Used 2002 Pontiac Grand Am Consumer Reviews
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in the shop moe then
My car has been in the shop more then I have driven it. One of tires has come apart in pieces, the window on the drivers side did not roll up after 10,000 miles, they had to replace the guide the switch and the relay, I had to have the intake gasket replaced 2 times with only 20,000 miles on the car, then the blinker stayed on and when I took it to the dealer they said there was going to be a recall on the Grand AM. Over all this car is helping me make my mind on another car because all the rental cars that I have gotten while my car was getting fixed.
My car may be totaled now
This is a great car although the exterior body parts are really upsetting. My car was parked when some guy floored in reverse into the back of it hitting the right side Quarter panel and if you don't know what that is it is like the front fender, well anyway from the force of the impacked the car slid into another car smashing the left side quarter panel well now my car is in jeopardy because the quarter panels are something called a unibody which is a whole bunch of pieces welded together
A great first car
This car has had only a few minor problems while i've had it, and it was the cadalidic converter that went out, but my car was still under warranty, the rest was my bad cause i ran over some nails cuz my tire blew out. Other then that its a great car for a high school students first car, and looks like it will last me through college.
Improvements Needed
I have had this car in the shop 12 times for repairs to the front end. It still has an annoying noise which cannot be fixed.
It's Okay, bu could be better
Love the body and basic performance. However, car is shaky above 65mph and RAM engine and tires can make for a noisy ride. But, wide tires make it great in harsh weather.
I Love My Car
I got this car when i turned 16 and have had it for almost a year now. When i got it there was about 16,000 miles on it and it has been running great ever since. I haven't experienced any problems. This is a great car, but it's no Lexus.
Quality slips QUICKLY as car ages
Well, brakes replaces... now intake manifold gasket is bad... at 37000 miles. This is becoming a very weak point in these cars. As the cars get older, their weak quality shows through -- typical for GM I guess.
FUN CAR
THIS CAR IS ONE OF THE FINEST CARS I HAVE EVER OWNED. THE SEATS ARE EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE AND THE RIDE IS SUPERB.IT REQUIRED A MINIMUM OF SERVICE WORK AND THE DEALERSHIP IS TRUSTWORTHY AND VERY HELPFUL. WOULD NOT HESITATE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER PONTIAC IN THE FUTURE.
My Grand Am
I like this car. It's sharp and sleek. But, I am a bone deep Honda fan. I thought I could deal with it...maybe that it was just all in my head. But, I'm currently looking another Honda. But, to someone who's never owned a Honda, it's a wonderful car.
the silver bullet
it has taken some getting used to b/c i'm used to driving a honda. but, it will be great until i can get out of school. very stylish car.
Great Car
This car is excellent.It is reliable and good on gas.
love it
Have not any significant problems with this vehicle. Some rust below back inside door. Pockets for gravel and dirt to collect in front of rear tires.
nightmare on wheels
If i were to be able to go back in time I would never have looked at this car. My experience has been horrible. The car has been in the shop more times than I can count. I believe it is in the shop more than it is in my driveway. One instance was that the trunk lid would not close properly. Their answer was "all the '02 trunk lids close that way". So they bring another car in and sure enough! This car was poorly engineered from the ground up. In fact I am on my way to get a new one. Save yourself the trouble and buy a honda or a toyota!
Buy the extended warranty
This car was purchased used (1 year old, 20500 miles). It was mostly trouble free until 60000 miles. (Except for front brakes only last about 25000 before needing replacement). At approx. 60000 miles the ignition module needed replaced ($200) then about 50 miles later it required a front hub assembly and an O2 sensor ($550). Approx. 100 miles later the timing chain failed (while idling at a stop light) which caused valve damage ($1900). About 75 miles after that problem the SES light is once again on and I'm sure that will result in once again many $$$ being spent on this car. It is not abused and it is maintained properly. Service is done by Pontiac dealership. Unreliable Lemon!
Good 1st car
I bought the car new in 02 and have put 54000 miles on it with few problems. Windshield leaked, which warranty covered. Since then I have had to replace 2 wheel bearings and the brakes squeak since they've been changed. My mechanic says there is nothing they can do to fix that but they've had that problem with most of the Grand Ams they fixed. Overall it has been a very good car for my 1st car out of college. It runs good and looks good for the money.
Zero Quality
I've had my Grand Am for 2 years now and the drivers seat has broken, the timing chain broke and I had to have the engine rebuilt, the struts rattle, the wheel covers rattle, there have been several electrical problems... serious lack of quality. No foreign car would be on its second engine at 63k.
I love the car
I bought this car used and have only had to replace the ignition switch. This has been the only reason it left me walking one time. This car had high mileage but was still in good shape and I have not had any major expenses. I bought a gold one that if the car is dirty you cannot tell!!! I like having enough power to get out of the way of crazy drivers or big trucks.
