taped) The over all handling of the vehicle makes me squeek in excitement every time I climb in it. I fell in love with it the moment I test drove it. The only good part about it was that the previous owners took great care of it and kept up on the mantenance. the only things I see is wrong, is that the coolant smells funny, the volume controls on the dash don't work properly, and the drivers side window squeeks when I roll it up, and the pcv valve being broken off
Great All Around Car
My wife and I bought this car used (rental). To our surprise the four cyl. version was just as powerful at a lower price. Some of the interior bits are less than perfect (cupholders??), but shouldn't deter someone from buying the car if they don't have to have a drink with them all the time.
The good and the bad
My parents bought this car and they love it once it was given to me about a year and a 1/2 after they bought it the water pump started to leak fluids. When it leaks it makse a shrilly squeak! Ive replaced the battery twice since ive had it! Fuel economy isn't bad. It takes about 35 dollars to fill up and it last about a week or so! The display died on the stereo but the sound is great! The fuse box is hard to open and oil filter leaks when new! Motorized driver's seat broke a year ago and the passenger no longer straightens or lays back
Take heed!
I am very torn with this car. Replaced rotors at 27K miles that were overtorqued at manufacture. Had to pay for a complete brake job even though the rotors caused premature wear on the pads. Same dealership would not replace my bad radio. Glad that I purchased the extended warranty. Had to use it twice in the last month at 55K miles for almost $3000 in repairs. Both front bearings have been replaced as has strut mount and rack and pinion and a rear control arm. Complained to Pontiac Corp and have basically been told, sorry, at 60,001 miles when my warranty runs out, I'm screwed. HOWEVER, when my car is not in the shop or on it's way to the shop, I love it.
GM - NEVER AGAIN!
VEHICLE NOT BUILT FOR ENDURANCE. PURCHASED IN 12/98. AT 38,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT. GMS ANSWER- YOU SHOULD HAVE PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY! NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM THOUGHT THE LIFE OF THE AUTO. AFTER 3 YEARS AND 120,000 THE ENGINE SEALS WENT RESULTING WITH WATER IN THE OIL. TRADED FOR ANOTHER MANUFACTURER AND GM WILL NEVER SEE ME AGAIN!
Go with Toyota
'99 GrandAm purchased used in Feb. '01 in excellent condition (per my mechanic) since, the power windows have been replaced, the water pump, trouble with the breaks, the power mirrors don't work, and the cooling fan sensor has been replaced. It sure looks nice, but overall it's not worth the trouble. I'm buying a Toyota.
Very Pleased
Perfect.....Not too big, not too small, stylish, not expensive upkeep
GRAND AM!!
GOTTA LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!
1999 Pontiac Grand Am
Excellent vehicle to drive. I love the handling and performance of this vehicle. I have had to replace the front brakes 3 times in 87,000 miles.The brake calipers have been replaced once. Lots of city driving. The idle air control sensor went bad at 70,000 miles. Reccommend Goodyear eagle GT tires for great handling. The cup holders are a waste need to be relocated to a more user friendly area.
99 3.4L v6 2 door GT
My wife bought the car before we met. In the last 3 years the car needed new brakes and rotors, intake gasket(which cost $863), and it had an ignition/ electrical problem. The security light would come on and the car would not start. We would have to leave the key in the on position for 10 minutes before the computer would allow the car to be started. It cost just over $200 to fix with no guarantee. Brakes are starting to go out again. Overall its an ok car.
I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!
Great car! I wish it had more aftermarket support and some extra hp from the factory though. Turns heads constantly. At 45,000+ miles, it's only had basic maintenance and the rotors replaced once. Fuel economy could be better but you can't help but speed in this car, so it will suffer. I average anywhere from 20-25mpg. I was leery to buy this car in 99 because it was the first year for the redesign, but it has never disappointed me! Kudos to GM for this one.
Great Car, Great Fun!
I love my Grand Am, I have gone across the country in it, and it has been a pleasure to drive, very good sound system, handles very well!
Fast and Furious
I love my Grand Am. I love the acceleration for a 4dr midsize sedan. With 170 hp underneath the hood, it has decent power to go along with a decent ride.