One underrated car
I was looking for something bigger than my compact car, and a black Grand Am GT Sedan caught my eye, so I thought, why not try it out? I was impressed. It handled very well and had more than enough power. I turned off the traction control and could easily spin the meaty P225/50R16's. Most importantly, it has awesome stopping power. I thought I wanted a stick shift like my last car, but after driving this car it's clear that the automatic is a perfect match, so I lost the desire to row my own gears. The cockpit layout is very logical. I was quite impressed with the stereo system. Don't be fooled by the horsepower rating; this car has more than enough power. A great car for real drivers.
Poor quality
I've had my car for about 4 years and it is now falling apart. The ABS and Traction control are a constant battle. I have had to take the car to the shop 6 times to have them worked on. Now I am having electrical problems. I have a 95 Neon with 130,000 that has considerably less issues then my 02 GA with 62,000. I would not buy another Pontiac.
Pontiac Praise
Responsive for a 4 cyl, gas milage around 32.5 highway with some city driving. Purchased as used, and have had zero problems in 6 months. I've always owned GM vehicles and will continue to do so, because of the reliability and styling they provide.
Mechanics Dream
I second nightmare on wheels. I've sent my mechanic on a few vacations from this car. Brakes are sized for a Geo metro, needs new ones every year and recently my engine control module went out on me, at least thats what the mechanic thinks it is. Another cruise for him! GM definitely needs to get rid of some engineers for this one.
2002 Grand AM SE
I have only had this car for about a month now, but it has yet to disappoint me. The fuel economy is great, the style is stylish, the performance is good (Considering it's still stock! LOL) Overall, it is a good car.
Don't do it
I am writing this in order to save at least one person from my experiences with this car. It has been in and out of the shop since purchasing. The car only has 60,000 miles and just this year alone I have put in 2000.00 in repairs, not maintenance but repairs. The car has always been maintained to OEM specifications. The engine light is back on again, that will probably be another 1000.00 Oh and the cruise control light comes on even when the cruise is not on. It goes through brakes every 30,000 all around. Run as far and as fast as you can from this car.
Finally Rid of It!!!!
I just traded my Grand AM in this week. I had to replace the brakes within a month of the warranty expiring. The driver's power window conked out at 20,000 miles, luckily was covered by the warranty. At 40,000 miles the AC quit. This would have been a $1,400 repair bill, so I just suffered the heat in the summer. ( I live in the Northeast where it's cold most of the year, so I was able to live with that). More recently, the radiator needed a $500 repair and 2 weeks ago the catalytic converter went out. Other minor things like leaks of fluid started. Including the AC, I had about $3,000 worth of repairs to make. with only 65,000 miles on it. Never again General Motors!!!
Sad to say bye
this silver 4d gt ram air, all leather,monsoon sound, sun roof, power everywhere, really made a statement,especially after I installed Altezza tail lamps and added some pinstriping. Now this is my wifes car, she is a middle aged teenager,and loved the power,and auto daylight headlights, purchased it at 23,000 miles certified, (just traded it off on a 2005 Chrysler pacifica touring) at 57,000 miles,absolutely a problem free car!!!! added brakes in front and protenza tires, that's it! great gas mileage, I'd have kept it a lot longer, but my wife has been diagnosed with MS and it is a strain to get in and out now, as a sports car are low to the ground. Fun car..but had to go #&^%*@!
Window problems
The electronic window device is of poor quality. The window on the drivers side was repaired twice, and is in need of repair again. The passenger side window has been repaired once.
Frequent Shop Visits
I have had my GR AM GT since 53 miles on it. I have had to replace brakes 5 times as they are too light for the vehicle. I have blown a head gasket every 60k miles, had the catalytic converter plug. all in all i have put about 8-10 k in repairs in 4 years into this car. trading off this weekend. car has 113k on it now.
BEWARE!
Car seemed to be a good deal for the money and the reviews were positive. Actually later found out that is sucks on the Crash test peformed by experts. Also at 20,000 miles needed a new oxygen sensor, and Now I am having front end problems. Feels and sounds like the front end of my car is going to fall off and that the whole front suspension is giving out! All this at the turn of 20,000 miles. What a YUGO deal!
Could be better
Overall I have been fairly impressed with the ride and drive of this car. The handling is good, the performance excellent, and the Monsoon sound system has some of the best FM reception I have witnessed. There are some build quality issues I have, but overall a decent car.
Great car!
I have had my Grand Am SE for close to 2 years and the only problem so far was the battery. It's a very comfortable ride and has a good suspension. A great vehicle. I highly recommend it.
Buyer beware!
I bought this car three years ago with 34,000 miles on it and until last fall thought it was the best car ever. Boy, was I mistaken! The catalytic converter clogged, the O2 senser went, the brakes still have some problem that causes the pads to have to be replaced every 2,000 miles. The timing chain broke, resulting in $1500.00 new engine, the front end needs work, and there is a mysterious electrical problem that is causing power surges and results in the car stall when I idle in drive. I am in the process of trading it in for a Honda! Not interested in another GM right now, for sure!
Great Car
I love my Grand Am. I am a young mom of two so I didn't really want to be relegated to driving a minivan. This is a great alternative for me. I get great gas mileage, which is important these days. I only spend about $40 a month in gas. It's a really comfortable car to drive and has quite a bit of get up and go. The only problem I have found is that it bottoms out fairly easily if I am not careful.
It only has 4 cylinders?
I bought a 94 Grand Am SE sedan as my first car and i LOVE IT! I was a bit upset i could only afford a 4 cylinder but this car can hold its own against most v-6 engines, the car has been forgiving despite my driving habits. The 4 speed auto tranny with a quick pump of the gas will pin you to the seat. The interior is nice, but i wish the front belts werent on the door. I can't really complain, only think about how many tickets a v-6 would've gotten me
Avoid long trips
I drove the car 300 miles, and that trip was not very pleasant as far as driver sit concern, after a couple hours, my butt was telling me get out of the sit, (there is not enough padding, cushion in the sit)and I'm a normal weight guy 170 pnds, and the same comment i heared from other people who has driven that car, for the other hand the car is just fine.
More car than what you expect!
I really like this car. This is the first Pontiac I have ever owned - and it has been fantastic! I have owned a wide range of cars, trucks and suv's and I must say this is just as fun, just as comfortable and in my opinion just as well built as my Mercedes. I have put just over 11000 miles on it - and have pushed the little v6 and the cars abilities as far as I would dare - and found that performance and handling was great. Only problem I've had has been a little section of the trunk weather strip which wants to fall off.
Team Pontiac
I purchased the 4-dr GT1 75th Anniversary Edition about 8 months ago. It has been the best decision I have made. The car absolutly rocks. Everyone that has driven it has been amazed about the great pick up and how smooth it rides. I can not say enough great things about this car.
2.2-L4 ENGINE and MANUAL TRANNY!!
Great car so far,only 600 miles on it so I can give no opinion on reliability.This Ecotec 2.2-L4 engine is so smooth you would think it was a six Cly.And the 5 speed manual Trans.is a perfect mate,we got 35 MPG on only the 2nd fill up.
Regret trading this car in...
I got a 2002 Grand Am GT coupe with about 60k when it was 10 years old and sold it last spring with about 120k. If I’m being honest I miss the car. For starters the car was very nice looking and the paint was in excellent shape with no fading, chipping or peeling (on the metal and plastic molding). The steering had a very nice feel to it and the car was easy to drive from slow to fast speeds and the ride was fairly smooth. The car had enough power to get off the line and merge quickly without worry. The interior could’ve been designed and pieces together better (lots of uneven gaps), but for the most part it was very durable and cleaned up nicely. The inside was roomy and the car felt very open especially with the sunroof. Now the reason I got rid of the car is I got tired of fixing the same stuff... over and over. Once the car hit 110k+ the front wheel bearings went (multiple times), both brake calipers went and the front driver one went multiple times, the mounting brackets on the new calipers caused the brake pads to slide very frequently, the car started to burn oil and then leak oil too. Basically I got rid of the car because the replacement parts are a joke and GM clearly isn’t standing behind the quality of their service centers. That much being said, I like the look and driving characteristics of the Grand Am more than the Impreza I replaced it with (believe it or not)... Grand Am had better steering feel, more power and looked cooler.
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love my Grand Am
I love my little red rand Am 236K miles on it and still going strong.
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I like it
This car is perfect for me. More then enough passing power. I don't even have problems passing at speeds of 80 mph (in the 4 cylinder) roomy enough to sit 2 adults and one child in comfort in the back of the 2 door. I get roughly 380 to 395 miles per tank. The engine is quiet and strong. Great car in bad weather to. The snow strom of 2002 did't even stop me.
Once 3000 kicks in !
This is a car that I have wanted since 13 yrs old. This car gets up and moves once the ram air kicks in @3000rpm! When you are going about 70mph , you can touch the gas pedal and feel the torque lift the front up a little! Wow. The ride is comfortably firm and it handles flat. I enjoy driving my car , and getting looks because I keep it very clean! This car isn't a Cadillac but it is easy to go faster than you think and the cabin is fairly hushed! Raced a 2005 Dodge Stratus R/T and a tuned 04 Nissan Sentra on the highway , they got blown away! Good job Pontiac!