Owned long time
I have owed this vehicle for a long time. It look goods nice interior design except for cup holder placement. The vehicle is reliable overall but requires intake manifold gasket replacement every 2-3 year. Back window motors stop working at 100k miles. Front brakes do all the work. Car has good ride a control on road. Major engine issue at 165K if you don't count gasket replacement mention above every 2-3 years.
nice car
My car has ran like a champ. I haven't had any problems and looks sporty and decked out for shows... great car
The best car I've ever owned
Never failed me. Few repairs and fewer problems. Car is amazing. Reliable and sound. Great engine, great acceleration, wonderful handling, beautiful body, powerful engine, great fuel usage, sleek design, great red dash, dashboard ignition, and many extras. Overall the best car I have ever driven.
Do not buy into the certified
I bought a 1999 grand am certified car with 22,000 miles in Aug of 2002. I thought I had got a great buy for 12,000. I was wrong. I found out that I had to replace the intake manifold gasket at a cost of $600.00. I did some researching and found out that this is a common problem with these cars. of course they had to do other things that the intake caused total in repairs coast $890.00. intake manifold normally last a lot longer than 4 years and 40,000 miles in most other cars.
Great Car
Compared to what most people were saying, my Grand Am was a great car. Very comfortable for being a guy who is 6 foot and 230 pounds, I was quite surprised at how roomy it was. Ran good despite having power steering problems, and I did have a problem with the volume knob on the stereo for some reason. But other then that, it was a good car to have. Had to get rid of it in November 2016 due to braking problems so now its in the used car lot at a local car dealer. Sad to see it go, just didn't feel like pouring $450 into a 18 year car that was practically on its deathbed.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Never again!
Everything about this car is more difficult than it has to be! This car was a gift from family when our previous car died, but we have spent three times it's value fixing it... And every repair leads to way more frustration because of its design. Replacing headlights is a quick and easy repair on every car I've driven until this one. On this car I had to have help to remove the entire headlight assembly which was no easy task. Replacing radiator hoses reqiures removal of several unrelated things. Fuel line tends to rust at the fuel filter, requiring replacement of the fuel line which is built into the fuel tank! AC vents spin and keep air from coming out.
Unreliable
I bought this car and it ran great for a few thousand miles, and then I replaced the wheel bearings, water pump, two hoses, brakes too many times to count, air cleaner, flushed injectors twice, and traded it in with it still having problems. The front end hums bad and the engine clunks and bangs, and shakes. I never missed an oil change and always kept up ion maintenance.
Sporty Looking!
My 1999 Grand AM GT 4-Door, Black, Leather Interior Fully Loaded, was purchased ...after looking at various GM vehicles I found this one very much applealing to the eye, as well to performance. This is the best vehicle I have owned..roomy, sporty looking, great handling features. Good performance vehicle, has guts..when needed....Excellent Purchase
frustratingly great and horrible!
have had this car since 2000. replaced the alternator, battery, rebuilt the front end (brakes, rotors, pads, calipers, brake lines, 2 wheel bearings), paid $500 to have a dealer replace 2 sensors to keep the security system from kicking in and shutting the car off, the volume knob is broken (vol goes up when turning it down), front window motors need replaced (works 95% time)plastic dash is cracked, radio LCD light dead. spark plugs, coil packs, coil housing, replaced and still is mis-firing. During the warm months its a bear to drive with the tranny slipping badly.
My 8-Month Nightmare
8 months ago, I bought a Grand Am off my friend at 140,000 miles. Turned out to be the worst decision I've made since. If I wasn't friends with a mechanic, this car would already be in the scrap pile. I've had to give it new wiring, a new starter, 2 new engine belts, a new mechanism that turns the engine belt, a new rear arm bar, and I had to remove the horn because it was faulty. The car also has a fuel pressure problem so now I pay out the nose for gas. I hate everything in this car down to the cup holders! It's cars like these that ruined Pontiac. This car is breaking my bank and my patience level. Hopefully getting a new car this week to get rid of this nightmare
Great Car
The looks, performance and safety of this car are great. You need to keep up with regular maintainance or it can cost you. Gas milleage could be better but the fun handling can sometimes give you a lead foot.
Running the Grand AM
A very peppy car that has a lot of guts even after 100K miles. The V6 engine has a definite high performance sound to it that gets you up to speed entering the freeway no problem and affords great passing characteristics. The car also has a very sporty (stiff) suspension that quite a number of people find enjoyable.